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unto_o your_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 these_o pretend_a innovation_n with_o the_o introduction_n whereof_o the_o prelate_n be_v charge_v in_o this_o libel_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o command_v first_o by_o we_o and_o then_o by_o act_n of_o our_o council_n it_o be_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n by_o who_o authority_n they_o be_v command_v then_o of_o those_o who_o in_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o authority_n do_v practice_v they_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v at_o with_o what_o face_n the_o covenanter_n can_v blame_v either_o the_o one_o for_o command_v or_o the_o other_o for_o practise_v they_o for_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o or_o do_v they_o ever_o yet_o allege_v for_o their_o swear_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o covenant_n annex_v do_v they_o ever_o yet_o allege_v any_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n who_o by_o their_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o be_v swear_v 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 of_o the_o lord_n day_n contempt_n of_o god_n public_a ordinance_n neglect_v piety_n in_o their_o family_n mock_v of_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v prayer_n and_o spiritual_a communication_n bribery_n simony_n lie_v perjury_n unhonest_a deal_n in_o civil_a bargain_n adultery_n incest_n and_o what_o not_o we_o do_v even_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o they_o do_v think_v all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o guilty_a of_o all_o these_o crime_n most_o certain_o they_o do_v not_o and_o that_o excuse_v which_o they_o bring_v for_o the_o justify_n of_o this_o wicked_a libel_n can_v any_o way_n extenuate_v their_o fault_n they_o say_v that_o some_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o whole_a libel_n may_v be_v prove_v against_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o legal_a libel_n if_o they_o can_v make_v good_a any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o be_v it_o legal_a or_o not_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o take_v notice_n 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 conscience_n unless_o they_o do_v expiate_v it_o with_o the_o bitter_a tear_n of_o repentance_n for_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o declare_v bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la whether_o they_o themselves_o do_v believe_v or_o conceive_v all_o the_o bishop_n accuse_v in_o the_o libel_n or_o only_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o last_o recite_v crime_n if_o not_o all_o but_o some_o why_o do_v they_o not_o distinguish_v they_o that_o the_o people_n may_v know_v who_o they_o shall_v take_v for_o guilty_a and_o who_o for_o not_o guilty_a nay_o do_v they_o not_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o some_o of_o these_o bishop_n be_v holy_a and_o learned_a man_n free_a from_o the_o crime_n object_v for_o instance_n we_o will_v only_o name_v the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n see_v in_o the_o principal_a presbytery_n of_o his_o diocese_n this_o libel_n be_v present_v admit_v
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
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 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in_o they_o at_o all_o all_o these_o particular_a protestation_n be_v the_o very_a same_o former_o make_v by_o they_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v even_o unto_o tediousness_n and_o therefore_o the_o reader_n need_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v any_o more_o with_o they_o
will_v not_o offend_v the_o lord_n treasurer_n get_v to_o our_o palace_n at_o haly-rud-house_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n to_o his_o lodging_n but_o the_o lord_n provost_n be_v again_o set_v upon_o as_o he_o be_v enter_v his_o own_o house_n and_o be_v so_o press_v upon_o by_o the_o multitude_n that_o they_o crowd_v with_o he_o into_o his_o own_o yard_n rail_v upon_o he_o and_o throw_v stone_n at_o his_o window_n until_o some_o of_o his_o servant_n discharge_v a_o piece_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o powder_n in_o it_o they_o retire_v for_o fear_n in_o this_o tumult_n none_o be_v more_o forward_o and_o inexorable_a then_o two_o who_o be_v bailiff_n the_o year_n before_o and_o who_o have_v subscribe_v the_o two_o letter_n to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n this_o morning_n storm_n be_v a_o little_a blow_v over_o our_o council_n in_o the_o afternoon_n meet_v at_o our_o palace_n at_o haly-rud-house_n and_o command_v a_o proclamation_n present_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o here_o follow_v at_o haly-rud-house_n the_o 18._o of_o octob._n 1637._o forasmuch_o as_o a_o number_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n as_o likewise_o the_o town_n council_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v this_o day_n convene_v in_o their_o several_a judicatories_n for_o his_o majesty_n special_a affair_n and_o service_n they_o be_v most_o rude_o interrupt_v in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o proceed_n by_o a_o tumultuous_a gather_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o vulgar_a multitude_n by_o who_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o servant_n in_o a_o open_a way_n be_v shameful_o environ_v which_o be_v a_o matter_n very_o disgraceful_a to_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o lawful_a government_n and_o which_o in_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o may_v produce_v dangerous_a effect_n if_o the_o like_a be_v not_o prevent_v in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n according_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n and_o charge_v incumbent_a unto_o they_o ordain_v a_o maissar_n of_o council_n to_o pass_v to_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o there_o by_o open_a proclamation_n to_o discharge_v all_o public_a gather_n and_o convocation_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n within_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o upon_o the_o street_n thereof_o as_o likewise_o all_o private_a meeting_n tend_v to_o faction_n and_o tumult_n and_o in_o his_o majesty_n name_n and_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o charge_v all_o his_o majesty_n have_v and_o inhabitant_n within_o the_o say_a city_n to_o contain_v themselves_o in_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n to_o keep_v their_o house_n except_o when_o their_o lawful_a business_n do_v otherwise_o call_v they_o under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o charge_n that_o by_o rigour_n of_o law_n can_v be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o contraveener_n of_o the_o premise_n in_o manner_n above_o express_v to_o this_o proclamation_n so_o little_a obedience_n be_v yield_v and_o they_o of_o edinburgh_n so_o far_o from_o conceive_v that_o they_o have_v any_o way_n misdemean_v themselves_o by_o that_o horrible_a insurrection_n as_o that_o the_o next_o council_n day_n they_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o send_v their_o commissioner_n public_o to_o our_o council_n table_n and_o there_o to_o require_v that_o their_o minister_n and_o reader_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v assurance_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o by_o their_o magistrate_n at_o this_o last_o rebellion_n and_o before_o the_o pacification_n of_o it_o from_o this_o relation_n join_v to_o the_o narration_n of_o the_o first_o insurrection_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v whether_o this_o their_o intend_a glorious_a reformation_n which_o according_a to_o their_o religious_a intention_n and_o ardent_a prayer_n they_o say_v god_n even_o to_o a_o miracle_n have_v so_o gracious_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n be_v like_a to_o proceed_v from_o god_n the_o first_o act_n whereof_o be_v begin_v in_o the_o church_n with_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o profanation_n of_o the_o house_n where_o his_o honour_n dwell_v and_o the_o violation_n of_o those_o person_n who_o serve_v at_o his_o altar_n and_o the_o second_o act_n whereof_o be_v present_v on_o the_o street_n of_o the_o capital_a city_n of_o the_o kingdom_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o high_a authority_n under_o god_n viz._n Ê‹s_o and_o our_o law_n and_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o person_n of_o our_o councillor_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o state_n not_o forbear_v the_o very_a house_n and_o place_n where_o our_o council_n for_o that_o kingdom_n and_o our_o magistrate_n of_o that_o city_n do_v usual_o sit_v and_o be_v then_o sit_v which_o place_n have_v always_o be_v account_v sacred_a and_o have_v due_o challenge_v all_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o now_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a by_o what_o degree_n this_o rebellion_n have_v rise_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v beforehand_o well_o study_v and_o contrive_v every_o rank_n enter_v upon_o the_o stage_n in_o their_o due_a turn_n in_o which_o they_o serve_v and_o answer_v one_o another_o the_o first_o tumult_n be_v begin_v by_o the_o base_a sort_n of_o that_o city_n who_o the_o author_n of_o this_o second_o insurrection_n do_v then_o even_o for_o that_o first_o tumult_n condemn_v by_o the_o name_n of_o rascal_n and_o scum_n of_o the_o people_n this_o second_o uproar_n far_o more_o seditious_a and_o dangerous_a than_o the_o former_a be_v make_v by_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o citizen_n except_v only_o the_o magistrate_n and_o some_o few_o other_o yet_o disavow_v and_o dislike_v at_o least_o in_o show_n by_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n and_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n but_o these_o last_o mutineer_n be_v not_o so_o cry_v down_o by_o they_o as_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v they_o put_v such_o vile_a name_n of_o rebel_n and_o rascal_n upon_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o show_v any_o signification_n of_o their_o desire_n to_o have_v they_o question_v or_o punish_v for_o that_o tumult_n because_o now_o the_o quality_n of_o these_o last_o mutineer_n person_n give_v some_o good_a countenance_n to_o the_o design_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o these_o nobleman_n gentry_n and_o magistrate_n be_v themselves_o to_o perform_v the_o three_o act_n of_o that_o tragedy_n at_o the_o first_o whereof_o they_o have_v hiss_v and_o seem_v to_o dislike_v the_o second_o hold_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v too_o severe_a in_o condemn_v of_o that_o which_o it_o seem_v they_o mean_v short_o after_o to_o act_v themselves_o and_o in_o a_o more_o dangerous_a way_n for_o first_o their_o protestation_n against_o our_o proclamation_n and_o then_o their_o covenant_n against_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n be_v next_o to_o come_v upon_o the_o stage_n which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o plot_n and_o piece_n with_o the_o two_o other_o former_a insurrection_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v better_o act_v and_o the_o actor_n man_n of_o great_a eminency_n they_o hope_v their_o part_n shall_v not_o find_v such_o foul_a name_n as_o the_o former_a have_v find_v as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o the_o name_n of_o protestation_n or_o covenant_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n like_o those_o of_o that_o bloody_a league_n in_o france_n who_o hope_v that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o holy_a league_n will_v cause_v in_o the_o world_n a_o mistake_n of_o their_o meaning_n and_o palliate_v their_o most_o wicked_a and_o unnatural_a treason_n for_o root_a out_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o now_o this_o high_a and_o worst_a part_n come_v next_o to_o be_v relate_v after_o these_o tumult_n there_o be_v present_v to_o our_o chancellor_n and_o council_n two_o petition_n one_o a_o very_a weak_a and_o childish_a one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o man_n woman_n child_n and_o servant_n of_o edinburgh_n only_o against_o the_o service_n book_n another_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n gentry_n minister_n burgess_n against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n that_o to_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n be_v as_o follow_v my_o lord_n chancellor_n unto_o your_o lordship_n humble_o show_v we_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n indweller_n within_o the_o burgh_n of_o edinburgh_n that_o whereas_o we_o be_v urge_v with_o this_o book_n of_o service_n and_o have_v this_o consider_v the_o same_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n therein_o so_o far_o different_a from_o that_o form_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n universal_o receive_v and_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o we_o burgess_n be_v at_o our_o entry_n and_o admission_n deep_o swear_v for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o that_o now_o make_v our_o heart_n to_o tremble_v and_o our_o weak_a
lordship_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n your_o lordship_n admit_v to_o the_o consult_v and_o judge_v anent_o our_o supplication_n and_o his_o majesty_n answer_n thereunto_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o direct_a party_n contrary_a to_o our_o declinator_n first_o propound_v at_o dalkeith_n and_o now_o renew_v at_o sterling_n and_o petition_n contrary_a to_o your_o lordship_n act_n aforesaid_a at_o dalkeith_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o humble_a supplication_n therefore_o lest_o our_o silence_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o this_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o former_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o trust_n of_o our_o commission_n out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o our_o god_n our_o king_n and_o native_a country_n we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v instrument_n in_o notary_n hand_n of_o your_o lordship_n refusal_n to_o admit_v our_o declinator_n or_o remove_v these_o our_o party_n and_o to_o protest_v in_o manner_n follow_v first_o that_o we_o may_v have_v our_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n to_o present_v our_o grievance_n and_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n to_o prosecute_v the_o same_o before_o the_o ordinary_a competent_a judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a without_o any_o offence_n offer_v by_o we_o or_o take_v by_o your_o lordship_n second_o we_o protest_v that_o the_o say_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o party_n complain_v upon_o can_v be_v repute_v or_o esteem_v lawful_a judge_n to_o fit_v in_o any_o judicatorie_a in_o this_o kingdom_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a upon_o any_o of_o the_o supplicant_n until_o after_o lawful_a trial_n judicial_o they_o purge_v themselves_o of_o such_o crime_n as_o we_o have_v already_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n offer_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o whensoever_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n shall_v please_v to_o give_v we_o audience_n three_o we_o protest_v that_o no_o act_n nor_o proclamation_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o past_a or_o to_o be_v pass_v in_o council_n or_o out_o of_o council_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n who_o we_o have_v already_o decline_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o we_o the_o supplicant_n our_o person_n estate_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n or_o pursuit_n four_o we_o protest_v that_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n move_v to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n shall_v incur_v any_o danger_n in_o life_n land_n or_o any_o political_a or_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n for_o not_o observe_v such_o act_n book_n canon_n rite_n judicatory_n proclamation_n introduce_v without_o or_o against_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o statute_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o we_o or_o they_o to_o use_v ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o laudable_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n conform_v to_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n the_o nine_o of_o december_n last_o five_o see_v by_o the_o legal_a and_o submiss_a way_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n all_o who_o take_v these_o innovation_n to_o heart_n have_v be_v keep_v calm_a and_o carry_v themselves_o in_o a_o quiet_a manner_n in_o hope_n of_o redress_n we_o protest_v that_o if_o any_o inconvenience_n shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v out_o which_o we_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v upon_o the_o press_n of_o any_o of_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n or_o evil_n special_o or_o general_o contain_v in_o our_o former_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n and_o upon_o your_o lordship_n refusal_n to_o take_v order_n thereanent_fw-la the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o seek_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o a_o order_n six_o we_o protest_v that_o these_o our_o request_n proceed_v from_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n honour_n do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o most_o humble_a desire_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n accustom_a goodness_n and_o justice_n from_o which_o we_o do_v certain_o expect_v that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n will_v provide_v and_o grant_v such_o remedy_n to_o our_o just_a petition_n and_o complaint_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o so_o gracious_a a_o king_n towards_o most_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n call_v for_o redress_n of_o so_o press_v grievance_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o against_o which_o protestation_n we_o shall_v now_o say_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v contain_v &_o repeat_v in_o another_o large_a protestation_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v insert_v hereafter_o and_o there_o it_o shall_v receive_v a_o full_a answer_n only_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o first_o the_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n of_o their_o demand_v some_o of_o our_o bishop_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o our_o council_n nay_o and_o which_o we_o think_v never_o be_v hear_v before_o their_o protest_v against_o all_o act_n to_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v in_o our_o council_n at_o which_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a allege_v that_o this_o their_o protestation_n against_o they_o and_o declinator_n of_o they_o make_v they_o to_o be_v party_n and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o withal_o they_o require_v they_o first_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o then_o promise_v they_o will_v make_v proof_n of_o such_o crime_n against_o they_o as_o shall_v declare_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o removal_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o entreat_v they_o first_o to_o condemn_v a_o man_n and_o then_o to_o try_v he_o and_o if_o a_o protestation_n against_o their_o sit_v in_o council_n and_o a_o declinator_n of_o our_o counsel_n authority_n neither_o of_o they_o admit_v by_o our_o council_n shall_v make_v some_o counsellor_n to_o be_v party_n and_o invalidate_v all_o act_n of_o council_n so_o long_o as_o these_o counsellor_n who_o they_o have_v fancy_v to_o be_v party_n sit_v there_o how_o their_o last_o pretend_a general_a assembly_n against_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o protestation_n make_v both_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o and_o which_o by_o all_o these_o protester_n be_v decline_v as_o judge_n because_o the_o member_n of_o it_o have_v all_o make_v themselves_o party_n can_v be_v count_v a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o lawful_a judge_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o reconcile_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o these_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n against_o the_o assembly_n be_v repel_v by_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o they_o let_v they_o remember_v that_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o declinator_n against_o our_o counsel_n authority_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o eject_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o likewise_o repel_v and_o reject_v by_o our_o council_n who_o be_v the_o only_a true_a judge_n of_o they_o their_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n be_v no_o true_a but_o only_o a_o pretend_a judge_n of_o the_o other_o after_o the_o assembly_n be_v dissolve_v by_o our_o authority_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v that_o their_o demand_n in_o this_o protestation_n be_v very_o far_o short_a of_o those_o which_o be_v make_v by_o they_o in_o their_o succeed_a protestation_n which_o swell_v with_o far_o more_o bold_a 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that_o company_n which_o attend_v our_o commissioner_n from_o dalkeith_n but_o stay_v for_o he_o on_o the_o way_n in_o a_o far_o grosser_n body_n by_o themselves_o be_v assemble_v to_o do_v honour_n to_o our_o commissioner_n or_o for_o show_v their_o own_o power_n and_o strength_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n with_o the_o company_n who_o they_o meet_v which_o they_o far_o exceed_v we_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o thus_o our_o commissioner_n be_v conduct_v to_o our_o palace_n of_o holy-rood-house_n where_o he_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o lord_n provost_n bailiff_n magistrate_n and_o citizen_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o outward_a demonstration_n of_o be_v welcome_a and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o entertainment_n which_o at_o any_o time_n he_o have_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o covenanter_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n in_o that_o kingdom_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a or_o but_o only_o in_o show_n and_o to_o show_v their_o own_o power_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o entertainment_n and_o respect_n which_o afterward_o he_o receive_v from_o they_o which_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v just_a none_o at_o all_o for_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o continuance_n among_o they_o though_o he_o find_v that_o they_o give_v civil_a respect_n to_o he_o as_o marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n yet_o his_o be_v clothe_v with_o our_o authority_n and_o commission_n do_v much_o diminish_v they_o as_o shall_v appear_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o those_o perpetual_a affront_n which_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o offer_v daily_o to_o he_o and_o our_o council_n in_o all_o their_o proceed_n concern_v the_o business_n for_o which_o he_o be_v send_v our_o commissioner_n now_o be_v settle_v at_o our_o palace_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o our_o council_n he_o fall_v present_o upon_o the_o main_a business_n with_o the_o covenanter_n who_o he_o desire_v to_o dismiss_v their_o great_a multitude_n which_o they_o do_v be_v indeed_o necessitate_v thereunto_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o great_a charge_n the_o two_o main_a proposition_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o their_o consideration_n be_v these_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v expect_v from_o he_o in_o our_o name_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o complaint_n and_o accommodate_v their_o grievance_n next_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o for_o return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n especial_o in_o renounce_v and_o deliver_v up_o their_o late_a covenant_n both_o which_o proposition_n they_o do_v receive_v with_o so_o much_o slight_v and_o contempt_n as_o that_o they_o avow_v no_o satisfaction_n from_o we_o shall_v be_v accept_v which_o contain_v any_o particular_n but_o that_o they_o expect_v first_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o a_o parliament_n that_o in_o these_o two_o judicatories_n they_o will_v represent_v and_o discuss_v their_o grievance_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o in_o both_o these_o they_o know_v that_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n for_o the_o second_o they_o answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n from_o which_o they_o will_v never_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v depart_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n have_v do_v no_o act_n but_o that_o which_o become_v good_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o for_o their_o covenant_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n then_o renounce_v it_o or_o abate_v one_o word_n or_o syllable_n of_o the_o literal_a rigour_n of_o it_o it_o be_v more_o available_a and_o useful_a unto_o they_o than_o all_o the_o law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o have_v be_v enact_v in_o that_o kingdom_n since_o the_o time_n of_o fergus_n the_o first_o king_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o proposition_n which_o though_o they_o have_v now_o hear_v they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o hear_v a_o second_o time_n and_o according_o after_o our_o proposition_n thus_o make_v and_o reject_v they_o present_o fill_v the_o people_n with_o such_o misreport_n of_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o our_o commissioner_n come_v as_o they_o wrought_v they_o to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o fury_n then_o before_o as_o if_o now_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o stake_n for_o now_o new_a guard_n be_v clap_v upon_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o guard_n and_o watch_n of_o the_o city_n multiply_v the_o preacher_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n grow_v to_o be_v so_o many_o libel_n and_o admonition_n that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o crafty_a composition_n or_o yield_v in_o the_o least_o point_n of_o their_o intend_a reformation_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v abate_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o all_o they_o present_o print_v their_o weak_a reason_n against_o their_o render_v up_o of_o their_o covenant_n nay_o they_o grow_v to_o that_o rage_n that_o on_o the_o saturday_n have_v knowledge_n that_o our_o commissioner_n attend_v with_o our_o council_n be_v to_o hear_v divine_a service_n and_o sermon_n in_o our_o own_o chapel_n at_o our_o own_o palace_n the_o day_n follow_v be_v sunday_n they_o send_v he_o word_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v read_v the_o english_a service_n in_o our_o chapel_n shall_v never_o read_v more_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o man_n provide_v for_o the_o disturbance_n of_o it_o which_o force_v our_o commissioner_n that_o night_n to_o repair_v to_o dalkeith_n be_v unwilling_a to_o hear_v sermon_n but_o in_o our_o own_o chapel_n or_o there_o without_o hear_v the_o english_a divine_a service_n it_o have_v be_v continual_o read_v there_o by_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o year_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o our_o council_n many_o of_o the_o nobility_n judge_n and_o person_n of_o all_o quality_n without_o any_o interruption_n or_o dislike_n nay_o more_o they_o grow_v to_o that_o boldness_n as_o to_o write_v letter_n to_o every_o one_o of_o our_o council_n require_v they_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n which_o letter_n send_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o several_o but_o in_o the_o same_o word_n here_o follow_v may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n we_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n convene_v at_o this_o so_o necessary_a a_o time_n do_v find_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o represent_v as_o unto_o all_o so_o in_o special_a unto_o your_o lordship_n what_o comfortable_a experience_n we_o have_v of_o the_o wonderful_a favour_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n what_o peace_n and_o comfort_n have_v fill_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o god_n people_n what_o resolution_n and_o beginning_n of_o reformation_n of_o manner_n be_v sensible_o perceive_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n above_o any_o measure_n that_o ever_o we_o do_v find_v or_o can_v have_v expect_v how_o great_a glory_n the_o lord_n have_v receive_v thereby_o and_o what_o confidence_n we_o have_v if_o this_o sunshine_n be_v not_o eclipse_v by_o some_o sinful_a division_n or_o defection_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v this_o a_o bless_a kingdom_n to_o the_o contentment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n according_a as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o perform_v to_o his_o people_n in_o former_a time_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v force_v from_o our_o heart_n both_o to_o wish_v and_o entreat_v your_o lordship_n to_o be_v partaker_n and_o promover_n of_o this_o joy_n and_o happiness_n by_o your_o subscription_n when_o your_o lordship_n shall_v think_v it_o convenient_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n that_o your_o lordship_n will_v not_o be_v spare_v to_o give_v a_o free_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o timely_a and_o necessary_a expression_n of_o your_o tender_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n now_o call_v for_o help_v at_o your_o hand_n your_o lordship_n profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v reform_v in_o this_o land_n the_o national_a oath_n of_o this_o kingdom_n sundry_a time_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v ablish_v we_o who_o live_v at_o this_o time_n the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a patriot_n the_o office_n and_o trust_n of_o a_o privy_a counsellor_n the_o present_a employment_n to_o have_v place_n among_o those_o that_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n the_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v the_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o your_o lordship_n affection_n to_o religion_n the_o respect_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v unto_o your_o fame_n both_o now_o and_o hereafter_o when_o thing_n shall_v be_v record_v to_o posterity_n and_o the_o remembrance_n that_o not_o only_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v upon_o your_o lordship_n carriage_n but_o also_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o secret_a witness_n now_o to_o observe_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o open_a judge_n hereafter_o to_o reward_n and_o confess_v every_o
of_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o will_v acquaint_v the_o covenanter_n with_o it_o with_o who_o they_o keep_v private_a meeting_n this_o proposition_n be_v much_o debate_v among_o these_o counsellor_n they_o fall_v upon_o that_o way_n which_o they_o conceive_v will_v full_o satisfy_v or_o else_o none_o can_v which_o be_v this_o since_o the_o covenanter_n will_v not_o express_v their_o own_o desire_n in_o particular_n they_o think_v best_a to_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o all_o their_o petition_n remonstrance_n grievance_n declaration_n protestation_n either_o write_v or_o print_v which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o these_o trouble_v exhibit_v to_o ourselves_o our_o commissioner_n our_o council_n and_o to_o extract_v out_o of_o they_o the_o particular_n of_o all_o their_o grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o represent_v they_o unto_o us._n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o our_o commissioner_n that_o the_o principal_a motive_n which_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n have_v use_v to_o our_o people_n for_o alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o we_o be_v that_o false_a opinion_n of_o our_o averseness_n from_o the_o religion_n reform_v and_o of_o our_o inclination_n to_o popery_n we_o resolve_v above_o all_o that_o be_v desire_v to_o take_v a_o course_n which_o shall_v give_v our_o subject_n full_a and_o unquestionable_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o point_n and_o therefore_o propound_v unto_o ourself_o the_o example_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n we_o conclude_v to_o command_v and_o urge_v the_o renew_n of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v first_o frame_v and_o afterward_o renew_v in_o his_o name_n by_o which_o mean_v we_o make_v account_v that_o we_o shall_v both_o benefit_n our_o subject_n and_o right_a ourself_o for_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v ground_v and_o father_v their_o spurious_a covenant_n upon_o that_o confession_n and_o covenant_n urge_v by_o our_o father_n we_o resolve_v by_o this_o act_n of_o our_o authority_n to_o legitimate_a it_o that_o it_o be_v command_v by_o we_o may_v save_v our_o people_n who_o be_v to_o swear_v it_o from_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o our_o law_n which_o have_v make_v it_o very_o criminal_a to_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n without_o our_o authority_n as_o also_o to_o vindicate_v ourself_o from_o that_o false_a and_o wicked_a aspersion_n which_o the_o head_n of_o their_o covenant_n have_v most_o seditious_o lay_v upon_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o have_v a_o resolution_n either_o to_o bring_v in_o popery_n or_o at_o least_o to_o tolerate_v it_o in_o our_o kingdom_n which_o though_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v yet_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o our_o people_n from_o we_o which_o they_o only_o intend_v if_o they_o can_v possible_o work_v they_o to_o that_o belief_n and_o so_o both_o we_o and_o our_o commissioner_n who_o have_v late_o come_v from_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o not_o only_o our_o people_n but_o all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o notice_n it_o shall_v come_v must_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v that_o way_n incline_v if_o we_o shall_v command_v and_o by_o our_o authority_n effect_v a_o new_a subscription_n and_o swear_v of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v more_o direct_o opposite_a to_o popery_n then_o any_o confession_n beside_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a advice_n of_o our_o council_n which_o be_v to_o ease_v they_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v their_o principal_a grievance_n we_o well_o hope_v shall_v have_v settle_v the_o peace_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n for_o by_o grant_v the_o remove_n of_o those_o former_a grievance_n without_o this_o last_o superaddition_n of_o our_o favour_n our_o counsellor_n be_v persuade_v that_o our_o subject_n for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v be_v satisfy_v desert_n their_o leader_n and_o adhere_v to_o we_o with_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v do_v who_o sign_v this_o their_o council_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o send_v it_o up_o to_o we_o by_o our_o commissioner_n no_o soon_o be_v he_o come_v to_o we_o at_o oatland_n but_o we_o be_v astonish_v with_o his_o relation_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o he_o present_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o the_o improbability_n but_o also_o the_o impossibility_n that_o ever_o the_o ringleader_n of_o that_o rebellion_n will_v desist_v until_o they_o have_v obtain_v their_o wicked_a end_n and_o that_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o peace_n be_v place_v in_o divide_v the_o people_n from_o they_o by_o proffer_v unto_o the_o people_n such_o gracious_a favour_n as_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v reject_v and_o well_o weigh_v the_o advice_n give_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o principal_a counsellor_n and_o officer_n of_o state_n there_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o such_o as_o we_o be_v please_v to_o call_v unto_o we_o and_o especial_o at_o the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a importunity_n of_o our_o commissioner_n so_o zealous_o affect_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o and_o his_o native_a country_n we_o do_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v that_o advice_n of_o he_o and_o our_o other_o counsellor_n and_o do_v again_o make_v a_o very_a exact_a survey_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v petition_v for_o from_o the_o very_a first_o either_o of_o we_o our_o commissioner_n or_o council_n and_o resolve_v to_o grant_v they_o all_o and_o beside_o all_o these_o to_o renew_v the_o former_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o band_n annex_v which_o we_o make_v account_n will_v have_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n above_o all_o thing_n especial_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o have_v be_v most_o wicked_o abuse_v that_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n of_o our_o inclination_n to_o popery_n the_o particular_n of_o our_o gracious_a grant_n unto_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o next_o proclamation_n make_v after_o our_o commissioner_n return_v to_o that_o kingdom_n who_o within_o eight_o day_n after_o his_o come_n to_o we_o we_o dispatch_v back_o again_o overjoy_v with_o our_o gracious_a grant_n as_o make_v full_a account_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v this_o last_o time_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n bring_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o branch_n both_o of_o piety_n and_o peace_n but_o how_o far_o both_o we_o and_o he_o and_o our_o counsellor_n and_o all_o our_o good_a religious_a loyal_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n be_v deceive_v herein_o the_o next_o ensue_a narration_n which_o be_v almost_o above_o credit_n will_v sufficient_o declare_v for_o our_o commissioner_n return_v before_o the_o day_n agree_v upon_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n so_o perplex_v and_o imbroyl_v by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n who_o be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v with_o a_o answer_n satisfactory_a to_o our_o people_n that_o he_o begin_v most_o clear_o to_o perceive_v that_o these_o man_n be_v resolve_v that_o nothing_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o which_o appear_v by_o their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n and_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o whereas_o they_o have_v promise_v that_o no_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v make_v before_o the_o 21._o day_n of_o september_n the_o day_n agree_v upon_o for_o his_o return_n they_o give_v order_n that_o the_o election_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n be_v the_o next_o day_n after_o that_o which_o they_o know_v be_v to_o be_v pass_v before_o he_o can_v possible_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o they_o according_a to_o which_o resolution_n of_o they_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n be_v elect_v in_o many_o presbytery_n upon_o that_o day_n before_o any_o of_o the_o covenanter_n do_v or_o can_v come_v to_o know_v our_o answer_n from_o our_o commissioner_n or_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v indict_v which_o be_v not_o until_o some_o day_n after_o these_o election_n be_v pass_v now_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v hear_v a_o more_o gross_a absurd_a and_o palpable_a equivocation_n than_o this_o and_o that_o from_o man_n who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o great_a opposite_n in_o the_o world_n to_o popish_a tenet_n and_o to_o none_o more_o than_o that_o of_o equivocation_n they_o promise_v that_o no_o election_n shall_v be_v make_v until_o our_o commissioner_n return_v and_o before_o such_o a_o day_n and_o that_o promise_v ground_v upon_o our_o commissioner_n resolution_n before_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o that_o unless_o they_o will_v give_v he_o that_o assurance_n he_o will_v not_o undertake_v his_o journey_n nor_o move_v we_o any_o more_o in_o this_o business_n but_o if_o they_o
these_o eight_o article_n compose_v and_o command_v by_o their_o table_n in_o the_o second_o article_n they_o set_v down_o to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o set_a form_n of_o a_o commission_n to_o be_v make_v to_o their_o commissioner_n which_o be_v never_o do_v before_o and_o at_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o several_a commission_n be_v read_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o commission_n be_v the_o same_o verbatim_o except_o a_o very_a few_o from_o some_o presbytery_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o table_n and_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o assembly_n than_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n shall_v continue_v it_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o will_v have_v the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o commission_n to_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o pretend_a and_o complain_v of_o innovation_n be_v corruption_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n within_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o that_o realm_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prejudge_v and_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o assembly_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o viz._n whether_o these_o thing_n complain_v of_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n introduce_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v in_o the_o three_o article_n they_o appoint_v layman_n to_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n which_o have_v not_o be_v do_v for_o above_o forty_o year_n before_o nay_o and_o these_o layman_n to_o be_v equal_a in_o number_n with_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o book_n of_o discipline_n allege_v by_o they_o which_o do_v then_o order_n that_o the_o minister_n shall_v always_o exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o lay_v elder_n so_o that_o before_o this_o time_n they_o never_o be_v equal_a in_o number_n nay_o that_o these_o layman_n shall_v have_v voice_n not_o only_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o own_o lay_v elder_a but_o which_o be_v insufferable_a shall_v have_v suffrage_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o three_o minister_n commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v be_v never_o hear_v nor_o practise_v in_o that_o church_n before_o in_o the_o very_a first_o and_o strict_a time_n of_o reformation_n nor_o ever_o since_o in_o the_o four_o article_n they_o order_v a_o notable_a trick_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n whereby_o they_o be_v ascertain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n in_o any_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v any_o power_n but_o such_o as_o do_v undoubted_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a course_n for_o they_o appoint_v and_o according_o it_o be_v practise_v that_o every_o man_n suspect_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a judgement_n from_o they_o shall_v present_o be_v process_n and_o bring_v under_o the_o scandal_n of_o erroneous_a life_n or_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n according_a to_o which_o article_n there_o be_v very_o few_o minister_n in_o the_o kingdom_n who_o have_v not_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n but_o they_o be_v present_o suspend_v by_o their_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v voice_n to_o do_v it_o or_o at_o the_o least_o put_v under_o process_n by_o some_o one_o or_o other_o which_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deny_v a_o original_a process_n against_o any_o man_n who_o he_o will_v implead_v but_o yet_o this_o article_n leave_v no_o evasion_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o order_v that_o the_o rest_n who_o give_v not_o voice_n shall_v protest_v against_o the_o election_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o they_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o process_n he_o there_o and_o lay_v he_o aside_o until_o his_o process_n shall_v be_v discuss_v which_o they_o do_v put_v in_o practice_n upon_o some_o minister_n who_o do_v not_o concur_v in_o judgement_n with_o they_o at_o the_o first_o sit_v down_o of_o the_o assembly_n the_o six_o article_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o church_n then_o in_o force_n and_o till_o then_o practise_v the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v constant_o one_o as_o be_v most_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o all_o presbyterial_a action_n the_o seven_o article_n give_v order_n for_o practise_v the_o above_o mention_v equivocation_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v their_o election_n before_o they_o receive_v our_o answer_n and_o that_o they_o repair_v to_o edinburgh_n immediate_o after_o their_o election_n that_o all_o the_o commissioner_n elect_v may_v consult_v before_o hand_n upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v or_o do_v at_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o then_o to_o receive_v direction_n from_o their_o table_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o at_o the_o assembly_n and_o indeed_o to_o preconveene_n and_o hold_v the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n before_o their_o meeting_n at_o glasgow_n these_o be_v their_o public_a instruction_n which_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o avow_v and_o send_v abroad_o from_o their_o table_n as_o it_o be_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o whether_o if_o we_o our_o commissioner_n or_o council_n have_v send_v any_o such_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n they_o will_v not_o have_v exclaim_v against_o they_o as_o unsufferable_a prelimitation_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o prejudging_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o realm_n we_o do_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o these_o public_a instruction_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o private_a one_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o communicate_v to_o all_o their_o party_n but_o only_o to_o some_o one_o laic_a and_o one_o minister_n their_o special_a confident_n in_o every_o presbytery_n of_o which_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o afterward_o in_o their_o due_a place_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o the_o disorderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o covenanter_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n our_o commissioner_n the_o day_n after_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o return_n viz._n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o assemble_v our_o council_n at_o our_o palace_n of_o holy-rood-house_n and_o there_o first_o deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o letter_n from_o we_o as_o follow_v apud_fw-la holy-rood-house_n septemb_n 22._o 1638._o the_o which_o day_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n produce_v and_o exhibit_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o privy_a council_n the_o two_o missive_n underwritten_a sign_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n which_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n they_o have_v ordain_v and_o ordain_v the_o same_o to_o be_v insert_v and_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o secret_a council_n therein_o to_o remain_v ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v charles_n r._n right_o trusty_a etc._n etc._n be_v certain_o inform_v that_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v much_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o that_o these_o distraction_n have_v be_v occasion_v upon_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o popery_n and_o not_o without_o some_o suspicion_n as_o if_o we_o ourself_o be_v incline_v that_o way_n upon_o occasion_n whereof_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v of_o late_o subscribe_v a_o band_n or_o covenant_n for_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o law_n already_o establish_v and_o for_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o other_o in_o defence_n thereof_o but_o the_o same_o not_o be_v warrant_v by_o royal_a authority_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o our_o dear_a father_n time_n must_v needs_o of_o itself_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o much_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o ancient_a form_n and_o custom_n of_o government_n keep_v within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n wherefore_o we_o out_o of_o our_o inborn_a love_n to_o our_o say_a native_a country_n and_o for_o obviate_a these_o conceive_a fear_n and_o satisfy_v of_o you_o and_o all_o our_o love_a people_n have_v think_v good_a to_o ordain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n subjoin_v thereto_o of_o the_o date_n at_o edinburgh_n
januarie_n 28._o 1580._o and_o sign_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o to_o that_o effect_n have_v give_v order_n to_o our_o commissioner_n with_o advice_n of_o our_o council_n to_o set_v down_o and_o settle_v some_o solid_a course_n whereby_o the_o same_o may_v be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o council_n judge_n magistrate_n of_o burroughes_n and_o all_o other_o our_o people_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o ourself_o we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o the_o reform_a religion_n now_o establish_v and_o against_o the_o roman_a so_o we_o purpose_v by_o god_n grace_n both_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n what_o we_o have_v think_v further_a fit_v to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o time_n concern_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o subject_n petition_n you_o shall_v receive_v our_o full_a pleasure_n therein_o from_o our_o commissioner_n and_o that_o this_o our_o declaration_n concern_v ourself_o and_o our_o pious_a intention_n for_o settle_v the_o reform_a religion_n within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n may_v appear_v to_o posterity_n our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o these_o present_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n oatland_n septem_fw-la 9_o 1638._o this_o our_o letter_n be_v receive_v by_o our_o council_n with_o all_o submissive_a joyful_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n our_o commissioner_n make_v they_o further_o acquaint_v with_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o the_o appease_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o same_o be_v fill_v with_o excessive_a joy_n as_o make_v full_a account_n that_o now_o malice_n itself_o can_v not_o find_v the_o least_o pretence_n of_o keep_v our_o people_n from_o be_v satisfy_v all_o thing_n which_o ever_o yet_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o trouble_v they_o have_v desire_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o some_o of_o our_o counsellor_n who_o be_v not_o only_o covenanter_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o their_o covenant_n have_v make_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a covenant_a lord_n acquaint_v with_o the_o unexpected_a excess_n of_o our_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n these_o lord_n make_v full_a account_n that_o their_o reign_n be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o expiration_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v understand_v our_o grace_n and_o favour_n bestir_v themselves_o with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o disperse_v rumour_n among_o they_o that_o the_o news_n bring_v home_o by_o our_o commissioner_n import_v our_o answer_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o we_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o if_o they_o now_o do_v not_o resist_v all_o they_o have_v do_v be_v quite_o undo_v and_o lose_v after_o which_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o come_v down_o first_o to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o then_o to_o our_o council_n request_v they_o or_o indeed_o rather_o require_v they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o require_v it_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o other_o by_o any_o authority_n from_o we_o threaten_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v repent_v it_o and_o that_o a_o present_a rupture_n will_v follow_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n hear_v they_o twice_o full_o but_o find_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n as_o see_v it_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n in_o these_o lord_n to_o have_v it_o conceal_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o resolve_v and_o impart_v unto_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n their_o resolution_n that_o they_o will_v publish_v it_o that_o day_n be_v saturday_n the_o lord_n covenanter_n do_v then_o seem_v to_o abate_v something_o of_o their_o request_n or_o rather_o demand_n and_o desire_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o delay_v the_o publish_n of_o our_o declaration_n only_o until_o the_o monday_n follow_v before_o which_o time_n if_o they_o can_v not_o show_v good_a reason_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o it_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o publication_n thereof_o which_o motion_n of_o they_o want_v not_o second_v from_o some_o of_o our_o council_n there_o present_a who_o be_v indeed_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o but_o our_o commissioner_n and_o counsellor_n well_o and_o wise_o foresee_v that_o this_o delay_n be_v desire_v first_o that_o these_o lord_n covenanter_n may_v have_v time_n to_o pen_n and_o prepare_v a_o protestation_n against_o this_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n with_o the_o content_n whereof_o some_o of_o our_o councillor_n hearty_a covenanter_n have_v make_v they_o acquaint_v which_o protestation_n can_v not_o be_v provide_v nor_o pen_v in_o the_o space_n of_o so_o few_o hour_n second_o that_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o next_o day_n be_v sunday_n their_o minister_n in_o all_o the_o pulpit_n of_o edinburgh_n by_o their_o subornation_n shall_v so_o conjure_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o people_n against_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o and_o ready_o lay_v again_o three_o that_o they_o may_v have_v time_n to_o dispatch_v messenger_n &_o post_n abroad_o with_o copy_n of_o their_o protestation_n in_o all_o burrough_n where_o our_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v before_o or_o as_o soon_o as_o our_o declaration_n can_v be_v send_v to_o those_o place_n for_o these_o important_a consideration_n our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n do_v declare_v unto_o these_o lord_n after_o full_a hear_n of_o they_o that_o consider_v the_o invaliditie_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a our_o gracious_a declaration_n shall_v be_v publish_v that_o day_n at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o so_o according_o our_a declaration_n that_o day_n be_v proclaim_v as_o here_o it_o follow_v charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n messenger_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o our_o kingdom_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o conceive_a fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n to_o free_a all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o any_o intention_n in_o we_o to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o religion_n or_o law_n and_o to_o satisfy_v not_o only_o their_o desire_n but_o even_o their_o doubt_n we_o have_v discharge_v and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o by_o these_o present_n 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 any_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 and_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v breed_v great_a distraction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o our_o consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n do_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_n article_n but_o also_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o discharge_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o do_v hereby_o free_a all_o our_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o government_n disperse_v and_o surmise_a throughout_o this_o our_o kingdom_n that_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v exercise_v such_o illimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n and_o have_v hold_v themselves_o exime_v from_o censure_n and_o punishment_n to_o which_o other_o our_o subject_n be_v liable_a we_o do_v by_o these_o present_v declare_v that_o
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our_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o enjoin_v and_o authorise_v like_v as_o we_o by_o these_o present_n do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n judges_z and_o magistrate_n to_o burgh_n and_o land_n and_o all_o our_o oâ—her_n subject_n whatsoever_o to_o subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v at_o first_o by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a 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perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a have_v be_v occasion_v through_o the_o conceive_a fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o disloyalty_n or_o disaffection_n to_o sovereignty_n we_o be_v gracious_o please_v absolute_o to_o forget_v what_o be_v past_a and_o free_o to_o forgive_v all_o by-gones_a to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v acquiesce_v to_o this_o our_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o shall_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o in_o our_o next_o ensue_a parliament_n and_o that_o this_o assembly_n may_v have_v the_o better_a success_n and_o more_o happy_a conclusion_n our_o will_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a fast_o proclaim_v and_o keep_v by_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n a_o fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o beg_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o that_o assembly_n and_o a_o peaceable_a end_n to_o the_o distraction_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n with_o the_o aversion_n of_o god_n heavy_a judgement_n from_o both_o and_o our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o this_o fast_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n as_o have_v be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o any_o time_n heretofore_o upon_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a occasion_n our_o will_n be_v herefore_o and_o we_o charge_v you_o straight_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o the_o head_n burrow_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v at_o our_o court_n of_o oatland_n the_o nine_o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la after_o this_o declaration_n be_v proclaim_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o command_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n as_o also_o the_o band_n annex_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o religion_n now_o establish_v and_o of_o our_o person_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o subscription_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o they_o both_o do_v here_o follow_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n subscribe_v at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n umwhile_o dear_a father_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o the_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o now_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n by_o the_o right_n noble_a marquesse_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n lord_n even_o and_o evendail_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n undersubscribe_v and_o that_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o date_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n date_v in_o march_n 1580._o and_o of_o the_o band_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o we_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o underwritten_a protest_v that_o after_o long_a and_o due_a examination_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n be_v now_o thorough_o resolve_v in_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n and_o constant_o affirm_v before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o this_o only_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n and_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o more_o particular_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v open_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o realm_n both_o in_o burgh_n and_o land_n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o 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sin_n our_o natural_a
and_o other_o place_n needful_a and_o there_o by_o open_a proclamation_n to_o make_v publication_n of_o the_o hold_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n and_o to_o warn_v all_o and_o sundry_a nobleman_n prelate_n and_o commissioner_n for_o the_o baron_n and_o burrowes_n and_o all_o other_o have_v voice_n and_o place_n in_o the_o say_a parliament_n that_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o most_o decent_a and_o comely_a manner_n make_v their_o address_n to_o the_o say_a parliament_n attend_v and_o await_v thereat_o during_o the_o time_n thereof_o and_o to_o discharge_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_n to_o they_o and_o each_o one_o of_o they_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v on_o the_o contrary_a at_o their_o peril_n and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v publish_v and_o proclaim_v first_o the_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n for_o require_v all_o our_o subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n annex_v which_o here_o follow_v at_o holy-rood-house_n the_o 24._o day_n of_o september_n anno_fw-la 1638._o the_o which_o day_n a_o noble_a earl_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v produce_v and_o exhibit_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n upon_o the_o twenty_o second_o day_n of_o this_o instant_n a_o warrant_v sign_v by_o his_o majesty_n of_o the_o date_n the_o nine_o of_o september_n instant_a wherein_o among_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a and_o royal_a expression_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o due_a obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n authority_n in_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o his_o majesty_n do_v will_n and_o ordain_v that_o the_o lord_n themselves_o shall_v swear_v the_o confession_n and_o general_a band_n mention_v in_o his_o majesty_n say_v warrant_v and_o also_o shall_v take_v such_o order_n as_o all_o his_o majesty_n have_v may_v subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o secret_a council_n acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n pious_a and_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n truth_n do_v upon_o the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n instant_a unanimous_o and_o with_o all_o humble_a hearty_a and_o sincere_a affection_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n date_v the_o second_o of_o march_n 1580._o according_a as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n together_o with_o the_o foresay_a general_a band_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o and_o now_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o all_o his_o majesty_n have_v may_v give_v the_o like_a obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n so_o pious_a desire_n therefore_o the_o say_a lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o ordain_v all_o his_o majesty_n have_v of_o whatsoever_o estate_n degree_n or_o quality_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a to_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n date_v the_o second_o of_o march_n 1580._o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o say_a date_n and_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n together_o with_o the_o say_v general_a band_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o as_o they_o will_v answer_v at_o the_o contrary_a upon_o their_o obedience_n and_o ordain_v officer_n of_o arm_n to_o pass_v to_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o edinburgh_n and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o and_o at_o all_o other_o place_n needful_a wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o next_o after_o that_o be_v proclaim_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n whereby_o they_o appoint_v and_o design_v several_a commissioner_n for_o require_v and_o take_v the_o subscription_n of_o our_o subject_n to_o the_o say_a confession_n and_o band_n annex_v throughout_o the_o several_a shire_n within_o the_o kingdom_n which_o here_o follow_v at_o holy-rood-house_n the_o 24._o day_n of_o september_n anno_fw-la 1638._o forsomuch_o as_o a_o noble_a marquesse_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o date_n of_o the_o twenty_o second_o of_o this_o instant_n have_v by_o special_a warrant_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v with_o all_o humble_a and_o hearty_a affection_n and_o unanimous_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n date_v the_o second_o of_o march_n 1580._o and_o at_o length_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o privy_a council_n of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o say_a date_n and_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o according_a as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n together_o with_o the_o general_a band_n insert_v therewith_o in_o the_o say_a book_n of_o privy_a council_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o like_a as_o also_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o council_n by_o their_o act_n of_o the_o date_n of_o these_o present_n acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n pious_a and_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o 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that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o ordain_v the_o publish_n hereof_o to_o be_v make_v by_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o pulpit_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n before_o noon_n with_o a_o public_a admonition_n to_o the_o offender_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o censure_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o book_n and_o scroll_n of_o subscription_n and_o oath_n require_v from_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o they_o or_o their_o clerk_n have_v or_o have_v fraudulent_o convey_v away_o together_o with_o this_o certification_n that_o if_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o say_v book_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o and_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o complaint_n general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o condign_a censure_n of_o these_o offender_n for_o their_o contempt_n and_o contumacy_n here_o we_o humble_o beseech_v your_o wisdom_n answer_n the_o act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n 24._o octob._n 1638._o year_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o complaint_n upon_o the_o say_a day_n we_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n after_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o bill_n and_o complaint_n present_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o laird_n of_o buchanan_n the_o laird_n of_o dury_n the_o young_a the_o laird_n of_o carlourie_a john_n smith_n late_a bailife_n of_o edinburgh_n john_n hammiltoun_n and_o richard_n maxwel_n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n and_o commons_o subscriber_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n against_o the_o pretend_a archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o after_o we_o have_v read_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o same_o we_o according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o complainer_n do_v and_o do_v refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o november_n and_o we_o ordain_v the_o publish_n of_o this_o complaint_n and_o of_o our_o reference_n of_o it_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v full_o read_v by_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o the_o next_o sabbath_n before_o noon_n out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n with_o a_o public_a warning_n and_o cytation_n to_o the_o offendant_n complain_v upon_o by_o name_n master_n john_n spotswood_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n master_n patrick_n lyndsey_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n master_n thomas_n sydserfe_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o galloway_n master_n david_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n alexander_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunkeld_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 orknay_n master_n john_n abernethie_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o caithnes_n master_n walter_n whitefoord_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o brichen_n master_n james_n wedderburne_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunblane_n master_n james_n fayrley_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o argyle_n master_n nail_n campbel_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o the_o isle_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o to_o undergo_v the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o book_n and_o scroll_n of_o the_o subscription_n and_o oath_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n the_o book_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n
of_o that_o employment_n by_o their_o place_n or_o such_o as_o be_v legal_o disable_v to_o sit_v and_o decide_v in_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n a_o meeting_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n can_v be_v think_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n ja._n 6._o par_fw-fr 3._o cap._n 46._o 1572._o every_o minister_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n parliament_n and_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o province_n give_v his_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 and_o open_o upon_o some_o sunday_n in_o time_n of_o sermon_n or_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o kirk_n where_o he_o 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superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o province_n subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la deprive_v and_o their_o place_n void_a as_o if_o they_o be_v natural_o dead_a and_o consequent_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o function_n in_o the_o church_n can_v be_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n hoc_fw-la maximè_fw-la attento_fw-it that_o the_o say_v person_n not_o only_o have_v never_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n nor_o can_v show_v no_o testimonial_a thereupon_o as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o say_a act_n but_o also_o have_v as_o subject_n comprehend_v in_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o acknowledge_v obey_v maintain_v defend_v &_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 of_o and_o accept_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a protestation_n whereby_o they_o protest_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o at_o other_o time_n so_o at_o this_o to_o assemble_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n to_o the_o contrary_n as_o also_o by_o continue_v their_o meeting_n and_o table_n discharge_v by_o authority_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o counsel_n command_v for_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n protest_v against_o the_o same_o still_o insist_v with_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o remit_v nothing_o of_o their_o former_a proceed_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n wrath_n be_v provoke_v thereby_o they_o be_v become_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o pardon_n and_o so_o forfeit_a the_o favour_n 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
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
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
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 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and_o record_n that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v give_v in_o keep_v to_o the_o house_n of_o erskine_n by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n authority_n hac_fw-la lege_fw-la expressa_fw-la &_o conditione_n ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la nisi_fw-la conventui_fw-la ordinum_fw-la reposcenti_fw-la traderent_fw-la eight_o this_o act_n be_v not_o unexampled_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o have_v many_o precedent_n both_o in_o the_o history_n of_o other_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o own_o which_o have_v many_o such_o example_n even_o do_v by_o the_o estate_n themselves_o who_o fact_n do_v make_v our_o right_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v ratify_v conform_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o loveable_a custom_n in_o punish_v rebellious_a subject_n and_o preserve_v the_o faithful_a act_n 130._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v upbraid_v for_o our_o meeting_n table_n which_o in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v call_v council_n table_n only_o by_o that_o name_n which_o by_o ordinary_a expression_n be_v due_a to_o judicatories_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o some_o unwarrantable_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o intend_v to_o do_v god_n willing_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o sober_a modest_a and_o quiet_a way_n for_o deliberate_v with_o joint_a advice_n upon_o those_o weighty_a business_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o table_n meeting_n do_v never_o emit_v nor_o send_v forth_o any_o authoritative_a command_n or_o injunction_n but_o conclude_v upon_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o advance_v that_o great_a business_n and_o facilitate_v the_o way_n of_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o overture_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o act_n lawful_a and_o approvable_a in_o the_o self_n albeit_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o force_n or_o validity_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n or_o command_n which_o be_v never_o aim_v at_o nor_o intend_v which_o meeting_n they_o may_v warrantable_o keep_v for_o that_o end_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o remove_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o subject_n no_o way_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o municipal_a law_n which_o disapprove_v such_o convention_n as_o be_v for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o usurpation_n against_o authority_n whereof_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o these_o meeting_n not_o the_o first_o because_o no_o invasion_n violence_n offer_v of_o wrong_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o any_o person_n no_o even_a to_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o just_o complain_v ensew_v upon_o the_o same_o 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to_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a end_n and_o yet_o those_o convention_n want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o the_o nobility_n baron_n burrows_n and_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v place_n of_o propon_v reason_v and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n act_n 113._o king_n james_n the_o 6._o parl._n 11._o wherein_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v of_o the_o need_v and_o cause_n pertain_v to_o his_o love_a subject_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o therefore_o ratify_v the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1427._o give_v power_n to_o baron_n to_o propone_v all_o and_o sundry_a needs_o and_o cause_n and_o to_o hear_v treat_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n which_o necessary_a and_o true_a information_n can_v be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n king_n without_o privy_a meeting_n and_o consultation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o to_o inform_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o propone_v hear_v treat_v and_o final_o determine_v all_o needs_o and_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o meeting_n and_o advise_v upon_o that_o information_n quia_fw-la aliquo_fw-la concesso_fw-la omne_fw-la concessa_fw-la videntur_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la concessum_fw-la expediri_fw-la nequit_fw-la and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n they_o have_v likeways_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n of_o this_o land_n to_o propone_v reason_n and_o vote_n in_o assembly_n and_o be_v the_o examine_v parity_n of_o reason_n to_o keep_v precede_v meeting_n not_o to_o determinate_a or_o execute_v but_o to_o consult_v upon_o their_o necessary_a proposition_n so_o that_o these_o lawful_a meeting_n for_o the_o religious_a end_n suffer_v wrongous_o the_o invidious_a designation_n of_o council_n table_n which_o be_v only_o do_v for_o procure_v misconstruction_n against_o they_o because_o at_o these_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n they_o sit_v about_o a_o table_n which_o posture_n be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o authority_n the_o mean_a of_o mechanik_a craft_n have_v their_o own_o table_n where_o about_o they_o sit_v when_o they_o consult_v upon_o the_o small_a business_n import_v their_o trade_n and_o far_o these_o same_o meeting_n consist_v of_o commissioner_n from_o each_o sheriffedome_n and_o body_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n false_a council_n first_o and_o thereafter_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n out_o of_o their_o resentment_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o cause_n have_v numerous_o convene_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o confluence_n of_o people_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o direct_v to_o make_v choose_v forth_o of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o some_o commissioner_n from_o each_o shire_n who_o may_v meet_v to_o represent_v their_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o attend_v the_o answer_v thereof_o censure_n the_o three_o particular_a challenge_n in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v for_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v allege_v to_o have_v be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n some_o banish_v for_o teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o be_v suspend_v some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o confine_v and_o all_o by_o oath_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o although_o no_o answer_n be_v requisite_a see_v the_o person_n thereby_o mean_v be_v not_o special_o condescend_v upon_o yet_o for_o clear_v all_o man_n mind_n and_o show_v the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o proceed_n it_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o particular_a trial_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o some_o such_o surmise_n can_v not_o find_v any_o censure_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n or_o ireland_n by_o a_o lawful_a manner_n in_o a_o lawful_a ireland_n judicatory_a or_o for_o a_o lawful_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o assembly_n after_o careful_a search_n and_o examination_n find_v that_o any_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o person_n in_o scotland_n be_v only_o by_o a_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o take_v arrogant_o on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o that_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o presbytery_n but_o sit_v in_o his_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o
kingdom_n be_v discharge_v by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n be_v one_o of_o our_o just_a grievance_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o bishop_n ditty_n and_o that_o only_a for_o refuse_v the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n abjure_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o for_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o ireland_n it_o be_v not_o notify_v to_o the_o assembly_n by_o any_o such_o objection_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o their_o zeal_n and_o care_n to_o satisfy_v all_o these_o misinformation_n whereof_o they_o hear_v some_o whisper_n they_o find_v after_o trial_n that_o these_o censure_n inflict_v be_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n foresaid_n and_o yet_o can_v not_o militate_v out-with_a the_o bound_n of_o that_o diocie_n where_o they_o be_v censure_v in_o their_o own_o law_n and_o practic_a and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o banish_v for_o any_o cause_n let_v be_v for_o that_o odious_a cause_n pretend_v in_o the_o proclamation_n wherein_o the_o mention_n of_o horning_n against_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n can_v not_o be_v a_o lawful_a exception_n against_o they_o because_o horning_n can_v neither_o take_v away_o their_o ministerial_a function_n nor_o deprive_v the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o voice_n by_o their_o commissioner_n but_o in_o special_a this_o horning_n against_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n can_v be_v respect_v because_o it_o be_v do_v in_o edinburgh_n upon_o a_o on_o suddenty_n upon_o what_o intention_n we_o permit_v every_o one_o to_o consider_v after_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v go_v to_o glasgow_n and_o yet_o protestation_n be_v take_v against_o the_o examine_v and_o suspension_n crave_v upon_o the_o real_a offer_n of_o consignation_n which_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v unexample_o refuse_v and_o public_a instrument_n take_v thereupon_o all_o which_o objection_n be_v only_o now_o remember_v to_o blemish_v the_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n but_o be_v never_o urge_v nor_o propon_v in_o the_o assembly_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o commission_n of_o all_o person_n be_v produce_v examine_v discuss_v and_o approven_v in_o my_o lord_n commissioner_n own_o audience_n without_o any_o contrary_a voice_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o upon_o these_o challenge_v much_o be_v build_v against_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o examine_v be_v aggravate_v from_o a_o precede_a oath_n whereby_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v bind_v to_o overthrow_v episcopal_a government_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n and_o mettle_n with_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o oath_n give_v nor_o exact_v but_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o all_o be_v abjure_v only_o in_o general_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o leave_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n whether_o episcopacy_n and_o some_o other_o innovation_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a confession_n or_o not_o and_o at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v a_o bad_a inference_n that_o one_o who_o have_v maintain_v orthodox_n opinion_n and_o preach_v against_o heresy_n and_o error_n may_v not_o in_o the_o lawful_a judicatorie_a voice_n for_o condemnation_n of_o these_o error_n and_o as_o for_o the_o election_n of_o moderatour_n admission_n of_o minister_n by_o presbytery_n and_o restitution_n of_o elder_n the_o same_o need_v no_o answer_n in_o this_o place_n be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o we_o before_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o 11._o article_n exhibit_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n which_o answer_n be_v so_o satisfactory_a that_o after_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o same_o his_o grace_n promise_v 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 member_n matter_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v and_o be_v further_o clear_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o other_o act_n already_o cite_v in_o our_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o declinator_n of_o this_o assembly_n produce_v by_o the_o bishop_n all_o which_o be_v approven_v by_o this_o general_a assembly_n and_o all_o act_n carry_v appearance_n of_o contrariety_n thereto_o upon_o undeniable_a ground_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la table_n the_o four_o act_n rub_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o prejudice_n by_o the_o proclamation_n be_v the_o send_n from_o the_o table_n of_o instruction_n whereof_o the_o head_n be_v summary_o express_v which_o his_o grace_n indeed_o do_v show_v to_o the_o assembly_n and_o then_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o paper_n be_v ever_o send_v from_o the_o time_n meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n to_o any_o man_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o which_o possible_o may_v have_v be_v some_o private_a direction_n of_o one_o friend_n to_o another_o without_o common_a advice_n it_o do_v not_o contain_v any_o thing_n offensive_a or_o partial_a for_o the_o phrase_n of_o lose_v of_o our_o christian_a and_o civil_a liberty_n may_v be_v warrantable_o express_v in_o relation_n to_o our_o former_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n under_o the_o prelate_n tyrannize_v in_o their_o high_a commission_n whereby_o most_o summary_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n they_o deprive_v fine_v and_o confine_v all_o person_n and_o professor_n with_o such_o a_o high_a hand_n as_o just_o we_o may_v affect_v deliverance_n from_o that_o servitude_n which_o be_v likely_a more_o to_o enteresse_n by_o the_o unlimited_a power_n usurp_v in_o their_o canon_n so_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o liberty_n can_v be_v judge_v a_o affectation_n of_o licentious_a live_n without_o subjection_n to_o lawful_a authority_n which_o in_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n we_o have_v swear_v to_o maintain_v and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o paper_n the_o send_n same_o be_v the_o forgery_n of_o our_o enemy_n present_v to_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n of_o deliberate_a purpose_n to_o make_v a_o pretext_n for_o discharge_v of_o the_o assembly_n which_o we_o be_v sorry_a be_v so_o ready_o embrace_v notwithstanding_o that_o when_o the_o same_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o commissioner_n the_o same_o be_v not_o only_o clear_v to_o be_v no_o draught_n send_v by_o public_a advice_n but_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o even_o those_o who_o his_o grace_n most_o suspect_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o offer_v to_o control_v it_o by_o production_n of_o the_o true_a paper_n of_o their_o instruction_n altogether_o disagree_v from_o that_o other_o produce_v by_o the_o commissioner_n except_o in_o the_o two_o point_n follow_v which_o have_v be_v crafty_o intermix_v with_o the_o say_n untruth_n to_o give_v they_o some_o countenance_n of_o probability_n likeas_n they_o profess_v to_o his_o grace_n upon_o their_o place_n oath_n that_o they_o have_v never_o see_v the_o same_o before_o nor_o ever_o read_v any_o of_o the_o article_n therein_o contain_v in_o any_o other_o paper_n except_o the_o four_o and_o the_o eight_o article_n whereof_o the_o four_o be_v for_o eschew_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v chappel-man_n chapter-man_n and_o minister_n justice_n of_o peace_n from_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o none_o can_v be_v offend_v thereat_o because_o rest_n chappel-man_n have_v approven_v and_o without_o warrant_n of_o this_o kirk_n practise_v the_o innovation_n introduce_v of_o late_a the_o chapter-man_n have_v practise_v the_o book_n of_o ordination_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n discharge_v chapter_n and_o their_o election_n of_o bishop_n 1578._o have_v approven_v the_o corruption_n of_o kirk_n government_n and_o minister_n justice_n of_o peace_n have_v likewise_o accept_v that_o civil_a office_n upon_o they_o whereunto_o they_o be_v promove_v for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o creature_n and_o depender_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o eight_o wherein_o some_o be_v desire_v to_o study_v the_o point_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v agitate_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o de_fw-fr episcopatu_fw-la de_fw-la senioribus_fw-la and_o among_o other_o point_n 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 whereat_o none_o can_v take_v just_a exception_n because_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o instruct_v and_o enable_v themselves_o for_o agitate_v every_o point_n which_o may_v occur_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o there_o by_o any_o or_o be_v propon_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdene_n who_o be_v expect_v there_o and_o command_v to_o study_v these_o point_n so_o that_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v wrest_v to_o their_o prejudice_n see_v it_o be_v incumbent_a to_o the_o assembly_n to_o know_v the_o precinct_n of_o the_o kirk_n jurisdiction_n especial_o anent_o their_o own_o assembly_n and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o
use_v the_o power_n rebellion_n god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n for_o remove_v all_o innovation_n and_o settle_v the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o see_v in_o this_o proclamation_n his_o majesty_n declaration_n be_v insert_v ad_fw-la longum_fw-la and_o the_o assembly_n tax_v for_o not_o be_v full_o satisfy_v therewith_o we_o be_v enforce_v to_o repeat_v here_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v the_o assembly_n not_o to_o think_v the_o same_o satisfactory_a in_o hope_n that_o they_o come_v to_o his_o majesty_n sacred_a ear_n may_v procure_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o benign_a favour_n so_o acceptable_a to_o this_o church_fw-mi by_o the_o indiction_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o production_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o obtain_v his_o royal_a approbation_n to_o the_o whole_a act_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o be_v hearty_o wish_v and_o will_v replenish_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o good_a subject_n with_o abundant_a joy_n and_o contentment_n and_o first_o where_o his_o majesty_n have_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o practice_n of_o both_o and_o all_o act_n proclamation_n and_o ordinance_n make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o upon_o information_n that_o by_o the_o introduction_n of_o they_o the_o subject_n have_v apprehend_v the_o inbr_n of_o popery_n &_o superstition_n to_o have_v be_v intend_v neither_o the_o discharge_n nor_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v satisfactory_a not_o the_o first_o because_o as_o some_o act_n and_o proclamation_n do_v serve_v for_o their_o establish_n so_o other_o give_v they_o a_o high_a approbation_n as_o fit_a mean_n to_o maintain_v religion_n and_o beat_v down_o all_o superstition_n and_o therefore_o though_o those_o which_o establish_v they_o be_v rescind_v yet_o those_o which_o approve_v they_o do_v remain_v and_o may_v bring_v forth_o other_o act_n and_o proclamation_n for_o restore_v they_o or_o the_o like_a hereafter_o if_o these_o book_n receive_v not_o a_o public_a censure_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a to_o bar_v they_o and_o the_o like_a in_o all_o time_n come_v see_v act_n of_o council_n and_o proclamation_n be_v frequent_a and_o variable_a and_o yet_o be_v no_o legal_a valid_a mean_a either_o to_o introduce_v or_o abolish_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi wherein_o they_o neither_o can_v meddle_v nor_o secure_v the_o subject_n next_o see_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi successor_n the_o general_a assembly_n have_v only_a power_n to_o determine_v concern_v the_o matter_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o that_o the_o framer_n of_o these_o book_n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o representative_a kirk_n make_v they_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o country_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o they_o borrow_v from_o those_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a that_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v discharge_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o only_a true_a representative_a kirk_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o vindicate_v her_o just_a right_n from_o violent_a usurpation_n and_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v not_o the_o second_o for_o the_o subject_n have_v just_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n that_o the_o prelate_n &_o their_o follower_n the_o framer_n &_o follower_n of_o those_o book_n intend_v the_o inbr_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n by_o the_o introduce_v thereof_o because_o 1._o many_o gross_a point_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n be_v not_o only_o close_o couch_v under_o the_o cover_n of_o ensnare_a ambiguity_n the_o most_o insinuate_a way_n of_o error_n and_o best_a mask_n to_o superstition_n but_o also_o express_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o as_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o sundry_a treatise_n read_v and_o consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v now_o so_o declare_v by_o the_o assembly_n 2._o the_o framer_n and_o favourer_n of_o these_o book_n in_o their_o sermon_n and_o conference_n have_v vent_v sundry_a popish_a error_n and_o approven_v popish_a superstition_n which_o full_o detect_v and_o leave_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o the_o introduce_v of_o book_n so_o full_a of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n second_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n by_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n or_o declaration_n can_v be_v sufficient_a because_o first_o his_o majesty_n declare_v that_o he_o establish_v the_o same_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o subject_n that_o justice_n may_v be_v administrate_n with_o the_o more_o conveniency_n and_o less_o trouble_n of_o the_o people_n and_o now_o discharge_v it_o because_o the_o subject_n have_v mistake_v his_o gracious_a intention_n so_o that_o if_o the_o mistake_n be_v remove_v that_o which_o be_v conceive_v of_o itself_o to_o serve_v for_o administration_n of_o justice_n with_o ease_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o subject_n may_v be_v establish_v upon_o pretention_n of_o the_o removeall_n of_o all_o such_o mistake_n second_o though_o the_o act_n and_o deed_n make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o be_v rescind_v yet_o the_o act_n pass_v heretofore_o by_o the_o high_a commission_n be_v not_o rescind_v and_o so_o the_o subject_n censure_v by_o it_o be_v still_o esteem_v under_o these_o censure_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o proclamation_n wherein_o the_o assembly_n be_v tax_v as_o consist_v of_o some_o member_n that_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi mean_v the_o bishop_n censure_n in_o the_o high_a commission_n three_o it_o be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o extreme_o derogatory_n to_o they_o and_o all_o other_o subaltern_a iudicatories_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v make_v clear_o manifest_a by_o a_o treatise_n present_v to_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o it_o be_v devise_v and_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o bishop_n as_o a_o mean_a whereby_o they_o may_v and_o have_v unlawful_o tyranize_v over_o all_o the_o subject_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n the_o high_a civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a iudicatory_n that_o have_v be_v wrong_v shall_v by_o their_o several_a sentence_n utter_o abolish_v it_o as_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a three_o whereas_o his_o majesty_n dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o pearth_n article_n discharge_v all_o from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o free_v from_o censure_n for_o not_o urge_v or_o practise_v they_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o be_v content_a that_o the_o assembly_n take_v the_o same_o so_o far_o to_o their_o consideration_n as_o to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o next_o parliament_n there_o to_o be_v ratify_v as_o the_o estate_n shall_v find_v fit_v these_o can_v satisfy_v because_o first_o a_o dispensation_n with_o the_o practice_n without_o a_o simple_a discharge_n leave_v it_o still_o arbitrary_a to_o those_o who_o will_v practise_v and_o so_o continue_v the_o rent_n and_o distraction_n in_o this_o church_fw-mi second_o although_o his_o majesty_n have_v discharge_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o by_o his_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n yet_o the_o subject_n have_v not_o be_v put_v in_o security_n thereby_o except_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o who_o trial_n they_o belong_v and_o be_v refer_v by_o all_o the_o subscriber_n of_o the_o confession_n in_o march_n do_v either_o repel_v the_o article_n of_o perth_n or_o upon_o good_a reason_n declare_v that_o assembly_n null_n since_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n or_o declaration_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o infringe_v a_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_n three_o by_o tie_v the_o assembly_n to_o take_v the_o same_o no_o further_o unto_o their_o consideration_n then_o to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o next_o parliament_n the_o assembly_n be_v both_o prelimitate_v whereanent_n refer_v to_o the_o six_o reason_n against_o prelimitation_n insert_v in_o our_o protestation_n september_n 22._o and_o weaken_v in_o power_n position_n as_o if_o it_o may_v not_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o matter_n mere_o ecclesiastical_a without_o a_o licence_n from_o his_o majesty_n or_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o parliament_n whereas_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v supreme_a and_o independent_a in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a as_o the_o parliament_n be_v in_o civil_a so_o that_o when_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v ratify_v in_o parliament_n the_o same_o be_v for_o adjoin_v the_o civil_a sanction_n to_o the_o ecclesiastic_a constitution_n for_o the_o great_a terror_n of_o transgressor_n four_o anent_o the_o oath_n administrate_n to_o minister_n at_o their_o entry_n it_o have_v not_o only_o be_v pretend_v but_o be_v certain_a and_o will_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o assembly_n which_o also_o now_o be_v do_v
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 be_v both_o the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v such_o a_o shameful_a one_o that_o they_o have_v not_o print_v it_o in_o terminis_fw-la but_o it_o follow_v by_o a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n upon_o many_o of_o their_o print_a position_n as_o all_o of_o they_o do_v follow_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o current_a with_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v almost_o in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o number_n of_o man_n be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a and_o in_o that_o sense_n say_v they_o the_o more_o considerable_a part_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v conceive_v to_o be_v conducible_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o this_o great_a part_n especial_o meet_v in_o a_o 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 say_v they_o a_o court_n independent_a from_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v erect_v what_o court_n it_o will_v without_o we_o and_o may_v appoint_v what_o commissioner_n it_o will_v to_o sit_v for_o that_o court_n so_o they_o meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o ecclesiastical_a business_n but_o let_v the_o reader_n consider_v how_o many_o wicked_a and_o insufferable_a absurdity_n this_o their_o answer_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o now_o do_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v indict_v they_o can_v not_o be_v then_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n next_o who_o give_v the_o general_a assembly_n power_n to_o erect_v any_o such_o table_n of_o commissioner_n they_o find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v with_o the_o high_a commission_n establish_v by_o we_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o court_n establish_v either_o by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o parliament_n and_o now_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n give_v the_o assembly_n power_n to_o erect_v any_o such_o table_n of_o commissioner_n three_o in_o the_o erection_n of_o this_o table_n they_o outdo_v any_o thing_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v either_o say_v or_o do_v by_o the_o jesuit_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o her_o visible_a head_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n for_o they_o do_v never_o yet_o affirm_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v but_o by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o these_o man_n do_v hold_v that_o nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n may_v execute_v this_o authority_n but_o they_o say_v they_o do_v not_o exercise_v it_o as_o any_o such_o lay-man_n but_o as_o ruling-elders_a and_o so_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o can_v there_o any_o child_n be_v find_v who_o will_v not_o laugh_v at_o this_o if_o ever_o he_o have_v hear_v but_o the_o common_a name_n of_o churchman_n and_o layman_n can_v these_o two_o be_v confound_v can_v the_o call_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o elder_a make_v he_o a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n if_o by_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n he_o be_v never_o to_o discharge_v any_o office_n of_o a_o churchman_n they_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o parliament_n council_n or_o any_o secular_a judicatorie_a because_o these_o place_n be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o place_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o shall_v not_o lay-person_n be_v as_o incapable_a at_o least_o to_o meddle_v with_o divine_a and_o ecclesiastical_a business_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v then_o let_v these_o ecclesiastical_a elder_n renounce_v their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o other_o secular_a court_n of_o justice_n and_o become_v ruling-elders_a only_o four_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o meddle_v only_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n although_o it_o be_v unlawful_a
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 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his_o subject_n be_v not_o only_o the_o jesuitical_a tenet_n but_o their_o very_a word_n and_o syllable_n and_o as_o they_o be_v allege_v here_o very_o false_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o confession_n contain_v not_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o government_n discipline_n and_o ceremony_n beside_o this_o confession_n be_v first_o enjoin_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n before_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n how_o then_o our_o royal_a father_n if_o he_o be_v now_o live_v shall_v receive_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o from_o the_o church_n after_o he_o have_v subscribe_v it_o and_o command_v his_o household_n to_o do_v so_o or_o we_o shall_v now_o receive_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o from_o the_o general_a assembly_n after_o it_o be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o commandment_n we_o can_v apprehend_v apprehend_v nay_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v prefer_v for_o if_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n have_v explain_v it_o contrary_n to_o our_o meaning_n 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when_o he_o swear_v if_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o competent_a judge_n shall_v come_v after_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o he_o who_o set_v down_o this_o proposition_n have_v set_v his_o hand_n to_o it_o that_o the_o world_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o for_o a_o ignorant_a fool_n and_o a_o arrant_a knave_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o johnston_n find_v out_o another_o he_o must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o man_n because_o his_o hand_n be_v at_o this_o foolish_a pamphlet_n answer_v to_o the_o four_o reason_n reason_n this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o own_o protestation_n against_o our_o proclamation_n date_v the_o nine_o of_o september_n see_v their_o nine_o reason_n in_o that_o protestation_n against_o the_o subscription_n to_o our_o covenant_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o flat_o contradictory_n to_o this_o which_o they_o affirm_v now_o now_o they_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o yet_o in_o all_o their_o write_n declare_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o that_o their_o new_a fancy_a government_n contain_v in_o their_o imaginary_a book_n of_o discipline_n be_v only_o according_a unto_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o five_o reason_n reason_n but_o it_o be_v most_o notorious_a that_o at_o those_o parliament_n which_o be_v hold_v when_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o swear_v unto_o bishop_n have_v voice_n and_o be_v present_a and_o so_o then_o episcopal_a government_n can_v not_o be_v abjure_v for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o parliament_n roll_v insert_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o answer_n answer_n let_v any_o kingdom_n which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o parliament_n consist_v of_o a_o monarch_n and_o his_o three_o estate_n digest_v this_o proposition_n and_o then_o the_o parliament_n can_v be_v no_o more_o the_o high_a court_n of_o 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