of_o your_o sovereign_n gracious_a promise_n let_v this_o paper_n which_o i_o deliver_v to_o the_o clerk_n to_o be_v read_v witness_v it_o to_o you_o all_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v choose_v but_o receive_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n and_o dutiful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n piety_n goodness_n and_o clemency_n unless_o all_o religion_n and_o goodness_n be_v quite_o banish_v out_o of_o this_o land_n here_o the_o clerk_n public_o read_v the_o paper_n which_o follow_v the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o many_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n have_v apprehend_v that_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o inbringing_a of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v intend_v have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o annull_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o all_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v the_o king_n majesty_n as_o he_o conceive_v for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o subject_n establish_v the_o high_a commission_n that_o thereby_o justice_n may_v be_v minister_v and_o the_o fault_n and_o error_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v make_v liable_a thereto_o take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v with_o the_o more_o conveniency_n and_o less_o trouble_n to_o the_o people_n but_o find_v his_o gracious_a intention_n therein_o to_o be_v mistake_v have_v be_v please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v he_o do_v discharge_v the_o same_o and_o all_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o and_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perthes_n assembly_n have_v breed_v distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o to_o his_o royal_a consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o country_n have_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_a article_n but_o also_o discharge_v all_o and_o whosoever_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 have_v free_v all_o his_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 they_o or_o any_o of_o 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_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o content_v that_o the_o assembly_n take_v the_o same_o so_o far_o into_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 and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v that_o oath_n have_v be_v administer_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v by_o i_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o any_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n then_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o careful_a his_o majesty_n be_v that_o no_o corruption_n or_o innovation_n shall_v creep_v into_o this_o church_n neither_o yet_o any_o scandal_n vice_n or_o fault_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o censurable_a or_o punishable_a by_o the_o assembly_n go_v unpunished_a his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o declare_v by_o i_o and_o assure_v all_o his_o good_a people_n that_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v so_o oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o none_o of_o our_o good_a subject_n may_v have_v cause_n of_o grievance_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o prelate_n his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v answerable_a and_o according_o from_o time_n to_o time_n censurable_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o to_o give_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a people_n full_a assurance_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v true_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o intention_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o same_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o good_a subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n former_o sign_v by_o our_o dear_a father_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o now_o likewise_o require_v all_o those_o of_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n will_n that_o this_o be_v insert_v and_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n to_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o his_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o subscribitur_fw-la hamiltoun_n after_o the_o read_n whereof_o our_o commissioner_n go_v on_o and_o add_v i_o have_v you_o see_v subscribe_v that_o paper_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v his_o majesty_n religion_n grace_n goodness_n and_o the_o zeal_n which_o he_o have_v to_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n know_v to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n i_o do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v enter_v into_o your_o ordinary_a book_n of_o assembly_n but_o with_o this_o provision_n that_o this_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o act_n of_o register_n this_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n shall_v be_v no_o approbation_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n or_o of_o any_o other_o act_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v in_o it_o but_o that_o all_o protestation_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o assembly_n in_o all_o other_o act_n and_o proceed_n thereof_o shall_v stand_v in_o full_a force_n and_o effect_v and_o of_o the_o delivery_n of_o this_o paper_n contain_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a offer_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o of_o my_o require_v it_o to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o same_o as_o also_o of_o my_o protestation_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o all_o other_o act_n i_o take_v public_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n his_o register_n and_o require_v he_o to_o make_v a_o act_n thereof_o which_o be_v do_v the_o moderator_n in_o a_o short_a speech_n acknowledge_v our_o special_a goodness_n in_o grant_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o paper_n promise_v it_o shall_v be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n and_o desire_v to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o business_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o our_o commissioner_n tell_v they_o he_o must_v go_v on_o with_o they_o no_o more_o for_o now_o the_o sad_a part_n be_v behind_o viz._n that_o since_o they_o have_v bring_v lay-elder_n to_o give_v voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n a_o thing_n not_o practise_v before_o or_o at_o least_o dis-used_n so_o long_o that_o no_o man_n present_a have_v see_v it_o the_o minister_n sit_v here_o as_o commissioner_n be_v choose_v by_o lay-elder_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o in_o this_o church_n all_o the_o person_n have_v voice_n here_o be_v before_o the_o election_n design_v by_o the_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n all_o other_o by_o their_o express_a direction_n bar_v these_o few_o commissioner_n send_v hither_o but_o not_o choose_v according_a to_o their_o designation_n be_v by_o their_o cavil_v make_v for_o that_o purpose_n set_v aside_o and_o not_o admit_v to_o have_v voice_n the_o bishop_n cite_v hither_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o very_a same_o person_n who_o have_v pre-judged_n and_o condemn_v they_o at_o their_o table_n he_o attest_v heaven_n and_o earth_n whether_o this_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o way_n a_o free_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o this_o assembly_n can_v not_o have_v that_o happy_a issue_n which_o we_o hearty_o wish_v and_o why_o the_o bishop_n can_v receive_v no_o censure_n from_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o their_o sinister_a proceed_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n expect_v justice_n
breed_v distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o his_o royal_a consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o country_n have_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 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 have_v free_v all_o his_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 they_o or_o any_o of_o 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 in_o the_o contrary_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o content_v 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 and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v that_o oath_n have_v be_v administrate_n different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v by_o i_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o any_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o careful_a his_o majesty_n be_v that_o no_o corruption_n nor_o innovation_n shall_v creep_v into_o this_o church_n neither_o yet_o any_o scandal_n vice_n or_o fault_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o censurable_a or_o punishable_a by_o the_o assembly_n go_v along_o unpunished_a his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o declare_v by_o i_o and_o assure_v all_o his_o good_a people_n that_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v so_o oft_o and_o all_o be_v oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o none_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v have_v cause_n of_o grievance_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o prelate_n his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v answerable_a and_o according_o from_o time_n to_o time_n censurable_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o to_o give_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a people_n full_a assurance_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v true_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o intention_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o same_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o good_a subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n former_o sign_v by_o his_o dear_a father_n in_o ann_n 1580._o and_o now_o also_o require_v all_o these_o of_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n will_n that_o this_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n to_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o his_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o declaration_n be_v by_o our_o special_a command_n and_o direction_n give_v in_o and_o subscribe_v by_o our_o commissioner_n upon_o protestation_n make_v by_o he_o that_o his_o assent_v to_o the_o registration_n hereof_o shall_v be_v no_o approbation_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o act_n or_o deed_n do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v therein_o and_o find_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n no_o way_n to_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o contentment_n except_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o overthrow_v all_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o to_o abrogate_v our_o public_a law_n stand_v in_o vigour_n by_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n bygone_a and_o to_o alter_v the_o fundamental_a government_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n contrary_a to_o express_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o meeting_n may_v have_v produce_v other_o the_o like_o dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n we_o be_v force_v for_o preven_v thereof_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n abovementioned_a and_o divers_a other_o import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n to_o dissolve_v and_o break_v up_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n and_o to_o discharge_v they_o of_o all_o far_a meeting_n treat_v and_o conclude_v any_o thing_n therein_o and_o yet_o in_o that_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a way_n as_o our_o commissioner_n before_o his_o remove_n desire_v their_o pretend_a moderator_n for_o that_o time_n to_o have_v say_v prayer_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o day_n session_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v have_v time_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o his_o refuse_v to_o assist_v or_o be_v any_o long_o present_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n &_o of_o the_o cause_n move_v we_o to_o the_o dissolve_v thereof_o and_o notwithstanding_o his_o earnest_n urge_v the_o same_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o return_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o hear_v their_o answer_n in_o place_n of_o all_o other_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o so_o reasonable_a and_o moderate_a desire_n it_o be_v refuse_v and_o meet_v with_o a_o protestation_n of_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a strain_n thereby_o presume_v to_o cyte_v and_o call_v our_o council_n in_o question_n for_o their_o dutiful_a assistance_n and_o obedience_n to_o we_o and_o our_o commissioner_n and_o find_v their_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o increase_v we_o be_v constrain_v to_o discharge_v they_o of_o new_a again_o the_o next_o day_n thereafter_o by_o public_a proclamation_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o albeit_o that_o their_o contumacy_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o former_a time_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o move_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o least_o point_n or_o article_n of_o that_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v by_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n under_o our_o commissioner_n hand_n all_o which_o be_v public_o read_v and_o by_o our_o commissioner_n require_v to_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n therein_o to_o remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o our_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o our_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o perceive_v likewise_o that_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n they_o go_v still_o on_o to_o convene_v meet_v and_o to_o make_v illegal_a and_o unwarrantable_a act_n we_o have_v conceive_v it_o fit_v to_o forewarn_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o danger_n that_o they_o may_v incur_v by_o be_v ensnare_v by_o these_o their_o unlawful_a procedure_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v not_o only_o liberate_v and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o pretend_a act_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n or_o committee_n direct_v therefrom_o but_o do_v also_o free_v they_o from_o all_o pain_n and_o censure_v which_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v discharge_v and_o prohibit_v all_o our_o subject_n that_o they_o nor_o none_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v nor_o give_v obedience_n to_o any_o pretend_a act_n nor_o constitution_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a meeting_n under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o we_o command_v charge_n and_o inhibit_v all_o presbytery_n session_n of_o kirkes_n minister_n within_o this_o realm_n that_o none_o of_o they_o presume_v nor_o take_v upon_o hand_n private_o nor_o public_o in_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n nor_o in_o their_o conference_n sermon_n nor_o no_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o authorise_v approve_v justify_v or_o allow_v the_o say_v unlawful_a meeting_n or_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n neither_o yet_o to_o make_v any_o act_n thereupon_o nor_o to_o do_v any_o other_o thing_n private_a or_o public_a which_o may_v seem_v to_o countenance_v the_o say_v unlawful_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v repute_n hold_v and_o esteem_v and_o pursue_v as_o guilty_a of_o their_o unlawful_a meeting_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v therefore_o with_o all_o rigour_n and_o siclike_o we_o command_v all_o and_o
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
the_o application_n thereof_o already_o swear_v by_o we_o for_o the_o reason_n above_o express_v and_o because_o as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n appeal_v from_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n so_o do_v we_o now_o by_o these_o renew_v our_o solemn_a appeal_n with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a unto_o the_o next_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a supreme_a national_a judicatories_n competent_a to_o judge_v of_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n six_o we_o protest_v that_o no_o subscription_n whether_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n or_o other_o of_o the_o confession_n mention_v in_o the_o proclamation_n and_o enjoin_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o already_o or_o at_o this_o present_a time_n establish_v and_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n without_o any_o innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n be_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o our_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o have_v swear_v to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o novation_n already_o introduce_v etc._n etc._n till_o they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o no_o subscription_n aforesaid_a be_v any_o derogation_n to_o the_o true_a and_o sound_a meaning_n of_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o subscription_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o afterward_o withal_o warning_n and_o exhort_v all_o man_n who_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o cause_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n &_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n both_o to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n as_o it_o have_v be_v explain_v and_o necessary_o apply_v and_o as_o they_o love_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o hold_v back_o their_o hand_n from_o all_o other_o covenant_n till_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v convene_v and_o determine_v the_o present_a difference_n and_o division_n and_o preserve_v this_o country_n from_o contrary_a oath_n seven_o as_o his_o majesty_n royal_a clemency_n appear_v in_o forgive_a and_o forget_v what_o his_o majesty_n conceive_v to_o be_v a_o disorder_n or_o do_v amiss_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o any_o so_o be_v we_o very_o confident_a of_o his_o majesty_n approbation_n to_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o peaceablenesse_n of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n all_o this_o time_n past_a and_o therefore_o we_o protest_v that_o we_o still_o adhere_v to_o our_o former_a complaint_n protestation_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n mutual_a defence_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a so_o be_v they_o to_o we_o press_v with_o so_o many_o grievance_n in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n from_o this_o native_a kingdom_n most_o necessary_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o good_a office_n and_o pertinent_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o we_o trust_v at_o all_o occasion_n to_o make_v manifest_a to_o all_o good_a man_n especial_o to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n for_o who_o long_a and_o prosperous_a government_n that_o we_o may_v live_v a_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n we_o earnest_o pray_v whereupon_o a_o noble_a earl_n james_n earl_n of_o montrose_n etc._n etc._n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n m._n alexander_n gibson_n young_a of_o durie_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n george_n porterfield_n merchant_n burgess_n of_o glasgow_n in_o name_n of_o the_o burrowes_n m._n harry_n rollock_n minister_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o m._n archbald_n johnston_n reader_n hereof_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v within_o this_o kingdom_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o three_o notar_n present_a at_o the_o say_v mercate_z cross_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v environ_v with_o great_a number_n of_o the_o foresay_a nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burrows_n minister_n and_o commons_o before_o many_o hundred_o witness_n and_o crave_v the_o extract_n thereof_o and_o in_o token_n of_o their_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n confidence_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o innocence_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o hope_v of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a acceptance_n they_o offer_v in_o all_o humility_n with_o submiss_a reverence_n a_o copy_n thereof_o to_o the_o herald_n and_o now_o for_o trial_n of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v the_o reader_n may_v reflect_v upon_o these_o particular_n not_o far_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o aver_v that_o they_o do_v confident_o expect_v from_o we_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o be_v indict_v and_o that_o our_o commissioner_n promise_v to_o recommend_v unto_o we_o this_o their_o suit_n for_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n without_o prelimitation_n either_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o and_o do_v insinuate_v as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o give_v order_n for_o any_o such_o assembly_n in_o our_o declaration_n which_o every_o reader_n look_v upon_o our_o declaration_n may_v see_v to_o be_v most_o untrue_a for_o in_o it_o we_o give_v warrant_n to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o there_o either_o mention_n or_o meaning_n of_o any_o prelimitation_n though_o they_o themselves_o do_v use_v very_o many_o some_o whereof_o you_o have_v hear_v already_o and_o shall_v hear_v of_o more_o hereafter_o afterward_o they_o quarrel_n with_o our_o declaration_n for_o ascribe_v all_o the_o late_a distraction_n of_o this_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o their_o conceive_a fear_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o not_o to_o the_o innovation_n themselves_o no_o doubt_v a_o great_a crime_n that_o we_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o service_n book_n which_o be_v pen_v at_o first_o by_o those_o who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n be_v a_o introduction_n to_o popery_n and_o we_o do_v profess_v that_o we_o do_v discharge_v that_o book_n only_o to_o remove_v their_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o ease_v their_o pretend_a grievance_n nor_o can_v we_o condemn_v that_o book_n without_o condemn_v the_o service_n book_n of_o england_n for_o the_o covenanter_n argument_n strike_v alike_o at_o both_o then_o immediate_o after_o they_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o though_o we_o have_v discharge_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o pretend_a innovation_n and_o void_v all_o act_n make_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o rescind_v our_o former_a proclamation_n at_o sterling_n and_o edinburgh_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v content_v they_o unless_o we_o shall_v disgrace_v our_o own_o proclamation_n which_o do_v not_o any_o way_n establish_v or_o authorise_v the_o thing_n complain_v of_o nay_o more_o unless_o we_o will_v call_v back_o our_o own_o word_n which_o can_v be_v interpret_v to_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o they_o will_v force_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v make_v our_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v prejudge_v &_o in_o a_o suspicious_a undutiful_a and_o dangerous_a phrase_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v with_o who_o they_o be_v deal_v as_o if_o no_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o we_o next_o they_o quarrel_n with_o our_o discharge_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o article_n of_o perth_n but_o not_o the_o article_n themselves_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o act_n both_o of_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n and_o yet_o we_o dare_v say_v that_o they_o will_v hold_v it_o for_o a_o strange_a position_n if_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o prerogative_n to_o the_o disannul_n of_o any_o thing_n establish_v by_o these_o two_o judicatories_n nay_o if_o we_o and_o the_o parliament_n joint_o shall_v as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o offer_v to_o disannul_v any_o act_n of_o their_o general_n assembly_n so_o glad_a they_o be_v to_o quarrel_v with_o our_o declaration_n that_o in_o their_o eagerness_n they_o destroy_v their_o own_o ground_n their_o next_o cavil_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v as_o senseless_a as_o the_o former_a whereby_o they_o aver_v that_o our_o name_n of_o bishop_n in_o our_o proclamation_n for_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v a_o prelimitation_n of_o it_o because_o thereby_o we_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v unquestionable_o a_o office_n in_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o this_o they_o call_v a_o great_a prelimitation_n put_v upon_o the_o assembly_n but_o with_o what_o show_n of_o consequence_n we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v
sharp_a war_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v endure_v then_o the_o least_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n another_o in_o his_o sermon_n wish_v that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o bottomless_a boat_n at_o sea_n together_o for_o he_o can_v be_v well_o content_a to_o lose_v his_o life_n so_o they_o may_v lose_v they_o thousand_o more_o such_o beastly_a barbarous_a and_o profane_a speech_n be_v deliver_v by_o they_o not_o only_o in_o their_o pulpit_n but_o in_o their_o sermon_n for_o the_o reader_n must_v know_v that_o in_o these_o time_n of_o tumult_n where_o the_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o great_a multitude_n they_o do_v usual_o preach_v in_o common_a and_o profane_a place_n in_o room_n which_o be_v yet_o in_o building_n and_o not_o finish_v intend_v for_o lawyer_n to_o plead_v in_o in_o the_o hall_n of_o the_o tailor_n and_o other_o mechanical_a tradesman_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o some_o private_a house_n in_o the_o hall_n of_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o one_o sunday_n rollock_n be_v to_o preach_v but_o find_v the_o crowd_n of_o people_n to_o be_v too_o great_a for_o that_o place_n mount_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pair_n of_o stair_n which_o go_v up_o to_o a_o upper_a ground_n in_o a_o open_a place_n which_o be_v only_o cover_v by_o the_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o preach_v to_o a_o great_a troop_n or_o multitude_n who_o breath_n be_v the_o only_a air_n he_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o be_v shoot_v quite_o through_o the_o head_n with_o popularity_n other_o preach_v in_o the_o free-school_n at_o edinburgh_n where_o boy_n use_v to_o play_v and_o be_v punish_v if_o these_o speech_n and_o many_o as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o these_o and_o deliver_v in_o such_o place_n be_v fit_a to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o their_o covenant_n come_v from_o god_n the_o reader_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o they_o use_v for_o blind-folding_a the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n be_v their_o many_o false_a report_n which_o both_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n they_o vent_v among_o the_o people_n which_o their_o leader_n know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o be_v most_o false_a they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o bring_v in_o popery_n in_o all_o our_o kingdom_n or_o at_o least_o a_o toleration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v frame_v at_o rome_n and_o bring_v over_o by_o a_o countryman_n of_o they_o when_o they_o do_v know_v that_o every_o papist_n by_o the_o pope_n bull_n be_v prohibit_v to_o hear_v the_o service_n book_n read_v other_o preach_v that_o all_o england_n be_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o have_v good_a intelligence_n from_o hence_o that_o no_o man_n will_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o they_o another_o preach_v that_o no_o man_n will_v have_v protest_v against_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o for_o money_n and_o that_o none_o have_v protest_v but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v some_o when_o they_o do_v know_v that_o many_o have_v protest_v who_o have_v receive_v none_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o some_o poor_a minister_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o their_o benefice_n by_o they_o for_o adhere_v to_o we_o be_v petitioner_n to_o our_o commissioner_n for_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o necessitate_v he_o do_v a_o little_a relieve_v but_o some_o of_o that_o number_n be_v none_o of_o the_o protester_n and_o many_o who_o be_v protester_n be_v none_o of_o that_o number_n it_o be_v preach_v ordinary_o in_o their_o pulpit_n that_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n do_v ever_o intend_v to_o hold_v the_o general_a assembly_n or_o if_o we_o do_v hold_v it_o do_v never_o intend_v to_o perform_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n though_o they_o now_o know_v that_o we_o have_v perform_v both_o within_o these_o few_o day_n some_o desire_v the_o people_n public_o in_o their_o pulpit_n to_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n for_o that_o overthrow_n which_o the_o hollander_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spanish_a fleet_n before_o dunkirk_n assure_v their_o auditor_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o they_o than_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o spanish_a invasion_n in_o 88_o because_o all_o that_o fleet_n be_v prepare_v at_o our_o charge_n for_o their_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n beside_o many_o thousand_o more_o such_o report_n and_o counterfeit_a letter_n scatter_v by_o they_o of_o which_o some_o no_o doubt_n be_v devise_v by_o themselves_o whereby_o they_o keep_v our_o people_n in_o that_o ignorance_n in_o which_o at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o involve_v they_o now_o what_o a_o fearful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o man_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o place_n of_o these_o house_n of_o god_n which_o they_o call_v the_o chair_n of_o truth_n to_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o either_o they_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o do_v know_v to_o be_v false_a beside_o these_o dictate_v of_o the_o minister_n the_o lay-elder_n since_o they_o come_v to_o think_v themselves_o ecclesiastical_a person_n for_o so_o now_o they_o do_v and_o will_v not_o be_v call_v lay_v but_o ruling-elders_a they_o have_v find_v new_a inspiration_n and_o deliver_v doctrine_n as_o like_v their_o divine_n as_o may_v be_v one_o of_o they_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o rehearse_v a_o ancient_a knight_n and_o a_o lay-elder_n intrude_v himself_o and_o his_o fellow_n upon_o a_o presbytery_n for_o choose_v the_o minister_n commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n not_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o out_o though_o they_o earnest_o desire_v it_o fall_v to_o entreat_v these_o lay-elder_n that_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o intrude_v themselves_o in_o their_o election_n they_o will_v have_v a_o special_a care_n to_o choose_v the_o able_a minister_n and_o who_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o moderation_n and_o peaceable_a course_n because_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o such_o commissioner_n the_o old_a knight_n in_o great_a zeal_n reply_v that_o whosoever_o at_o this_o time_n give_v his_o voice_n to_o a_o moderate_a or_o peaceable_a mind_a minister_n he_o be_v a_o betrayer_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n because_o these_o time_n require_v no_o lukewarm_a commissioner_n which_o barbarous_a and_o unchristian_a speech_n of_o his_o be_v relate_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o the_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v censure_v as_o it_o be_v approve_v for_o a_o high_a and_o heroical_a ejaculation_n the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o they_o have_v pervert_v our_o people_n and_o continue_v they_o in_o their_o disobedience_n to_o we_o and_o our_o law_n have_v be_v their_o strange_a and_o damnable_a position_n whereby_o they_o have_v empoison_v our_o subject_n some_o whereof_o we_o shall_v now_o declare_v unto_o you_o first_o what_o subject_n do_v of_o their_o own_o head_n be_v much_o better_a than_o what_o they_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n the_o one_o savour_v of_o constraint_n but_o the_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n this_o proposition_n be_v deliver_v in_o their_o protestation_n bear_v date_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n 1638._o make_v against_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n it_o be_v in_o their_o five_o reason_n against_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n urge_v by_o us._n a_o second_o the_o parliament_n power_n do_v no_o more_o reach_n to_o the_o place_n of_o officer_n original_o in_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v statesman_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n this_o position_n be_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o our_o commissioner_n declaration_n concern_v our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o command_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v subscribe_v where_o they_o have_v add_v the_o word_n original_o only_a to_o puzzle_v the_o reader_n for_o certain_o their_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v no_o power_n for_o confirm_v of_o officer_n place_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o no_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o that_o kingdom_n do_v make_v any_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n original_o but_o only_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v such_o as_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o church_n in_o her_o general_a assembly_n a_o three_o position_n be_v this_o the_o parliament_n can_v make_v no_o law_n at_o all_o concern_v the_o church_n but_o only_o ratify_v what_o the_o church_n decree_v and_o after_o it_o have_v ratify_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prohibit_v it_o and_o repeal_v that_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n all_o
the_o subject_n be_v discharge_v from_o yield_a obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o either_o make_v any_o such_o law_n or_o ratify_v any_o such_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n this_o position_n they_o deliver_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o 5._o reason_n in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o will_v be_v well_o weigh_v a_o four_o position_n be_v this_o the_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o discharge_v all_o subscription_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n command_v to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v interpret_v by_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n so_o leave_v we_o no_o power_n at_o all_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n which_o all_o reform_a church_n give_v their_o prince_n according_a to_o god_n law_n this_o position_n be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o conclusion_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o reason_n a_o five_o position_n be_v this_o the_o assembly_n without_o we_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a fit_n to_o interpret_v and_o explain_v all_o doubt_n arise_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n command_v by_o we_o which_o they_o put_v in_o practice_n by_o explicate_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n against_o our_o own_o meaning_n and_o after_o we_o have_v dissolve_v the_o assembly_n this_o position_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o conclusion_n after_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o reason_n a_o six_o position_n be_v this_o though_o the_o law_n be_v interpret_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v interpret_v in_o a_o sense_n dislike_v by_o most_o of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o who_o good_a the_o law_n be_v make_v may_v crave_v the_o lawful_a redress_n of_o the_o grievance_n sustain_v by_o that_o law_n this_o position_n be_v in_o the_o five_o of_o their_o ten_o article_n propound_v before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o strange_a position_n that_o they_o shall_v crave_v redress_n of_o a_o law_n and_o before_o a_o parliament_n which_o only_o can_v redress_v it_o and_o though_o they_o call_v it_o a_o crave_v to_o redress_v it_o yet_o they_o mean_v a_o actual_a redress_v of_o it_o for_o they_o before_o a_o parliament_n be_v at_o this_o time_n indict_v have_v actual_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o stand_v upon_o their_o justification_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v so_o the_o seven_o position_n be_v this_o the_o assembly_n be_v independent_a either_o from_o king_n or_o parliament_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a this_o position_n be_v in_o their_o protestation_n against_o our_o proclamation_n of_o the_o 18._o of_o december_n 1638._o in_o their_o three_o reason_n against_o our_o gracious_a offer_n deliver_v into_o the_o assembly_n by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o be_v a_o position_n deliver_v not_o only_o in_o the_o sense_n but_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o jesuit_n the_o other_o position_n follow_v general_o disperse_v throughout_o their_o protestation_n and_o pamphlet_n be_v so_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v they_o as_o the_o particular_a cytation_n of_o they_o may_v be_v forbear_v such_o as_o be_v these_o follow_v a_o eight_o position_n be_v that_o in_o all_o matter_n determine_v in_o a_o assembly_n we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v no_o further_o interest_n in_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o those_o conclude_v by_o they_o against_o act_n of_o parliament_n establish_v by_o we_o and_o our_o three_o estate_n nay_o though_o they_o concern_v secular_a business_n as_o make_v of_o salt_n and_o fish_v for_o salmon_n on_o sunday_n change_v of_o market_n from_o one_o day_n in_o the_o week_n to_o another_o and_o such_o like_a for_o in_o their_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n they_o have_v determine_v of_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o index_n of_o their_o acts._n they_o will_v not_o find_v many_o papist_n who_o have_v say_v so_o much_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o any_o jesuit_n which_o have_v say_v more_o a_o nine_o position_n be_v this_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n and_o combination_n without_o the_o king_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o the_o king_n and_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o though_o by_o two_o act_n of_o parliament_n before_o cite_v all_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v either_o contriver_n of_o or_o adherer_n to_o any_o such_o league_n be_v punishable_a with_o death_n a_o ten_o position_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o themselves_o sit_v in_o a_o assembly_n to_o indict_v a_o new_a assembly_n without_o our_o consent_n as_o they_o have_v now_o indict_v a_o new_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v in_o july_n next_o or_o out_o of_o the_o assembly_n when_o they_o please_v as_o they_o profess_v that_o now_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o we_o have_v not_o indict_v one_o though_o this_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o against_o two_o act_n of_o parliament_n before_o cite_v a_o eleven_o position_n be_v this_o if_o subject_n be_v call_v before_o we_o and_o our_o council_n for_o any_o misdemeanour_n if_o they_o who_o be_v call_v do_v any_o way_n conceive_v that_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o they_o be_v call_v do_v concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o wonder_v it_o be_v if_o any_o cause_n can_v be_v find_v which_o do_v not_o concern_v one_o of_o these_o two_o than_o they_o may_v appeal_v from_o we_o and_o our_o council_n to_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n before_o these_o appeal_n be_v either_o hear_v or_o discuss_v they_o may_v disobey_v we_o and_o our_o council_n although_o by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n before_o cite_v it_o be_v express_o make_v treason_n and_o the_o minister_n who_o appeal_v from_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n be_v upon_o that_o act_n arraign_v and_o find_v guilty_a of_o treason_n the_o twelve_o position_n be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v entreat_v to_o indict_v a_o general_a assembly_n it_o be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o our_o indiction_n but_o rather_o to_o do_v we_o honour_n and_o to_o beget_v some_o countenance_n to_o their_o proceed_n allege_v that_o the_o power_n of_o indiction_n be_v in_o we_o but_o cumulatiuè_fw-la not_o privatiuè_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v refuse_v than_o that_o power_n be_v suppletiuè_fw-la in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v always_o say_v they_o in_o all_o other_o case_n if_o the_o prince_n shall_v either_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n nor_o be_v they_o ashamed_a to_o aver_v that_o all_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v original_o in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n by_o they_o confer_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n upon_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prince_n shall_v omit_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n he_o either_o fall_v from_o his_o right_n or_o his_o right_n be_v interrupt_v until_o he_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o sovereign_n right_a and_o authority_n do_v return_v to_o and_o remain_v with_o the_o people_n from_o who_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o derive_v upon_o the_o prince_n a_o pretty_a matter_n it_o be_v if_o prince_n crown_n and_o sovereignty_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o notionall_a and_o pedantical_a distinction_n and_o wonder_v it_o be_v that_o these_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o popery_n in_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v borrow_v the_o very_a word_n and_o term_n of_o this_o ridiculous_a distinction_n from_o the_o jesuit_n which_o distinction_n if_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v use_v in_o those_o primitive_a and_o pure_a counsel_n of_o the_o church_n all_o of_o which_o be_v only_o call_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o in_o which_o all_o matter_n be_v order_v and_o dispose_v by_o their_o precedent_n and_o deputy_n it_o will_v have_v make_v those_o emperor_n out_o of_o love_n with_o the_o counsel_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v never_o rob_v of_o that_o special_a prerogative_n of_o their_o crown_n until_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o their_o tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n and_o by_o animate_v and_o arm_v their_o own_o subject_n against_o they_o dispossess_v they_o of_o it_o and_o now_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n be_v repossess_v of_o it_o again_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o that_o very_a particular_a be_v by_o many_o of_o our_o act_n of_o parliament_n exclude_v wonder_v it_o be_v to_o see_v these_o man_n take_v upon_o themselves_o that_o usurp_v and_o cashier_v papal_a authority_n the_o thirteen_o position_n be_v this_o if_o we_o or_o
after_o our_o advice_n by_o our_o letter_n and_o instruction_n to_o the_o rest_n at_o home_n and_o after_o many_o humble_a advertisement_n and_o remonstrance_n make_v from_o they_o to_o we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o alteration_n which_o they_o do_v conceive_v will_v remove_v divers_a difficulty_n which_o otherwise_o they_o fear_v this_o book_n will_v encounter_v with_o we_o be_v content_v that_o the_o service_n book_n shall_v come_v out_o as_o now_o it_o be_v print_v be_v full_o like_v by_o they_o and_o sign_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o peruse_v approve_v and_o publish_v by_o our_o royal_a command_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o perusal_n and_o approbation_n whereof_o we_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o small_a alteration_n of_o it_o in_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o english_a service_n book_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v will_v best_o comply_v with_o the_o mind_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o we_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v have_v take_v some_o offence_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v tender_v they_o the_o english_a service_n book_n totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la and_o that_o some_o factious_a spirit_n will_v have_v endeavour_v to_o have_v misconstrue_v it_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o dependence_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o this_o of_o england_n which_o we_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o law_n and_o liberty_n we_o hold_v it_o fit_a that_o a_o new_a book_n shall_v be_v compose_v by_o their_o own_o bishop_n in_o substance_n not_o differ_v from_o this_o of_o england_n that_o so_o the_o roman_a party_n may_v not_o upbraid_v we_o with_o any_o weighty_a or_o material_a difference_n in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o few_o insensible_a alteration_n differ_v from_o it_o that_o it_o may_v true_o and_o just_o be_v repute_v a_o book_n of_o that_o church_n own_o compose_v and_o establish_v by_o our_o royal_a authority_n as_o king_n of_o scotland_n and_o thus_o conceive_v we_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o religious_a king_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o gracious_a prince_n in_o accommodate_v this_o book_n so_o that_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o have_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o any_o intend_a dependency_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o this_o we_o send_v home_o the_o book_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n after_o their_o receipt_n &_o consideration_n of_o it_o we_o by_o their_o advice_n and_o they_o by_o our_o authority_n command_v by_o public_a proclamation_n that_o the_o say_a book_n shall_v be_v public_o read_v and_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v begin_v to_o be_v practise_v upon_o easter_n next_o 1637._o disobedience_n to_o this_o our_o proclamation_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v because_o this_o service-book_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n unto_o they_o for_o it_o not_o differ_v from_o the_o english_a service-book_n in_o any_o material_a point_n and_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o english_a liturgy_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v displease_v to_o they_o do_v likewise_o conceive_v that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v as_o little_o dislike_v by_o they_o now_o the_o reason_n induce_v we_o to_o a_o belief_n of_o their_o not_o mislike_v the_o english_a liturgy_n be_v these_o first_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n of_o all_o sort_n daily_o resort_v to_o our_o court_n and_o the_o city_n of_o london_n do_v much_o frequent_a our_o chapel_n many_o other_o church_n in_o or_o about_o the_o city_n and_o many_o church_n during_o their_o stay_n here_o at_o the_o several_a place_n of_o our_o residence_n and_o many_o other_o church_n within_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o their_o way_n both_o hither_o and_o homeward_o in_o all_o which_o church_n they_o do_v behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n with_o that_o reverence_n as_o other_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v without_o any_o dislike_n of_o it_o or_o quarrel_v against_o it_o now_o these_o who_o resort_v hither_o be_v for_o quantity_n and_o number_n very_o considerable_a and_o for_o quality_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o very_o best_a give_v we_o more_o than_o a_o probable_a assurance_n that_o at_o home_n they_o will_v never_o account_v that_o absolute_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v since_o profess_v unto_o which_o they_o have_v here_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n by_o their_o practice_n yield_v obedience_n for_o neither_o municipal_a law_n nor_o variation_n of_o time_n or_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o circumstance_n can_v allow_v we_o to_o practice_v that_o which_o we_o hold_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a antichristian_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o in_o our_o own_o chapel_n at_o haly-rud-house_n ever_o since_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1617._o the_o english_a liturgy_n have_v be_v read_v and_o according_a to_o it_o divine_a service_n sing_v and_o say_v as_o it_o be_v here_o say_v and_o sing_v in_o our_o chapel_n in_o england_n not_o only_o without_o dislike_n but_o with_o frequent_a assembly_n of_o our_o council_n nobility_n bishop_n &_o other_o clergy_n of_o all_o sort_n judge_n gentry_n burgess_n woman_n of_o all_o rank_n the_o bishop_n or_o some_o of_o they_o never_o give_v order_n which_o they_o do_v frequent_o but_o they_o use_v the_o english_a service-book_n &_o in_o some_o cathedral_n church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n as_o also_o in_o the_o new_a college_n of_o the_o university_n of_o s._n andrew_n for_o some_o year_n of_o late_a it_o be_v public_o read_v without_o any_o distaste_n much_o less_o disturbance_n for_o divers_a year_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o family_n and_o at_o our_o last_o be_v in_o that_o kingdom_n it_o be_v read_v public_o in_o all_o church_n to_o which_o we_o resort_v in_o which_o great_a number_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v present_a all_o which_o give_v we_o good_a reason_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o command_a of_o this_o book_n by_o our_o authority_n can_v not_o in_o any_o true_a sense_n be_v call_v or_o account_v a_o innovation_n all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o very_o many_o of_o those_o of_o all_o rank_n who_o now_o inveigh_v most_o bitter_o against_o it_o have_v be_v so_o accustom_v to_o it_o and_o acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o dislike_n of_o it_o or_o complaint_n against_o it_o three_o we_o confess_v that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o service-book_n be_v in_o substance_n all_o one_o with_o this_o of_o england_n can_v not_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o to_o contain_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n popery_n or_o superstition_n as_o since_o they_o have_v pretend_v be_v this_o we_o do_v foresee_v that_o all_o objection_n bend_v that_o way_n must_v needs_o strike_v at_o the_o english_a service-book_n aswell_o as_o at_o that_o and_o indeed_o all_o of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v preach_v or_o publish_v against_o that_o book_n do_v so_o but_o we_o do_v then_o and_o do_v still_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o can_v charge_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o these_o thing_n object_v upon_o the_o english_a service-book_n for_o since_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o the_o composer_n &_o framer_n of_o the_o english_a service-book_n be_v those_o very_a famous_a bishop_n &_o other_o who_o in_o queen_n mary_n her_o day_n deliver_v up_o their_o live_a body_n to_o the_o fire_n or_o escape_v the_o fire_n endure_v banishment_n &_o only_o because_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o popery_n and_o superstition_n how_o these_o man_n now_o who_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n they_o hold_v to_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n of_o the_o church_n for_o resist_v even_o to_o blood_n idolatry_n popery_n and_o superstition_n can_v with_o any_o conscience_n or_o honesty_n be_v charge_v by_o these_o man_n with_o compile_v of_o a_o book_n stuff_v full_a with_o idolatry_n popery_n and_o superstition_n it_o require_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n to_o apprehend_v and_o beside_o it_o will_v be_v make_v good_a that_o more_o of_o the_o bishop_n and_o learned_a clergy_n of_o england_n both_o for_o number_n and_o weight_n have_v oppose_v superstition_n and_o popery_n then_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beside_o who_o all_o of_o they_o have_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o english_a liturgy_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v suppose_v it_o to_o contain_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n these_o now_o be_v the_o ground_n which_o incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o service-book_n authorize_v by_o we_o for_o
occasion_v their_o celestial_a covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v so_o high_o extol_v by_o their_o preacher_n that_o they_o assure_v their_o auditor_n that_o their_o memorial_n shall_v be_v eternal_a who_o before_o they_o have_v call_v the_o scum_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o base_a multitude_n and_o that_o all_o succeed_a generation_n shall_v call_v they_o bless_v these_o high_a fly_v speech_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a extravagant_a strain_n both_o in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o out_o of_o they_o immediate_o after_o the_o first_o tumult_n and_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v bestow_v and_o that_o not_o spare_o upon_o that_o multitude_n which_o not_o long_o before_o they_o call_v base_a and_o rascal_n but_o no_o wonder_n for_o many_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n have_v succeed_v that_o multitude_n in_o the_o same_o madness_n they_o must_v needs_o now_o give_v they_o new_a high_a and_o heroical_a title_n such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v give_v to_o themselves_o now_o act_v their_o part_n for_o now_o their_o own_o action_n come_v next_o upon_o the_o stage_n to_o be_v view_v and_o judge_v all_o business_n now_o for_o a_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v hush_v and_o calm_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a vacation_n which_o in_o that_o kingdom_n begin_v always_o on_o lammas_n day_n and_o the_o harvest_n which_o draw_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n from_o edinburgh_n except_o the_o citizen_n so_o that_o little_a or_o nothing_o be_v do_v between_o the_o last_o of_o july_n and_o first_o of_o october_n save_v that_o some_o minister_n petition_v the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n for_o suspend_v the_o letter_n whereby_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o receive_v the_o service_n book_n and_o that_o they_o of_o edinburgh_n begin_v a_o little_a by_o the_o instigation_n of_o their_o two_o silence_a minister_n to_o relent_v of_o their_o former_a forwardness_n for_o receive_v the_o say_a book_n and_o to_o repent_v themselves_o of_o their_o too_o eager_a condemn_v the_o raiser_n of_o the_o first_o insurrection_n and_o present_v to_o our_o council_n on_o the_o 26._o of_o september_n a_o petition_n humble_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v press_v with_o the_o service_n book_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o former_a undertake_n but_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n until_o our_o pleasure_n be_v further_o know_v which_o petition_n as_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o present_v by_o the_o example_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o rank_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o harvest_n be_v do_v the_o conflux_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o our_o subject_n nobility_n gentry_n minister_n and_o burgess_n from_o all_o part_n of_o that_o kingdom_n come_v to_o be_v so_o great_a at_o edinburgh_n and_o after_o such_o a_o tumultuous_a manner_n as_o that_o a_o present_a insurrection_n be_v just_o fear_v which_o force_v our_o council_n assemble_v then_o at_o edinburgh_n upon_o the_o day_n before_o appoint_v by_o they_o viz._n the_o xvij_o of_o october_n 1637._o to_o make_v three_o proclamation_n the_o first_o to_o give_v notice_n that_o on_o that_o day_n nothing_o shall_v be_v treat_v of_o at_o the_o council_n table_n concern_v church_n business_n until_o the_o lord_n may_v see_v the_o time_n and_o meeting_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a and_o therefore_o command_v all_o who_o be_v come_v thither_o about_o any_o such_o business_n peaceable_o to_o repair_v to_o their_o own_o home_n within_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n under_o the_o pain_n express_v in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n a_o second_o for_o remove_v the_o session_n which_o be_v here_o in_o england_n call_v the_o term_n from_o edinburgh_n to_o lithcow_n for_o fear_n of_o present_a danger_n if_o this_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n shall_v not_o some_o way_n be_v divert_v and_o divide_v especial_o consider_v that_o those_o of_o edinburgh_n be_v now_o apparent_o pervert_v and_o become_v very_o evil_a affect_v to_o our_o and_o our_o counsel_n course_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n a_o three_o for_o bring_v in_o and_o burn_a a_o certain_a seditious_a book_n new_o disperse_v among_o our_o subject_n there_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o the_o disgrace_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a government_n here_o in_o england_n the_o three_o proclamation_n be_v here_o insert_v apud_fw-la edinburgh_n 17._o octob._n 1637._o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v the_o king_n majesty_n upon_o divers_a good_a respect_n and_o consideration_n to_o give_v warrant_n and_o direction_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n for_o dissolve_v the_o meeting_n of_o this_o council_n day_n in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v come_v to_o attend_v this_o business_n repair_n to_o their_o own_o dwelling_n except_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o council_n just_a cause_n of_o stay_n for_o their_o particular_a affair_n therefore_o the_o say_a lord_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n special_a warrant_n and_o direction_n send_v unto_o they_o have_v dissolve_v and_o by_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o do_v dissolve_v the_o meeting_n of_o this_o council_n day_n in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o business_n above_o write_v and_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 to_o make_v publication_n hereof_o and_o to_o command_v every_o one_o that_o have_v come_v hither_o to_o attend_v this_o business_n to_o repair_v home_o to_o their_o own_o dwelling_n within_o 24._o hour_n after_o the_o publication_n hereof_o except_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n just_a cause_n of_o their_o further_a particular_a affair_n in_o manner_n aforesaid_a under_o the_o pain_n of_o rebellion_n and_o put_v they_o off_o to_o the_o horn_n with_o certification_n to_o they_o that_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o shall_v be_v denounce_v rebel_n and_o put_v to_o the_o horn_n and_o all_o their_o movable_a good_n escheat_n to_o his_o majesty_n use_n apud_fw-la edinburgh_n 17._o octob._n 1637._o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v the_o king_n majesty_n upon_o divers_a great_a and_o good_a consideration_n know_v to_o his_o majesty_n to_o remove_v his_o council_n and_o session_n from_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o the_o burgh_n of_o dundie_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a at_o this_o time_n to_o remove_v it_o so_o far_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v that_o this_o next_o session_n shall_v be_v hold_v at_o the_o burgh_n of_o linlithgow_n and_o the_o next_o after_o the_o ordinary_a vacant_n at_o the_o burgh_n of_o dundie_n and_o there_o to_o remain_v during_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n and_o therefore_o the_o say_a lord_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n special_a direction_n ordain_v maissar_n or_o officer_n of_o arm_n to_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o to_o all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o all_o place_n needful_a whereby_o they_o can_v pretend_v no_o ignorance_n thereof_o but_o may_v prepare_v themselves_o to_o attend_v at_o linlithgow_n and_o dundie_n according_o apud_fw-la edinburgh_n octob._n 17._o 1637._o forasmuch_o as_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v credible_o inform_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a book_n entitle_v a_o dispute_n against_o the_o english_a popish_a ceremony_n obtrude_v upon_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o have_v be_v send_v abroad_o and_o disperse_v in_o this_o kingdom_n purposely_o to_o stir_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o subject_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o allegiance_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v please_v his_o majesty_n to_o give_v order_n and_o direction_n to_o his_o council_n that_o diligent_a inquiry_n and_o search_n be_v make_v for_o the_o say_a book_n and_o for_o this_o effect_n the_o say_a lord_n ordain_v letter_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o make_v intimation_n and_o publication_n to_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n that_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v any_o of_o the_o say_a book_n bring_v in_o the_o same_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n betwixt_o the_o date_n of_o this_o proclamation_n and_o the_o day_n of_o and_o the_o say_a book_n be_v bring_v in_o that_o the_o same_o be_v public_o burn_v certify_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n if_o any_o of_o those_o book_n shall_v be_v find_v or_o know_v to_o have_v be_v with_o any_o of_o they_o after_o the_o time_n aforesaid_a that_o they_o shall_v incur_v the_o like_a censure_n and_o punishment_n as_o the_o author_n may_v be_v find_v to_o deserve_v for_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o that_o book_n and_o whether_o we_o and_o our_o council_n be_v not_o just_o necessitate_v to_o these_o proclamation_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o high_a time_n to_o require_v obedience_n to_o they_o though_o none_o be_v yield_v let_v
man_n before_o his_o father_n that_o confess_v he_o before_o man_n all_o of_o these_o and_o each_o of_o they_o beside_o your_o lordship_n personal_a and_o particular_a obligation_n to_o god_n do_v call_v for_o no_o less_o at_o your_o lordship_n hand_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o great_a and_o singular_a necessity_n and_o we_o also_o do_v expect_v so_o much_o at_o this_o time_n according_a as_o your_o lordship_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n will_v be_v free_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n and_o be_v refresh_v with_o the_o comfortable_a remembrance_n of_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n for_o christ_n jesus_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n our_o commissioner_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n resolve_v to_o publish_v our_o gracious_a declaration_n for_o relieve_v of_o their_o grievance_n and_o satisfy_v our_o people_n in_o our_o forwardness_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o our_o averseness_n from_o popery_n which_o they_o of_o the_o covenanter_n table_n have_v notice_n of_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n afraid_a that_o our_o people_n shall_v receive_v any_o satisfaction_n from_o we_o or_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o reasonable_a proffer_n of_o favour_n do_v mighty_o repine_v at_o come_v to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o wish_v he_o for_o our_o honour_n his_o own_o safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o public_a not_o to_o make_v any_o such_o declaration_n which_o undoubted_o will_v be_v encounter_v with_o a_o protestation_n and_o that_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o will_v be_v displease_v to_o he_o and_o make_v the_o publish_n of_o that_o declaration_n be_v find_v disserviceable_a unto_o us._n our_o commissioner_n be_v perplex_v with_o these_o unexpected_a and_o dangerous_a difficulty_n resolve_v by_o fair_a proceed_n to_o gain_n so_o much_o time_n until_o he_o may_v make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o receive_v our_o answer_n and_o instruction_n concern_v they_o in_o his_o letter_n of_o advice_n he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o danger_n threaten_v if_o he_o shall_v publish_v our_o declaration_n which_o though_o he_o know_v to_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n yet_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o member_n to_o understand_v it_o so_o two_o thing_n he_o desire_v of_o we_o one_o that_o in_o case_n we_o continue_v in_o our_o resolution_n of_o publish_v our_o declaration_n we_o will_v be_v please_v to_o sweeten_v it_o with_o this_o further_a favour_n as_o to_o restore_v to_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o sit_v of_o our_o council_n our_o session_n and_o all_o other_o court_n of_o justice_n which_o he_o conceive_v will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o our_o councillor_n judge_n to_o all_o advocate_n and_o all_o dependent_n upon_o the_o law_n to_o all_o our_o subject_n which_o have_v business_n depend_v in_o any_o of_o these_o court_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n which_o complain_v much_o of_o their_o be_v impoverish_v by_o absence_n of_o these_o court_n and_o that_o this_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o most_o probable_a persuasion_n for_o reclaim_v they_o to_o their_o former_a obedience_n next_o that_o we_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o take_v a_o journey_n unto_o we_o though_o he_o shall_v return_v present_o that_o he_o may_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o new_a emergency_n of_o business_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v convenient_o express_v in_o letter_n and_o so_o according_o receive_v instruction_n from_o we_o for_o his_o carriage_n to_o which_o letter_n of_o advice_n we_o do_v return_v by_o a_o speedy_a dispatch_n this_o answer_n that_o we_o will_v have_v our_o declaration_n no_o long_o delay_v but_o command_v he_o present_o to_o publish_v it_o because_o we_o will_v not_o whatsoever_o the_o event_n shall_v be_v have_v our_o people_n bar_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o gracious_a intention_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o which_o we_o do_v see_v the_o leader_n of_o they_o study_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o suppress_v and_o that_o at_o his_o entreaty_n we_o be_v content_v that_o all_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n shall_v present_o begin_v to_o sit_v again_o at_o edinburgh_n for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o his_o letter_n and_o in_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v of_o that_o city_n which_o otherwise_o by_o their_o misdemeanour_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o such_o favour_n from_o we_o and_o withal_o after_o the_o dispatch_n of_o these_o two_o that_o we_o be_v content_v he_o shall_v repair_v to_o we_o as_o he_o desire_v whensoever_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o convenient_a take_v first_o order_n with_o our_o council_n for_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n until_o his_o return_n this_o answer_n of_o we_o so_o soon_o as_o our_o commissioner_n receive_v he_o assemble_v our_o council_n and_o make_v they_o acquaint_v with_o it_o who_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o bring_v back_o of_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n to_o edinburgh_n that_o present_o they_o send_v unto_o we_o a_o letter_n of_o thanks_o of_o this_o tenor_n most_o sacred_a sovereign_n the_o marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n your_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v impart_v unto_o we_o your_o majesty_n gracious_a pleasure_n and_o allowance_n that_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o council_n of_o session_n and_o other_o shall_v be_v return_v to_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n thereupon_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n be_v present_a order_n be_v give_v for_o publication_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a and_o that_o the_o like_a publication_n shall_v be_v make_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n at_o all_o public_a place_n this_o have_v give_v so_o great_a contentment_n to_o all_o your_o majesty_n subject_n that_o we_o can_v express_v with_o what_o dutiful_a respect_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n for_o your_o majesty_n they_o have_v embrace_v this_o great_a and_o undeserved_a favour_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o we_o conceive_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o acquaint_v your_o majesty_n herewith_o and_o withal_o to_o render_v to_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o this_o so_o great_a grace_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o hope_v shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o good_a of_o your_o majesty_n service_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o country_n for_o the_o which_o we_o all_z your_o majesty_n good_a subject_n shall_v ever_o be_v most_o thankful_a and_o all_o in_o duty_n bind_v to_o pray_v for_o your_o majesty_n long_a and_o happy_a reign_n holy-rood-house_n july_n 2._o 1638._o subscribitur_fw-la traquaire_n roxbrugh_n mar_n morton_n winton_n lithgow_n wigtonne_n kingorne_n hadinton_n lauderdaile_n kinoul_n southesk_n lorne_n naper_n dalyell_n ihay_n ja_n carmithaell_n thomas_n hop_v john_n hamilton_n and_o according_o our_o commissioner_n cause_v proclamation_n to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n for_o the_o first_o sit_v down_o of_o the_o session_n there_o the_o tuesday_n follow_v be_v the_o three_o of_o july_n 1638._o which_o be_v receive_v with_o such_o joy_n by_o the_o judge_n advocate_n and_o all_o other_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n but_o above_o all_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o citizen_n of_o edinburgh_n that_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n do_v then_o well_o hope_v all_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v well_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o next_o proclamation_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n which_o undoubted_o they_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v not_o only_o divert_v but_o pervert_v by_o those_o man_n who_o interpret_v every_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o subject_n receive_v from_o we_o to_o be_v a_o divide_v and_o pull_v they_o away_o from_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o quick_o cast_v about_o to_o find_v out_o some_o mean_n how_o this_o our_o special_a favour_n may_v not_o be_v resent_v by_o they_o which_o be_v this_o they_o assure_v their_o follower_n that_o there_o be_v two_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n viz._n sir_n robert_n spotswood_n precedent_n of_o the_o same_o and_o sir_n john_n hay_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n answerable_a to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o roll_n here_o in_o england_n swear_v enemy_n to_o their_o covenant_n well_o affect_v to_o episcopal_a government_n procurer_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o pretend_a innovation_n that_o unless_o these_o two_o be_v present_o remove_v from_o our_o session_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a intend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o bring_n of_o it_o back_o to_o edinburgh_n and_o therefore_o advise_v they_o to_o send_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o desire_v that_o these_o two_o our_o judge_n may_v present_o be_v remove_v from_o that_o court_n not_o that_o they_o who_o put_v this_o in_o their_o
state_n excuse_v our_o uncessant_a and_o importune_a call_n for_o these_o present_a remedy_n do_v insinuate_v the_o continuance_n and_o execution_n of_o any_o pretend_a law_n for_o these_o innovation_n of_o worship_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n government_n and_o civil_a place_n of_o churchman_n which_o by_o our_o covenant_n we_o have_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o forbear_v and_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o he_o will_v call_v in_o his_o best_a convenience_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o and_o this_o other_o end_n of_o satisfy_v his_o subject_n judgement_n anent_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n do_v condemn_v all_o our_o former_a proceed_n even_o our_o supplicate_a complain_v protest_v subscribe_v of_o our_o covenant_n together_o and_o our_o continual_a meeting_n as_o great_a disorder_n increase_v of_o disorder_n deserve_v just_o a_o powerful_a rather_o than_o a_o persuasive_a way_n a_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n a_o perish_v in_o our_o fault_n a_o blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v threaten_v &_o denounce_v now_o once_o for_o all_o if_o we_o be_v not_o hearty_o satisfy_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o our_o obedience_n after_o this_o declaration_n but_o continue_v as_o by_o our_o former_a proceed_n to_o draw_v on_o our_o own_o ruin_n that_o albeit_o unwilling_o he_o must_v make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o for_o reclaim_v of_o so_o disobedient_a people_n therefore_o we_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o this_o land_n be_v force_v and_o compel_v out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a country_n ourselves_o and_o our_o posterity_n lest_o our_o silence_n shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_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 and_o salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n and_o proceed_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o solemn_a oath_n of_o our_o nation_n covenant_n with_o god_n to_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o protest_v primo_n that_o we_o do_v and_o will_v constant_o adhere_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n to_o the_o say_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n use_v of_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o innovation_n introduce_v therein_o either_o of_o old_a or_o of_o late_a secundo_fw-la we_o potest_fw-la that_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o grievance_n supplication_n and_o protestation_n give_v in_o at_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o to_o our_o late_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n and_o other_o lawful_a proceed_n against_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n as_o main_a innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o full_a of_o popish_a superstition_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o against_o the_o high_a commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a establish_a contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o destructive_a of_o other_o lawful_a judicatories_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o manner_n of_o introduction_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n can_v be_v any_o way_n rectify_v but_o absolute_o discharge_v tertio_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o we_o adhere_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o god_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o clause_n particular_o therein_o express_v and_o general_o contain_v and_o to_o our_o last_o article_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n draw_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o all_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o manner_n of_o remedy_n therein_o desire_v quarto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o this_o proclamation_n or_o act_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o act_n or_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o by_o subscription_n or_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o precondemnation_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o carriage_n before_o the_o same_o be_v lawful_o hear_v and_o try_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n to_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n or_o any_o certification_n or_o threaten_v therein_o denounce_v shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o to_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n pursuit_n mutual_a defence_n nor_o to_o our_o person_n and_o estate_n and_o shall_v no_o way_n be_v disgraceful_a either_o in_o reality_n or_o opinion_n at_o home_o or_o abroad_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o any_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o subscription_n of_o the_o council_n carry_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o declaration_n and_o condemnation_n of_o our_o proceed_n indicta_fw-la causa_fw-la be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_n &_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a &_o null_a as_o here_o before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o offer_v to_o clear_v &_o to_o verify_v both_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n and_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o act_n against_o we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o first_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n &_o parliament_n of_o the_o estate_n unto_o who_o with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a we_o do_v public_o appeal_v quinto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o see_v our_o former_a supplication_n last_o article_n &_o our_o last_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n which_o petition_v for_o the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n &_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n &_o of_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o hear_v the_o desire_n ease_v the_o grievance_n &_o settle_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o delay_v &_o in_o effect_n refuse_v to_o wit_n once_o for_o all_o till_o his_o majesty_n conveniency_n for_o the_o end_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o we_o continue_v by_o their_o present_n to_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n again_o and_o again_o for_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o same_o and_o whatsoever_o trouble_n or_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o land_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o want_v of_o these_o ordinary_a remedy_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o of_o these_o innovation_n &_o evil_n contrary_a to_o our_o supplication_n article_n &_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o beg_v these_o lawful_a remedy_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o &_o every_o one_o of_o we_o one_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n foresay_a authority_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n &_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o &_o against_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a invasion_n menace_v in_o this_o proclamation_n like_a as_o that_o in_o the_o great_a exigencie_n of_o the_o church_n necessitate_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinary_a and_o lawful_a remedy_n for_o settle_v the_o commotion_n thereof_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v leasome_a unto_o we_o to_o appoint_v hold_v and_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n our_o lawful_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n agreeble_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o the_o like_a case_n sexto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n confession_n meeting_n proceed_n and_o mutual_a defence_n of_o every_o one_o another_o in_o this_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_o mean_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n &_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v style_v nor_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o proceed_v only_o from_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a
this_o to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n of_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o rather_o a_o powerful_a and_o principal_a motive_n with_o speed_n to_o convene_v the_o same_o as_o the_o proper_a judicatorie_a wherein_o to_o determine_v such_o dangerous_a and_o universal_a difference_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o hear_v that_o any_o minister_n be_v depose_v but_o only_o suspend_v during_o this_o interim_n till_o a_o general_n assembly_n for_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o flagitious_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o try_v offensive_a to_o god_n disgraceful_a to_o religion_n and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o people_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o place_n till_o they_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v and_o concern_v moderator_n none_o of_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v depose_v but_o some_o only_o change_v which_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n the_o four_o concern_v the_o repair_n of_o parishioner_n to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cognosce_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n be_v subject_a since_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v in_o the_o minister_n no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v no_o redress_n there_o to_o assent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v disorder_n to_o be_v multiply_v both_o in_o presbytery_n and_o particular_a parish_n to_o the_o six_o that_o minister_n wait_v upon_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o place_n where_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n we_o answer_v that_o none_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n assembly_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o allow_v by_o commission_n to_o have_v voice_n or_o otherwise_o have_v such_o interest_n as_o they_o can_v justify_v to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v to_o the_o seven_o concern_v the_o appoint_v of_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n only_o constant_a moderator_n who_o have_v cease_v long_o since_o be_v find_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1606._o which_o yet_o be_v never_o repute_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a national_a assembly_n to_o be_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o both_o the_o moderator_n who_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a member_n need_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o choose_a commissioner_n repair_v to_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n itself_o can_v judge_v best_a of_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o ought_v to_o consist_v to_o the_o nine_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v with_o the_o choose_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n and_o no_o minister_n without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n we_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n none_o but_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n and_o that_o no_o minister_n or_o elder_n shall_v have_v voice_n in_o election_n but_o in_o his_o own_o presbytery_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o particular_n be_v concern_v civil_a matter_n as_o the_o five_o concern_v the_o pay_n of_o rent_n and_o stipend_n to_o minister_n and_o bishop_n concern_v which_o we_o can_v say_v no_o further_o but_o that_o the_o law_n be_v patent_n for_o they_o as_o for_o his_o majesty_n other_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v delay_v upon_o any_o complaint_n in_o that_o kind_n the_o eight_o require_v that_o bishop_n and_o minister_n be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n we_o think_v so_o reasonable_a that_o we_o will_v promise_v every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o violence_n from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v hinder_v other_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v and_o if_o any_o trouble_v they_o otherwise_o or_o make_v they_o any_o kind_n of_o molestation_n in_o that_o attendance_n but_o by_o order_n of_o law_n the_o party_n be_v just_o punishable_a according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o other_o subject_n be_v to_o the_o ten_o concern_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n and_o the_o peaceablenesse_n of_o the_o country_n these_o meeting_n be_v keep_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o consult_v about_o lawful_a remedy_n against_o such_o press_a grievance_n as_o threaten_v the_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n can_v be_v dissolve_v till_o the_o evil_n be_v remove_v and_o true_a we_o trust_v that_o nothing_o in_o these_o our_o meeting_n have_v escape_v we_o which_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o undutifulnesse_n or_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n but_o although_o our_o adversary_n have_v herein_o calumniate_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v always_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o loyal_a subject_n petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o a_o legal_a redress_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n to_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o covenant_n the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n have_v many_o time_n and_o most_o instant_o press_v we_o with_o that_o point_n we_o do_v first_o by_o child_n invincible_a argument_n make_v manifest_a that_o we_o can_v not_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o without_o do_v wrong_n to_o this_o national_n church_n and_o all_o posterity_n rescind_n or_o alter_v the_o same_o and_o thereafter_o do_v at_o large_a clear_v the_o same_o of_o all_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n by_o our_o last_o supplication_n and_o declaration_n which_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n any_o accept_v as_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o powerful_a of_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o can_v come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o give_v his_o majesty_n satisfaction_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o act_n so_o evident_o tend_v to_o the_o god_n glory_n of_o god_n the_o king_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v already_o prove_v so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o inward_a of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v our_o ardent_a and_o constant_a desire_n and_o ready_a wish_n that_o both_o his_o majesty_n and_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n like_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o conscience_n and_o by_o the_o covenant_n itself_o to_o persuade_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v modest_o use_v by_o we_o without_o press_v or_o threaten_v of_o the_o mean_a we_o hope_v shall_v never_o give_v his_o majesty_n the_o least_o cause_n of_o discontent_n see_v therefore_o according_a to_o our_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o remove_v all_o hindrance_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n worthy_a our_o profession_n and_o covenant_n do_v aim_n at_o nothing_o but_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o consumption_n or_o combustion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v desperate_o disease_v except_o remedy_v some_o way_n be_v speedy_o provide_v and_o we_o delight_v to_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v legal_a and_o have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o without_o further_a delay_n for_o prevent_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n than_o we_o can_v express_v our_o just_a desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v so_o shall_v we_o be_v encourage_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n still_o to_o pray_v for_o his_o majesty_n all_o increase_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n upon_o their_o refusal_n he_o send_v for_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o his_o resolution_n for_o a_o new_a journey_n that_o he_o find_v their_o way_n such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o grant_v they_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o to_o be_v a_o free_a one_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v bring_v in_o every_o man_n to_o have_v a_o voice_n who_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o if_o they_o will_v let_v he_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v sit_v there_o and_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v there_o he_o will_v give_v his_o best_a concurrence_n if_o he_o find_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o
and_o estate_n against_o whatsoever_o jesuit_n and_o seminarie_n or_o masspriest_n condemn_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o majesty_n to_o their_o utter_a wrack_n and_o exterminion_n according_a to_o the_o power_n grant_v to_o we_o by_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o try_v search_n and_o seek_v out_o all_o excommunicate_n practiser_n and_o other_o papist_n whatsoever_o within_o our_o bound_n and_o shire_n where_o we_o keep_v residence_n and_o dilate_v they_o to_o his_o highness_n and_o his_o privy_a council_n and_o conform_v we_o to_o such_o direction_n as_o from_o time_n to_o time_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o special_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o present_o be_v or_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v appoint_v commissioner_n in_o every_o shire_n shall_v follow_v pursue_v and_o travail_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o take_v and_o apprehend_v all_o such_o papist_n apostate_n and_o excommunicate_n as_o we_o shall_v receive_v in_o writ_n from_o his_o majesty_n and_o we_o the_o remanent_fw-la within_o that_o shire_n shall_v concur_v and_o assist_v with_o the_o say_n commissioner_n with_o our_o whole_a friend_n and_o force_n to_o that_o effect_n without_o respect_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o general_o to_o assist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o defend_v every_o one_o of_o we_o another_o in_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o quarrel_n action_n debate_n move_v or_o to_o be_v move_v against_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o upon_o action_n of_o the_o present_a band_n or_o other_o cause_n depend_v thereupon_o and_o effauld_o join_v in_o defence_n and_o pursuit_n against_o whatsoever_o shall_v offer_v or_o intend_v any_o injury_n or_o revenge_n against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o the_o premise_n make_v his_o cause_n and_o part_n that_o be_v pursue_v all_o our_o part_n notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o privy_a grudge_n or_o displeasure_n stand_v betwixt_o any_o of_o we_o which_o shall_v be_v no_o impediment_n or_o hinder_v to_o our_o say_a effauld_n join_v in_o the_o say_v common_a cause_n but_o to_o lie_v over_o and_o be_v misknown_a till_o they_o be_v orderly_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o by_o the_o order_n under-specified_n to_o the_o which_o time_n we_o for_o the_o better_a furtherance_n of_o the_o say_a cause_n and_o service_n have_v assure_v and_o by_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o every_o one_o of_o we_o take_v the_o burden_n upon_o we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o may_v let_v assure_v each_o other_o to_o be_v unhurt_a unharmed_a or_o any_o way_n to_o be_v invade_v by_o we_o or_o any_o our_o foresaid_n for_o old_a feid_v or_o new_a otherwise_o then_o by_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n neither_o shall_v we_o nor_o any_o of_o our_o foresaid_n make_v any_o provocation_n or_o tumult_n trouble_n or_o displeasure_n to_o other_o in_o any_o sort_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o upon_o our_o honour_n and_o fidelity_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o for_o our_o further_a and_o more_o hearty_a union_n in_o this_o service_n we_o be_v content_a and_o consent_n that_o all_o whatsoever_o our_o feid_n and_o variance_n fall_v or_o that_o may_v fall_v out_o betwixt_o we_o be_v within_o forty_o day_n after_o the_o date_n hereof_o amicable_o refer_v and_o submit_v to_o seven_o or_o five_o indifferent_a friend_n choose_v by_o his_o majesty_n of_o our_o whole_a number_n and_o by_o their_o moderation_n and_o arbitrement_n compon_v and_o take_v away_o and_o final_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o direct_o nor_o indirect_o separate_v nor_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o union_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o remanent_fw-la by_o whatsoever_o suggestion_n or_o private_a advice_n or_o by_o whatsoever_o incident_a regard_n or_o stay_v such_o resolution_n as_o by_o common_a deliberation_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o world_n upon_o our_o truth_n and_o honour_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v esteem_v traitor_n to_o god_n and_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o have_v lose_v all_o honour_n credit_n and_o estimation_n in_o time_n come_v in_o witness_v whereof_o by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n allowance_n and_o protection_n promise_v to_o we_o therein_o we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n at_o 1589._o we_o 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 his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n undersubscribe_v by_o virtue_n and_o conform_v to_o a_o warrant_n and_o command_v sign_v by_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o the_o date_n of_o sept._n 9_o 1638._o and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n upon_o the_o 22._o day_n of_o the_o say_a month_n swear_v and_o with_o our_o heart_n and_o humble_a and_o true_a affection_n to_o god_n truth_n and_o to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o &_o according_a to_o the_o date_n and_o tenor_n above_o specify_v and_o also_o renew_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o foresay_a general_a band_n of_o the_o tenor_n abovewritten_v for_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o maintenance_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n authority_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o siclike_o as_o ample_o as_o the_o same_o be_v conceive_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o majesty_n umwhile_o bless_a father_n of_o eternal_a memory_n by_o the_o say_v band._n in_o witness_v whereof_o we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n at_o holy-rood-house_n septemb_n 22._o 1638._o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la hamiltoun_n traquair_n roxburgh_n mairsheall_n mar_n murray_n linlithgow_n perth_n wigtoun_n kingorne_n tullibardin_n hadingtoun_n annandaill_n lauderdaill_o kinnoull_n dumfreis_n southesk_n belheaven_n angus_n lorn_n elphinstoun_n naper_n dalyell_n amont_n j._n hay_o s._n thomas_n hope_n s.w._n elphinstoun_n ja._n carmichael_n j._n hamiltoun_n blackhall_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o proclamation_n make_v for_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v this_o at_o holy-rood-house_n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o forsomuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v the_o king_n majesty_n out_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o religious_a disposition_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o out_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n for_o remove_v of_o all_o fear_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n thereof_o and_o upon_o divers_a great_a and_o weighty_a consideration_n import_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o give_v order_n that_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n be_v indict_v keep_v and_o hold_v at_o the_o city_n of_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o november_n next_o therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n ordain_v letter_n to_o be_v direct_a charge_v maissar_n and_o officer_n of_o arm_n to_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o the_o head_n burrowes_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o other_o place_n needful_a and_o to_o warn_v all_o and_o sundry_a archbishop_n bishop_n commissioner_n of_o kirkes_n and_o other_o have_v place_n and_o vote_n in_o the_o assembly_n to_o repair_v and_o address_v to_o the_o say_a city_n of_o glasgow_n the_o say_v one_o and_o twenty_o day_n of_o november_n next_o to_o come_v and_o to_o attend_v the_o say_a assembly_n endure_v the_o time_n thereof_o and_o aye_o and_o while_o the_o same_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o do_v and_o perform_v all_o which_o to_o their_o charge_n in_o such_o case_n appertain_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o contrary_a at_o their_o high_a peril_n immediate_o after_o that_o this_o proclamation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o parliament_n at_o holy-rood-house_n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o forsomuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v his_o majesty_n out_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o religious_a disposition_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o out_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n for_o remove_v of_o all_o fear_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n thereof_o and_o upon_o divers_a other_o great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n import_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o give_v order_n that_o the_o sovereign_n and_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n shall_v be_v hold_v at_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n upon_o the_o 15._o day_n of_o may_n next_o to_o come_v with_o continuation_n of_o day_n therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n ordain_v letter_n to_o be_v direct_a to_o maissar_n and_o officer_n of_o arm_n charge_v they_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n
and_o hope_n for_o so_o much_o as_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o grant_v all_o these_o make_v we_o confident_o to_o expect_v from_o his_o majesty_n royal_a and_o compassioned_a disposition_n towards_o this_o his_o native_a kingdom_n that_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n shall_v have_v be_v indict_v as_o the_o ordinary_a and_o most_o proper_a remedy_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o do_v constrain_v we_o to_o renew_v our_o petition_n earnest_o entreat_v that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n will_v be_v please_v to_o represent_v unto_o his_o majesty_n the_o condition_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n cry_v in_o a_o extreme_a exigencie_n for_o present_a help_n with_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n law_n require_v by_o we_o and_o present_v to_o he_o in_o some_o particular_a article_n which_o his_o grace_n promise_v to_o recommend_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n for_o obtain_v the_o same_o especial_o the_o first_o article_n that_o there_o may_v be_v indict_v a_o full_a and_o free_a general_n assembly_n without_o prelimitation_n either_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o question_n or_o doubt_v about_o one_o of_o these_o or_o such_o like_a particular_n that_o the_o determination_n thereof_o may_v be_v remit_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o as_o the_o only_a proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n and_o now_o after_o so_o many_o supplication_n complaint_n article_n and_o information_n after_o our_o necessary_a protestation_n express_v the_o humble_a thankfulness_n and_o continue_a desire_n of_o our_o heart_n after_o so_o long_a expectation_n and_o so_o much_o deal_v have_v with_o open_a ear_n and_o attentive_a mind_n hear_v his_o majesty_n proclamation_n it_o be_v our_o desire_n purpose_n and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o proceed_v that_o we_o may_v upon_o the_o one_o part_n still_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n for_o the_o least_o blink_v of_o his_o majesty_n countenance_n and_o the_o small_a crumb_n of_o comfort_n that_o fall_v unto_o we_o from_o his_o majesty_n royal_a hand_n beseech_v the_o lord_n yet_o further_o to_o enlarge_v his_o majesty_n heart_n for_o our_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o rejoice_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o his_o majesty_n never_o die_v fame_n and_o glory_n that_o his_o wise_a government_n and_o zeal_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n may_v be_v a_o measure_n and_o pattern_n of_o desire_n to_o all_o generation_n hereafter_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v wish_v for_o a_o religious_a and_o righteous_a king_n and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n that_o christ_n our_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o king_n through_o our_o neglect_n or_o lukewarmnesse_n may_v want_v no_o part_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o that_o in_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v more_o dear_a unto_o we_o than_o our_o life_n we_o deceive_v not_o ourselves_o with_o that_o which_o can_v satisfy_v and_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n or_o remove_v our_o fear_n doubt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n this_o have_v make_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o perceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n do_v ascribe_v all_o the_o late_a distraction_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o commonwealth_n to_o our_o conceive_a fear_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o and_o not_o to_o the_o innovation_n themselves_o with_o which_o we_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o especial_o of_o late_a heavy_o press_v and_o grieve_v as_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v rather_o in_o apprehension_n and_o fancy_n then_o in_o reality_n and_o substance_n that_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n be_v not_o so_o far_o discharge_v by_o this_o proclamation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o precede_a proclamation_n for_o this_o proclamation_n only_o discharge_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o rescind_v the_o act_n make_v for_o establish_v their_o practice_n but_o do_v not_o rescind_v the_o former_a proclamation_n namely_o that_o of_o the_o 19_o of_o february_n at_o stirling_n and_o that_o of_o the_o four_o of_o july_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o give_v a_o high_a approbation_n to_o these_o book_n as_o fit_a mean_n to_o maintain_v religion_n and_o to_o beat_v down_o all_o superstition_n and_o withal_o declare_v his_o majesty_n purpose_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o kirk_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o thus_o both_o our_o fear_n that_o they_o may_v be_v introduce_v hereafter_o must_v still_o remain_v and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o such_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o majesty_n judgement_n be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudge_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o as_o wise_o consider_v and_o compare_v the_o precede_a proclamation_n with_o this_o which_o we_o now_o hear_v although_o other_o who_o looking_z upon_o one_o step_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o whole_a progress_n run_v on_o rash_o and_o neither_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v do_v nor_o with_o who_o they_o be_v deal_v may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v qui_fw-la pauca_fw-la videt_fw-la citò_fw-la judicat_fw-la a_o short_a sight_n make_v a_o sudden_a judgement_n that_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o his_o majesty_n neither_o intend_v to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n or_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o withal_o this_o be_v interpose_v that_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o practice_n only_o grant_v and_o discharge_v give_v that_o no_o person_n be_v urge_v with_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o his_o majesty_n intention_n for_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n appoint_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o while_o the_o proclamation_n ordain_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o judicatories_n competent_a and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o unlimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n likewise_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o minister_n at_o their_o entry_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o both_o these_o article_n the_o bishop_n be_v mean_v who_o be_v only_o thereby_o for_o the_o present_a curb_v against_o their_o exorbitancy_n and_o enormity_n in_o exerce_v their_o office_n but_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v thereby_o not_o only_o presuppose_v as_o unquestionable_a but_o also_o so_o strong_o establish_v that_o his_o majesty_n declare_v for_o the_o present_a his_o intention_n to_o admit_v no_o innovation_n therein_o which_o be_v more_o evident_a by_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o parliament_n warn_v all_o prelate_n to_o be_v present_a as_o have_v voice_n and_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o by_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n warn_v all_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n for_o so_o be_v their_o divers_a degree_n and_o office_n ecclesiastical_a here_o design_v and_o suppose_v to_o be_v present_a as_o have_v place_n and_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o caveat_n act_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o our_o declinator_fw-la and_o thus_o a_o three_o and_o great_a limitation_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o proclamation_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o many_o real_a limitation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o very_a point_n which_o have_v wrought_v so_o much_o woe_n and_o disturbance_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o wherein_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n can_v neither_o satisfy_v our_o grievance_n and_o complant_v nor_o remove_v our_o fear_n and_o doubt_n nor_o can_v without_o protestation_n be_v admit_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n who_o earnest_o desire_v that_o truth_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o to_o keep_v silence_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kirk_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o preach_v prayer_n or_o in_o propose_v and_o voyce_v in_o a_o lwfull_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n esai_n 62.6_o you_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n remembrancer_n keep_v not_o silence_n and_o give_v he_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o establish_v and_o till_o he_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n 1._o king_n 18.21_o like_o the_o halt_n of_o the_o
his_o majesty_n have_v be_v desirous_a to_o have_v make_v stop_n of_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n into_o this_o kingdom_n this_o time_n past_a but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o he_o to_o have_v effect_v but_o so_o little_a have_v he_o regard_v this_o as_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v give_v direction_n to_o cause_n examine_v for_o what_o end_n so_o great_a store_n of_o ammunition_n be_v import_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o a_o little_a more_o narrow_o to_o look_v into_o our_o action_n when_o by_z i_o know_v not_o who_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o notice_n take_v of_o such_o ammunition_n as_o his_o majesty_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o send_v hither_o for_o notwithstanding_o that_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi say_v we_o be_v make_v secure_a by_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_n from_o his_o majesty_n these_o remedy_n that_o can_v full_o settle_v this_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o i_o may_v say_v course_n be_v take_v to_o put_v fear_n in_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n mind_n by_o persuade_v of_o they_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v intend_v this_o do_v too_o too_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o watch_n and_o guard_v his_o majesty_n castle_n and_o many_o other_o course_n but_o of_o this_o i_o will_v write_v nothing_o my_o intention_n be_v only_o to_o return_v answer_n of_o what_o be_v write_v to_o i_o and_o therefore_o for_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi satisfaction_n i_o shall_v acquaint_v his_o majesty_n with_o the_o content_n of_o your_o letter_n who_o will_v no_o doubt_n give_v such_o direction_n therein_o as_o his_o good_a subject_n will_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n whereas_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o you_o have_v be_v assure_v by_o i_o that_o you_o shall_v receive_v no_o such_o hard_a deal_n during_o the_o time_n of_o my_o employment_n let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v this_o aright_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o none_o for_o neither_o be_v that_o ship_n stay_v from_o proceed_v in_o their_o intend_a voyage_n nor_o any_o thing_n take_v from_o they_o nor_o need_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi to_o doubt_v that_o his_o majesty_n will_v do_v any_o thing_n except_o our_o own_o indiscretion_n provoke_v he_o that_o may_v make_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n and_o his_o other_o subject_n be_v confident_a my_o lord_n that_o my_o endeavour_n have_v and_o do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o preserve_n from_o ruin_n this_o poor_a distract_a kingdom_n and_o that_o i_o have_v and_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v all_o such_o accident_n as_o may_v breed_v the_o least_o stop_n or_o hindrance_n of_o this_o wish_a event_n which_o i_o hope_v and_o be_o confident_a that_o your_o lordsh_n and_o all_o those_o noble_a lord_n who_o have_v sign_v this_o letter_n to_o i_o will_v take_v the_o same_o to_o heart_n and_o then_o certain_o you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o move_v with_o such_o light_n and_o sleight_n report_v nor_o will_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi think_v that_o either_o you_o or_o i_o can_v be_v wound_v by_o the_o order_n and_o command_v of_o so_o pious_a merciful_a and_o so_o clement_a a_o prince_n as_o be_v our_o dread_a sovereign_n who_o have_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o goodness_n as_o we_o must_v of_o all_o man_n live_v prove_v the_o worst_a if_o we_o be_v not_o thankful_a to_o god_n and_o he_o for_o it_o this_o my_o letter_n your_o lordsh_fw-mi will_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v to_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v write_v to_o i_o and_o esteem_v of_o i_o as_o hammilt_n 24._o sept._n 1638._o for_o the_o earl_n of_o rothees_n your_o lordship_n humble_a servant_n hammiltoun_n with_o his_o answer_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v that_o to_o answer_v this_o affront_n as_o they_o do_v interpret_v it_o for_o search_v a_o ship_n of_o that_o kingdom_n at_o sea_n they_o resolve_v to_o put_v a_o great_a affront_n upon_o we_o by_o increase_v their_o guard_n about_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o fife_n they_o give_v order_n for_o a_o communion_n throughout_o their_o church_n at_o which_o they_o make_v every_o one_o to_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o subscribe_v our_o confession_n and_o covenant_n nor_o any_o other_o but_o their_o own_o which_o they_o swear_v again_o the_o novo_fw-la especial_o to_o stand_v to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whosoever_o they_o give_v general_a order_n for_o the_o fast_a to_o be_v keep_v on_o the_o four_o of_o november_n be_v sunday_n neglect_v the_o day_n design_v in_o our_o proclamation_n which_o be_v the_o wednesday_n follow_v and_o the_o seven_o of_o that_o month_n our_o commissioner_n see_v these_o contempt_n daily_o to_o increase_v and_o hear_v that_o they_o have_v appoint_v the_o communion_n to_o be_v celebrate_v at_o edinburgh_n send_v for_o the_o provost_n and_o magistrate_n and_o inquire_v of_o they_o these_o particular_n first_o whether_o at_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v the_o two_o next_o sunday_n follow_v it_o be_v intend_v that_o the_o like_a oath_n shall_v be_v take_v with_o they_o as_o have_v be_v take_v in_o fife_n second_o whether_o they_o intend_v to_o keep_v the_o fastday_n design_v by_o we_o in_o our_o proclamation_n and_o according_a as_o they_o have_v late_o since_o be_v require_v to_o do_v by_o a_o order_n send_v from_o our_o council_n to_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n three_o what_o order_n they_o have_v take_v with_o those_o who_o have_v the_o day_n before_o revile_v and_o abuse_v doctor_n eliot_n while_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n that_o he_o have_v send_v for_o they_o because_o he_o have_v find_v those_o few_o minister_n by_o who_o they_o be_v rule_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n and_o despiser_n of_o authority_n to_o the_o last_o they_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o see_v they_o punish_v which_o they_o never_o do_v for_o the_o first_o they_o think_v it_o most_o unreasonable_a that_o any_o oath_n shall_v be_v minister_v as_o it_o be_v in_o fyfe_n for_o the_o second_o they_o think_v it_o most_o reasonable_a that_o our_o fastday_n shall_v be_v keep_v but_o before_o they_o can_v give_v a_o full_a answer_n they_o must_v first_o confer_v with_o their_o minister_n at_o their_o meeting_n with_o who_o they_o find_v that_o the_o minister_n have_v intend_v that_o barbarous_a oath_n at_o the_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o keep_v our_o fastday_n more_o than_o other_o church_n in_o the_o country_n have_v do_v yet_o the_o magistrate_n do_v with_o much_o persuasion_n over-rule_v they_o in_o both_o our_o commissioner_n do_v resolve_v with_o great_a solemnity_n attend_v with_o all_o our_o council_n and_o judge_n to_o keep_v that_o fast_a in_o the_o great_a church_n of_o edinburgh_n on_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o we_o and_o give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o magistrate_n who_o return_v he_o thanks_o and_o assurance_n of_o welcome_a but_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o discharge_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o that_o church_n from_o preach_v there_o that_o day_n only_o because_o they_o be_v non-covenanters_a and_o have_v appoint_v their_o place_n to_o be_v supply_v with_o the_o two_o only_o covenant_v minister_n of_o their_o town_n he_o send_v for_o the_o magistrate_n again_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o come_v to_o their_o church_n and_o countenance_n so_o great_a a_o disorder_n as_o the_o displace_n of_o the_o two_o preacher_n of_o that_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v faithful_a subject_n to_o we_o nor_o dare_v hear_v these_o two_o preacher_n design_v by_o they_o who_o in_o their_o pulpit_n do_v ordinary_o inveigh_v against_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n unless_o therefore_o he_o may_v either_o nominate_v the_o preacher_n or_o hear_v the_o ordinary_a preacher_n of_o that_o church_n he_o must_v not_o come_v thither_o the_o magistrate_n do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v with_o their_o minister_n the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v content_v with_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v but_o the_o other_o be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o he_o will_v no_o way_n hearken_v to_o it_o and_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_a with_o the_o people_n the_o magistrate_n dare_v not_o offend_v and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n with_o our_o council_n and_o judge_n be_v necessitate_v to_o keep_v our_o fast_a at_o another_o church_n hard_o by_o our_o palace_n now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v afraid_a that_o any_o show_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o
of_o benefice_n visitation_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n without_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v power_n to_o suspend_v deprive_v command_n and_o inhibit_v excommunication_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o fine_a confine_v imprison_v banish_v minister_n and_o other_o professor_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n appoint_v their_o moderator_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n prorogate_a their_o diet_n stay_v their_o proceed_n against_o papist_n sorcerer_n adulterer_n and_o other_o gross_a offender_n by_o exact_v of_o contribution_n to_o such_o commissioner_n as_o he_o please_v to_o send_v to_o court_n for_o his_o own_o and_o his_o colleague_n affair_n by_o deprive_v and_o ordain_v of_o minister_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o by_o ordain_v of_o scandalous_a and_o unqualified_a minister_n and_o deprive_v of_o learned_a and_o religious_a pastor_n by_o ordain_v minister_n after_o a_o form_n not_o allow_v of_o in_o this_o church_n by_o silence_v minister_n for_o not_o read_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n by_o interdict_v after_o a_o popish_a manner_n the_o exercise_n of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n in_o their_o church_n by_o release_n of_o excommunicate_v papist_n by_o contradict_v and_o cross_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o their_o pleasure_n by_o their_o pretend_a negative_a vote_n direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o caution_n by_o enact_v decree_n of_o synod_n without_o demand_v their_o vote_n by_o change_v and_o falsify_v their_o act_n when_o most_o vote_n have_v carry_v the_o contrary_a by_o many_o way_n have_v they_o fail_v in_o this_o caution_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o your_o wisdom_n that_o we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o the_o same_o when_o we_o be_v require_v whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o caution_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o provincial_n and_o general_a assembly_n he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n yet_o the_o foresay_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v not_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n at_o these_o meeting_n he_o disdain_v to_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n or_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n he_o sit_v and_o over-ruleth_a in_o provincial_n assembly_n rather_o as_o a_o lord_n then_o a_o moderator_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v by_o threaten_v and_o silence_v prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o lawful_a commissioner_n when_o they_o propound_v reason_v or_o conclude_v matter_n conduce_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n he_o force_v they_o to_o conclude_v thing_n contrary_a that_o whereas_o it_o be_v conclude_v at_o mount_n rose_n that_o none_o of_o they_o who_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n shall_v come_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o have_v vote_n in_o it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v unless_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o commission_n from_o their_o own_o presbytery_n for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v though_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n by_o commission_n from_o any_o presbytery_n have_v usurp_v to_o give_v vote_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n registrate_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o in_o all_o assembly_n a_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n assemble_v together_o and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o practise_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n till_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n begin_v to_o break_v the_o caution_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v usurp_v the_o place_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o rather_o domineer_v than_o moderate_v to_o bring_v in_o novation_n yea_o further_o have_v direct_v mandate_n from_o themselves_o as_o from_o the_o representative_a church_n of_o scotland_n which_o name_n and_o power_n be_v only_o competent_a to_o general_a assembly_n he_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o innovation_n in_o the_o royal_a chapel_n in_o the_o abbey_n church_n and_o his_o pretend_a cathedral_n he_o have_v labour_v not_o only_o to_o hinder_v the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n by_o obtain_v letter_n and_o charge_n from_o authority_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o also_o have_v labour_v what_o in_o he_o lay_v to_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n the_o privilege_n of_o hold_v general_a assembly_n yearly_a belong_v to_o she_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o another_o caution_n that_o crimen_fw-la ambitus_fw-la shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o deprivation_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o be_v foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o say_a crime_n in_o seek_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o promise_v and_o give_v good_a deed_n for_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n feb._n an._n 1569._o and_o december_n 1565._o &_o 1567._o that_o marriage_n shall_v not_o be_v solemnize_v without_o ask_v of_o bane_n three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n before_o yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v licence_n to_o sundry_a minister_n to_o solemnize_v marriage_n without_o ask_v three_o several_a sabbath_n before_o upon_o which_o have_v follow_v divers_a inconvenience_n a_o man_n have_v be_v marry_v to_o a_o woman_n her_o husband_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o not_o divorce_v some_o have_v be_v marry_v to_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v commit_v adultery_n before_o and_o some_o have_v be_v marry_v without_o the_o consent_n or_o knowledge_n of_o their_o parent_n whereas_o by_o the_o book_n of_o fast_v authorize_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o prefix_v before_o the_o psalm_n no_o set_n or_o yearly_a fast_n be_v allow_v but_o disallow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o exercise_n a_o fast_a yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v appoint_v yearly_a fast_n and_o trouble_v some_o godly_a professor_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o whereas_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o book_n of_o common_a order_n before_o the_o psalm_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o have_v no_o meddle_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o by_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n chapter_n 23._o minister_n call_v unto_o particular_a flock_n have_v only_a power_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v a_o power_n to_o certain_a divine_n who_o they_o make_v deacon_n man_n not_o admit_v to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o preach_v deacon_n and_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v diverse_a man_n to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o order_n whereas_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v receive_v ordination_n to_o the_o ministry_n without_o a_o present_a admission_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v separate_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o act_n of_o admission_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o ordination_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n shall_v be_v public_a in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v ordination_n to_o some_o man_n in_o other_o place_n not_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n &_o violent_o have_v thrust_v upon_o they_o scandalous_a minister_n whereas_o minister_n who_o teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o
his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n themselves_o and_o by_o their_o pretend_a power_n have_v prefer_v to_o the_o ministry_n man_n who_o have_v teach_v erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n quote_v in_o our_o covenant_n and_o they_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v they_o who_o teach_v arminianism_n and_o popery_n as_o conditional_a election_n free_a will_n resistibilitie_n of_o effectual_a grace_n the_o universality_n of_o christ_n death_n the_o merit_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o hell_n a_o final_a apostasy_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o local_a descent_n of_o christ_n into_o hell_n that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n clauso_fw-la virgin_n utero_fw-la auricular_a confession_n and_o papal_a absolution_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o antichrist_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o reconciliation_n with_o rome_n be_v a_o thing_n easy_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v not_o in_o fundamental_o and_o that_o she_o differ_v not_o in_o fundamental_o from_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o call_v in_o question_n the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o they_o affirm_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o justify_v faith_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o local_a and_o circumscriptive_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o change_v the_o sacrament_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o table_n into_o a_o altar_n the_o minister_n into_o priest_n there_o be_v other_o damnable_a and_o heretical_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o maintain_v of_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v particular_a information_n in_o our_o particular_a accusation_n of_o each_o one_o of_o they_o respectiuè_fw-fr with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v require_v whereas_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n no_o oath_n or_o subscription_n shall_v be_v require_v from_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v without_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o church_n or_o parliament_n do_v exact_a diverse_a oath_n and_o subscription_n from_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n commend_v the_o prelate_n to_o god_n merciful_a protection_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v by_o their_o consent_n as_o they_o affirm_v shall_v be_v establish_v as_o to_o the_o service_n book_n and_o to_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o heaviness_n of_o this_o grievance_n make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o complain_v in_o these_o article_n that_o worthy_a man_n which_o have_v testimony_n of_o their_o learning_n from_o university_n and_o be_v try_v by_o presbytery_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o life_n be_v much_o desire_v by_o the_o people_n yet_o these_o man_n be_v keep_v out_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v unto_o such_o unlawful_a oath_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o they_o be_v article_n and_o oath_n conceive_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n and_o ready_a to_o swear_v be_v for_o by-respect_n thrust_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o school_n in_o divinity_n which_o breed_v continual_a complaint_n and_o move_v the_o people_n to_o run_v from_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o minister_n set_v over_o they_o against_o their_o heart_n which_o make_v they_o not_o to_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a from_o the_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a hindrance_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n whereas_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n ann_n 1578._o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o civil_a and_o criminal_a justice_n shall_v be_v confound_v that_o one_o person_n can_v supply_v both_o the_o charge_n but_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v both_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o senator_n in_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o october_n an._n 1578._o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o forgo_v that_o they_o shall_v usurp_v a_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o claim_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v only_o be_v call_v by_o their_o own_o name_n or_o brethren_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n and_o honour_n of_o lord_n they_o do_v sit_v as_o senator_n in_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n as_o councillor_n in_o the_o privy_a council_n as_o auditor_n in_o the_o exchequer_n and_o have_v enjoy_v prime_a office_n of_o state_n the_o pretend_a bishop_n have_v usurp_v the_o place_n and_o precedency_n before_o all_o temporal_a lord_n the_o pretend_a archbishop_n before_o all_o the_o noble_a earl_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o pretend_a primate_n before_o the_o prime_a officer_n of_o state_n in_o the_o land_n whereas_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n namely_o anno_fw-la 1576._o 1577._o and_o 1578._o no_o man_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n unless_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o congregation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o particular_a flock_n it_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o forgo_v yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_a foresay_a be_v minister_n and_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o particular_a flock_n whereas_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v within_o this_o realm_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundee_n anno_fw-la 1580._o whereof_o these_o be_v the_o word_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v and_o common_o take_v within_o this_o realm_n have_v no_o sure_a warrant_n from_o authority_n nor_o good_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n with_o one_o voice_n after_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n no_o man_n oppose_v himself_o to_o maintain_v the_o say_a pretend_a office_n do_v find_v and_o declare_v the_o say_v pretend_a office_n use_v and_o term_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o have_v neither_o ground_n nor_o warrant_n within_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o do_v ordain_v that_o all_o such_o person_n which_o do_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o enjoy_v the_o say_a office_n shall_v be_v charge_v simple_o to_o dismiss_v quit_v and_o leave_v the_o same_o as_o a_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o call_v by_o god_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v leave_v off_o all_o preach_n ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o other_o office_n of_o pastor_n until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o receive_v admission_n de_fw-fr novo_fw-la from_o the_o general_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v use_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o contradict_v this_o act_n in_o the_o least_o point_n after_o due_a admonition_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v execute_v against_o they_o and_o for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o the_o say_a act_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n shall_v be_v hold_v in_o every_o province_n in_o which_o usurp_a bishop_n be_v 18._o august_n next_o to_o come_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v cite_v and_o summon_v by_o the_o visitor_n of_o the_o say_a country_n to_o compeer_n before_o their_o synodall_n assembly_n as_o namely_o the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrew_n to_o compeer_n at_o saint_n andrew_n the_o bishop_n of_o aberdene_n in_o
john_n smith_n or_o any_o other_o he_o please_v here_o that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o care_n and_o account_v of_o his_o undertake_n you_o will_v pardon_v i_o for_o this_o trouble_n i_o put_v you_o to_o be_v for_o friend_n that_o will_v be_v very_o sensible_a of_o it_o whereof_o none_o be_v more_o oblige_v and_o less_o able_a to_o acquit_v all_o your_o favour_n than_o edinb_n novemb_n 8._o 1638._o your_o love_a cousin_n to_o dispose_v of_o balmerino_n i_o can_v wish_v our_o own_o friend_n be_v as_o well_o bestow_v near_o one_o another_o as_o can_v be_v and_o if_o i_o can_v come_v there_o the_o next_o week_n i_o will_v send_v a_o servant_n by_o these_o line_n you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v both_o the_o insolent_a contempt_n use_v by_o these_o man_n towards_o our_o council_n and_o the_o resolution_n which_o they_o have_v to_o keep_v the_o assembly_n or_o to_o remove_v it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o after_o they_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o our_o commissioner_n be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v the_o assembly_n at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n appoint_v by_o our_o proclamation_n the_o time_n of_o it_o approach_v they_o send_v out_o from_o their_o table_n a_o second_o paper_n of_o public_a instruction_n throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v these_o that_o all_o nobleman_n subscriber_n of_o the_o covenant_n except_o the_o nobleman_n of_o the_o west_n who_o shall_v be_v ready_a upon_o advertisement_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 12._o of_o november_n and_o stay_v there_o till_o they_o go_v to_o glasgow_n where_o they_o shall_v all_o meet_v on_o saturday_n the_o 17._o of_o november_n at_o the_o further_a that_o the_o full_a number_n of_o these_o who_o be_v appoint_v commissioner_n by_o the_o several_a shire_n to_o attend_v this_o common_a cause_n with_o four_o gentleman_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o every_o presbytery_n at_o the_o least_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o their_o assessor_n without_o exclude_v any_o voluntary_n that_o they_o come_v to_o glasgow_n the_o 17._o day_n of_o november_n to_o attend_v constant_o the_o assembly_n and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n to_o the_o roll_a elder_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n out_o of_o these_o shire_n and_o presbytery_n that_o the_o burrowes_n appoint_v according_a to_o their_o quality_n and_o number_n two_o four_o or_o six_o of_o most_o judicious_a man_n to_o come_v to_o glasgow_n the_o 17._o of_o november_n and_o there_o constant_o to_o attend_v the_o assembly_n and_o give_v their_o advice_n to_o their_o commissioner_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n that_o the_o fast_o be_v observe_v the_o four_o day_n of_o november_n universal_o with_o any_o other_o day_n they_o may_v convenient_o and_o if_o any_o be_v repair_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o keep_v the_o fast_a where_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o time_n that_o now_o especial_o see_v roll_a elder_n from_o particular_a congregation_n be_v receive_v in_o presbytery_n that_o particular_a congregation_n take_v such_o course_n that_o no_o minister_n commissioner_n be_v force_v to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o assembly_n for_o want_v of_o necessary_a charge_n that_o where_o any_o have_v be_v deceive_v or_o compel_v to_o subscribe_v this_o new_a covenant_n that_o the_o minister_n take_v their_o declaration_n in_o writing_n or_o by_o act_n in_o the_o book_n of_o session_n or_o before_o one_o witness_n that_o they_o be_v force_v deceive_v or_o mistake_v and_o that_o every_o minister_n make_v know_v and_o intimate_v public_o to_o the_o people_n the_o print_a protestation_n contain_v the_o reason_n against_o this_o new_a subscription_n and_o where_o the_o minister_n refuse_v that_o some_o well_o affect_a gentleman_n do_v it_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v a_o meeting_n appoint_v of_o all_o the_o commissioner_n first_o at_o edinburgh_n then_o at_o glasgow_n which_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o agree_v upon_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o assembly_n shall_v assemble_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o you_o see_v a_o course_n take_v that_o both_o from_o presbytery_n and_o burrowes_n the_o several_a commissioner_n shall_v have_v number_n of_o assistant_n without_o who_o advice_n the_o commissioner_n be_v to_o conclude_v nothing_o a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o at_o any_o assembly_n of_o that_o church_n and_o by_o which_o multitude_n they_o mean_v to_o terrify_v all_o those_o who_o in_o glasgow_n shall_v offer_v to_o oppose_v or_o speak_v against_o they_o in_o the_o four_o to_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o authority_n and_o proclamation_n they_o appoint_v another_o day_n for_o the_o public_a fast_o than_o be_v by_o we_o design_v in_o the_o six_o they_o order_n that_o all_o these_o who_o have_v subscribe_v our_o covenant_n and_o confession_n shall_v be_v present_v as_o public_a offender_n these_o new_a instruction_n especial_o that_o article_n which_o appoint_v so_o great_a troop_n to_o repair_v to_o glasgow_n all_o which_o as_o our_o commissioner_n be_v inform_v mean_v to_o go_v thither_o with_o arm_n and_o in_o hostile_a equipage_n which_o be_v most_o severe_o prohibit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n move_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n by_o public_a proclamation_n at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n severe_o to_o interdict_v any_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n to_o travel_v thither_o or_o to_o continue_v there_o with_o more_o attendance_n than_o those_o of_o their_o own_o family_n and_o ordinary_a retinue_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v carry_v with_o they_o no_o other_o arm_n but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n under_o the_o pain_n and_o penalty_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a law_n this_o proclamation_n they_o only_o answer_v with_o a_o protestation_n yield_v no_o obedience_n to_o it_o for_o they_o travel_v to_o glasgow_n in_o great_a troop_n carry_v with_o they_o prohibit_v and_o warlike_a arm_n it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o our_o commissioner_n can_v expect_v no_o good_a from_o this_o assembly_n the_o preparation_n whereunto_o be_v so_o full_a of_o rebellion_n and_o tumult_n and_o the_o precedent_a election_n of_o the_o member_n whereof_o have_v induce_v many_o legal_a unavoidable_a and_o undeniable_a nullity_n of_o it_o yet_o because_o our_o people_n shall_v clear_o see_v the_o reality_n of_o our_o royal_a intention_n and_o the_o covenanter_n party_n may_v understand_v how_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o the_o report_n which_o their_o leader_n have_v disperse_v that_o we_o mean_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o keep_v this_o assembly_n and_o principal_o that_o in_o that_o assembly_n we_o may_v full_o make_v good_a to_o all_o our_o subject_n whatsoever_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o last_o gracious_a declaration_n the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n have_v main_o labour_v with_o they_o that_o point_n viz._n that_o we_o never_o mean_v to_o perform_v what_o therein_o we_o have_v promise_v our_o commissioner_n begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o glasgow_n and_o arrive_v there_o on_o the_o 17._o day_n of_o november_n in_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a manner_n none_o of_o his_o train_n carry_v with_o they_o any_o prohibit_v arm_n there_o meet_v he_o at_o glasgow_n all_o our_o council_n by_o our_o direction_n according_a to_o a_o letter_n which_o we_o have_v write_v unto_o they_o require_v they_o to_o assist_v he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o be_v there_o with_o their_o best_a concurrence_n and_o counsel_n our_o letter_n to_o they_o here_o follow_v right_o trusty_a and_o right_a well-beloved_n cousin_n and_o counsellor_n right_o trusty_a and_o right_a well-beloved_n cousin_n and_o counsellor_n we_o greet_v you_o well_o as_o by_o your_o letter_n we_o find_v how_o well_o you_o be_v satisfy_v with_o our_o gracious_a pleasure_n express_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n and_o declaration_n so_o we_o do_v expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o your_o care_n by_o your_o best_a endeavour_n to_o bring_v all_o our_o good_a people_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o our_o royal_a intention_n and_o real_a care_n of_o prefer_v and_o advance_v the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o have_v always_o be_v and_o still_o be_v one_o of_o our_o chief_a care_n we_o give_v you_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o your_o affection_n and_o pain_n in_o this_o service_n and_o do_v approve_v of_o your_o course_n in_o subscribe_v of_o the_o confession_n and_o band_n and_o order_n take_v by_o you_o for_o publish_v and_o require_v the_o like_a due_a and_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o our_o gracious_a pleasure_n by_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n and_o see_v the_o time_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v now_o approach_v we_o require_v you_o to_o attend_v diligent_o upon_o our_o commissioner_n until_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o down_o sit_v of_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o further_o to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o
of_o attestation_n call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o it_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v grow_v to_o a_o hot_a contestation_n but_o that_o that_o night_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v the_o next_o day_n upon_o their_o first_o sit_v down_o they_o urge_v present_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v first_o our_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v read_v which_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v thus_o although_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o best_a of_o our_o action_n have_v be_v mistake_v by_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n as_o if_o we_o have_v intend_v innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n yet_o consider_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o incumbent_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a king_n than_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n forget_v what_o be_v past_a we_o have_v serious_o take_v to_o our_o princely_a consideration_n such_o particular_n as_o may_v settle_v and_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o also_o to_o satisfy_v all_o our_o good_a people_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n herein_o have_v indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v keep_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o this_o instant_n we_o have_v likewise_o appoint_v our_o commissioner_n to_o attend_v the_o same_o from_o who_o you_o be_v to_o expect_v our_o pleasure_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o we_o require_v you_o to_o give_v that_o true_a and_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n as_o if_o we_o be_v personal_o present_v ourselves_o and_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o our_o consent_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v in_o our_o name_n promise_n we_o have_v sign_v these_o and_o will_v the_o same_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o white-hall_n the_o 29._o of_o october_n 1638._o then_o they_o call_v again_o for_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n at_o which_o time_n one_o doctor_n hamilton_n present_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o the_o assembly_n contain_v the_o nullity_n of_o it_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v and_o a_o public_a act_n enter_v for_o the_o production_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o very_a great_a heat_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o allege_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v until_o a_o moderator_n be_v choose_v and_o they_o do_v direct_o refuse_v to_o read_v the_o say_a declinator_n upon_o which_o both_o our_o commissioner_n enter_v a_o protestation_n in_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n hand_n against_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o and_o take_v instrument_n thereupon_o and_o so_o likewise_o do_v doctor_n hamilton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n at_o last_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n to_o which_o before_o our_o commissioner_n give_v way_n he_o enter_v as_o before_o another_o protestation_n that_o their_o act_n of_o choose_v shall_v neither_o prejudice_v our_o prerogative_n and_o authority_n nor_o any_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n nor_o bar_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v see_v cause_n from_o take_v legal_a exception_n either_o against_o the_o person_n elect_v or_o the_o illegalitie_n of_o his_o election_n and_o so_o they_o have_v put_v divers_a other_o stale_n upon_o the_o list_n according_o as_o it_o be_v resolve_v upon_o before_o at_o their_o table_n in_o edinburgh_n without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n except_o his_o own_o who_o can_v not_o choose_v himself_o one_o master_n alexander_n henderson_n the_o prime_a and_o most_o rigid_a covenanter_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v choose_v moderator_n the_o three_o day_n our_o commissioner_n at_o their_o first_o meeting_n require_v again_o that_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n and_o protestation_n may_v be_v read_v which_o he_o conceive_v they_o have_v promise_v after_o the_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v but_o they_o reject_v it_o again_o add_v then_o that_o the_o assembly_n must_v be_v full_o constitute_v of_o all_o it_o member_n and_o be_v once_o a_o assembly_n before_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v present_v to_o it_o to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o commissioner_n that_o he_o require_v it_o only_o to_o be_v read_v not_o to_o be_v discuss_v until_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o allow_v of_o their_o several_a commission_n because_o this_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n why_o either_o all_o or_o at_o least_o some_o elect_a shall_v not_o be_v admit_v commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o election_n express_v in_o the_o declinator_n which_o reason_n contain_v the_o say_a nullity_n may_v persuade_v as_o they_o hope_v with_o they_o for_o the_o reject_v their_o commission_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v after_o their_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o commission_n admit_v they_o for_o constitute_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o reason_n why_o our_o commissioner_n do_v so_o earnest_o urge_v the_o read_n of_o that_o declinator_n be_v because_o he_o do_v foresee_v the_o fallacy_n which_o they_o mean_v to_o use_v viz._n the_o declinator_n can_v be_v read_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o they_o fear_v that_o the_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o by_o such_o member_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o allege_v any_o reason_n for_o than_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o answer_v that_o all_o election_n be_v discuss_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n receive_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o then_o to_o be_v hear_v against_o either_o which_o indeed_o afterward_o be_v their_o very_a answer_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v here_o to_o our_o commissioner_n but_o enter_v a_o protestation_n as_o former_o and_o solemn_o call_v themselves_o to_o witness_v whether_o with_o any_o show_n of_o justice_n the_o read_n of_o the_o bishop_n protestation_n can_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o election_n be_v admit_v the_o principal_a aim_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v wonder_v with_o what_o colour_n or_o face_n they_o above_o all_o man_n can_v do_v it_o who_o have_v read_v and_o publish_v so_o many_o protestation_n both_o against_o our_o proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o our_o council_n and_o so_o how_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o name_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v practise_v without_o any_o warranty_n or_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o not_o the_o least_o resolution_n take_v at_o edinburgh_n must_v suffer_v any_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o read_n of_o the_o declinator_n they_o first_o put_v by_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o son_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o father_n sickness_n have_v a_o lawful_a deputation_n from_o he_o and_o who_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o afterward_o wrought_v to_o a_o demission_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o new_a clerk_n who_o without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n they_o do_v choose_v viz._n one_o master_n archibald_n johnston_n a_o advocate_n the_o clerk_n of_o their_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n against_o who_o election_n our_o commissioner_n likewise_o protest_v as_o former_o at_o his_o admission_n he_o make_v a_o short_a speech_n declare_v against_o his_o conscience_n his_o unwillingness_n to_o accept_v that_o charge_n but_o yet_o affirm_v that_o at_o this_o time_n he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o contribute_v his_o part_n towards_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o now_o have_v be_v in_o any_o danger_n the_o four_o day_n they_o begin_v the_o read_n of_o the_o several_a commission_n our_o commissioner_n as_o former_o enter_v a_o protestation_n to_o take_v exception_n against_o their_o election_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n only_o he_o be_v content_a they_o shall_v go_v on_o that_o he_o may_v see_v their_o justice_n in_o allow_v or_o disallow_v the_o election_n of_o which_o he_o know_v many_o to_o be_v very_o untoward_a and_o make_v with_o violence_n now_o the_o reader_n be_v careful_o to_o observe_v their_o partiality_n in_o admit_v or_o reject_v election_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o non-covenant_a choose_a of_o which_o number_n there_o be_v not_o above_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o moderate_a covenanter_n not_o design_v by_o they_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o choose_v according_a to_o their_o secret_a instruction_n with_o which_o the_o reader_n shall_v afterward_o be_v make_v acquaint_v they_o they_o either_o quite_o reject_v or_o suspend_v from_o voice_n until_o some_o exception_n make_v against_o their_o election_n shall_v be_v discuss_v
traduce_v do_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n 6._o last_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o informality_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o we_o charge_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o they_o must_v answer_v before_o his_o great_a and_o fearful_a tribunal_n if_o they_o suspect_v and_o know_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v to_o be_v free_a of_o these_o crime_n wherewith_o they_o charge_v they_o at_o least_o of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n have_v therein_o libel_v the_o general_a and_o have_v yet_o to_o seek_v the_o specification_n thereof_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v furnish_v it_o by_o which_o informal_a and_o malicious_a proceed_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o our_o say_a party_n do_v seek_v our_o disgrace_n and_o overthrow_v most_o malicious_o and_o illegal_o and_o therefore_o we_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o barbarous_a and_o violent_a persecution_n that_o all_o circumstance_n be_v consider_v have_v few_o or_o none_o to_o parallel_v it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o decline_v the_o say_v pretend_a commissioner_n as_o our_o party_n moreover_o can_v these_o man_n expect_v but_o in_o a_o lawful_a assemble_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o enorm_a transgression_n foresay_v and_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o canon-law_n against_o the_o pope_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o any_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_n himself_o but_o to_o choose_v arbitrator_n and_o this_o may_v militate_v against_o they_o except_o they_o be_v more_o unruly_a than_o pope_n ludovicus_n bavarus_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o germany_n with_o he_o do_v plead_v this_o nullity_n against_o the_o sentence_n and_o proceed_n of_o pope_n john_n 22._o and_o of_o his_o council_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o cullen_n 1546._o do_v plead_v the_o nullity_n of_o paul_n 3._o his_o bull_n of_o excommunication_n because_o he_o protest_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o lawful_a council_n shall_v be_v open_v he_o will_v implead_v the_o pope_n as_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n censurable_a by_o the_o council_n but_o the_o late_a protestation_n do_v show_v the_o author_n thereof_o to_o be_v no_o less_o injurious_a to_o our_o place_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o be_v overween_v of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n have_v place_n nor_o voice_n deliberative_a or_o decisive_a in_o general_a assembly_n except_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o elect_v by_o their_o presbyterial_a meeting_n consist_v of_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o without_o warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o also_o do_v infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o precedent_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neither_o the_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n but_o he_o who_o by_o plurality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o layman_n voice_n shall_v be_v elect_v which_o happy_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o a_o lay-person_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o whereas_o canonical_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o primate_n shall_v preside_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a can._n 6._o of_o antioch_n can._n 9_o and_o of_o the_o imperial_a law_n novel_a constitut_o 123._o cap._n 10._o and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o law_n for_o what_o place_n in_o assembly_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v in_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o same_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n in_o scotland_n and_o yet_o still_o do_v retain_v except_o by_o some_o municipal_a law_n it_o have_v be_v restrain_v which_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o authority_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v restore_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o and_o 1609._o and_o all_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n abrogate_a neither_o do_v that_o act_n 1592._o establish_v general_a assembly_n debar_v bishop_n from_o preside_v therein_o nor_o the_o abrogation_n of_o their_o commission_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n imply_v and_o infer_v the_o abrogation_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o parliament_n but_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a oversight_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o charge_n whereto_o belong_v the_o presidentship_n in_o all_o assembly_n for_o matter_n spiritual_a always_o with_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n that_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o be_v precedent_n of_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o chancellor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v place_n in_o council_n and_o session_n not_o by_o any_o act_n or_o statute_n but_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o he_o be_v chancellor_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v their_o right_n in_o synod_n and_o other_o inferior_a meeting_n but_o by_o no_o law_n restrain_v nor_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o national_n assembly_n and_o the_o law_n allow_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o synod_n do_v present_v a_o list_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o who_o of_o right_a this_o place_n do_v belong_v as_o say_v be_v out_o of_o which_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v for_o be_v it_o not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n order_n and_o decency_n that_o out_o of_o moderator_n of_o synod_n a_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v then_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n subject_a to_o they_o as_o concern_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n 1580._o whereby_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o scripture_n if_o corruption_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n may_v be_v neglect_v no_o less_o then_o that_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a that_o prior_n act_v of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n give_v place_n to_o the_o posterior_n for_o posteriora_fw-la derogant_fw-la prioribus_fw-la and_o there_o pass_v not_o full_a six_o year_n when_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n find_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n present_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_n and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_n only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o for_o that_o act_n at_o mont_n rise_v let_v they_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o have_v their_o call_n by_o that_o commission_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v of_o the_o chapter_n of_o our_o cathedral_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n by_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o approbation_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n for_o our_o temporality_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la next_o unto_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a governor_n but_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o cyprian_n his_o complaint_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 14._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la periculum_fw-la metuere_fw-la debemus_fw-la de_fw-la offensâ_fw-la domini_fw-la quando_fw-la aliqui_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la nec_fw-la evangelii_n nec_fw-la loci_fw-la svi_fw-la memores_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la futurum_fw-la dei_fw-la judicium_fw-la neque_fw-la praepositum_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la omnino_fw-la sub_fw-la antecessoribus_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la contumelia_fw-la &_o contemptâ_fw-la praepositi_fw-la totum_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la atque_fw-la utinam_fw-la non_fw-la prostratâ_fw-la fratrum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la salute_v sibi_fw-la omne_fw-la vendicarent_fw-la contumelias_fw-la episcopatûs_fw-la nostri_fw-la dissimulare_fw-la &_o far_o possem_fw-la sicut_fw-la
dissimulavi_fw-la semper_fw-la &_o pertuli_fw-la sed_fw-la dissimulandi_fw-la nunc_fw-la locus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quando_fw-la decipiatur_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la nostra_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la vestrûm_fw-la qui_fw-la dùm_fw-la sine_fw-la ratione_fw-la restituendae_fw-la salutis_fw-la plausibiles_fw-la esse_fw-la cupiunt_fw-la magis_fw-la lapsis_fw-la obsunt_fw-la last_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o premise_n how_o absurd_a it_o be_v and_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n and_o more_o absurd_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o mix_a meeting_n of_o presbyter_n and_o laic_n conveen_v without_o lawful_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n can._n 9_o and_o council_n milevit_fw-la can._n 22._o and_o council_n carthag_n 2._o can._n 10._o nor_o do_v we_o decline_v the_o lawful_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatorie_a in_o the_o kingdom_n especial_o of_o a_o general_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v or_o of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n can_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n only_o we_o declare_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v against_o order_n decency_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n or_o by_o laic_n without_o authority_n and_o commission_n from_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o many_o more_o and_o for_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n lest_o by_o our_o silence_n we_o betray_v the_o church_n right_a his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v force_v to_o protest_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v repute_v and_o hold_v null_n in_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o that_o no_o churchman_n be_v hold_v to_o appear_v before_o assist_v or_o approve_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o no_o letter_n petition_z subscription_n interlocutor_n certification_n admonition_n or_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o be_v any_o wise_a prejudicial_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n establish_v or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o jurisdiction_n liberty_n privilege_n rent_n benefice_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n of_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o favour_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o person_n or_o estate_n authority_n jurisdiction_n dignity_n rent_n benefice_n reputation_n and_o good_a name_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o such_o act_n and_o deed_n above_o mention_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_v and_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a and_o null_a in_o themselves_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a assembly_n do_v intend_v as_o we_o be_v inform_v to_o call_v in_o question_n discuss_v and_o condemn_v thing_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o warrantable_a but_o also_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o in_o practice_n according_o to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o prejudice_n of_o reform_a religion_n authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v and_o brand_a of_o reform_a church_n with_o the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n we_o protest_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v not_o redound_v to_o the_o disgrace_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o reform_a religion_n nor_o be_v repute_v a_o deed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n we_o protest_v that_o we_o embrace_v and_o hold_v that_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n thereof_o receive_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n the_o year_n 1567._o be_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o do_v detest_v all_o contrary_a error_n we_o protest_v that_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o oppose_v and_o impugn_a for_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n either_o in_o the_o government_n or_o governor_n but_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o success_n of_o that_o government_n in_o this_o church_n these_o many_o year_n bypass_a most_o evident_a in_o plant_v of_o church_n with_o able_a and_o learned_a minister_n recover_v of_o the_o church_n rend_v help_v of_o the_o minister_n stipend_n prevent_v of_o these_o jar_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n which_o in_o former_a time_n dangerous_o infest_a the_o same_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o obedience_n and_o suppress_v of_o popery_n which_o in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o number_n of_o their_o professor_n or_o boldness_n of_o their_o profession_n be_v never_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o before_o these_o stir_n we_o protest_v that_o see_v these_o who_o for_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n do_v mislike_v the_o service_n book_n canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v apprehend_v or_o give_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o church_n have_v now_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v all_o offence_n bypass_a in_o these_o stir_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n may_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a love_n as_o become_v faithful_a subject_n and_o good_a christian_n lay_v aside_o all_o hatred_n envy_n and_o bitterness_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v bear_v the_o blame_n and_o be_v think_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o man_n under_o his_o majesty_n obedience_n and_o who_o have_v commit_v nothing_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n that_o may_v give_v any_o man_n just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o wish_v hurt_v to_o any_o man_n in_o his_o person_n or_o estate_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o injury_n we_o have_v suffer_v that_o for_o quench_v this_o present_a combustion_n and_o settle_v peace_n in_o this_o church_n and_o country_n we_o can_v be_v content_a after_o clear_v of_o our_o innocence_n of_o all_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o can_v be_v charge_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o bishopric_n at_o his_o majesty_n foot_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o at_o his_o royal_a pleasure_n but_o also_o if_o so_o be_v it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n and_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o this_o atonement_n we_o protest_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o one_o day_n we_o must_v give_v account_n that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n out_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o not_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o any_o guiltiness_n whereof_o any_o of_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o either_o of_o wickedness_n in_o our_o life_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o our_o calling_n be_v content_a every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o particular_a as_o we_o have_v never_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v otherwise_o to_o undergo_v the_o lawful_a and_o most_o exact_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatorie_a within_o this_o kingdom_n or_o of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o we_o most_o humble_o entreat_v his_o grace_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o king_n majesty_n that_o he_o may_v appoint_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n such_o as_o god_n word_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v prescribe_v and_o allow_v with_o all_o convenient_a speed_n to_o the_o effect_n the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o whatsoever_o degree_n either_o in_o life_n and_o manner_n or_o doctrine_n or_o exercise_v of_o his_o call_n and_o jurisdiction_n he_o may_v be_v hear_v to_o answer_v all_o accusation_n and_o abide_v all_o trial_n
can_v we_o have_v any_o other_o intention_n or_o meaning_n be_v clear_o warrant_v and_o express_o command_v by_o his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o exact_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o take_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n in_o that_o fair_a and_o lawful_a sense_n and_o none_o other_o neither_o in_o this_o point_n do_v we_o deliver_v our_o own_o word_n or_o his_o majesty_n mind_n ambiguous_o or_o doubtful_o so_o as_o any_o other_o sense_n to_o our_o think_n can_v be_v pick_v or_o wring_v out_o of_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o we_o do_v attest_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n whether_o we_o do_v not_o to_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o conference_n with_o they_o ever_o since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n constant_o declare_v unto_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abolish_v we_o attest_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n whether_o before_o our_o tender_v of_o that_o oath_n to_o they_o or_o their_o lordship_n take_v of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o full_o and_o free_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n mind_n in_o command_v we_o to_o see_v this_o oath_n take_v and_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o require_v they_o to_o take_v it_o be_v only_o to_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o abjure_v of_o episcopal_a government_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n now_o in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administer_a this_o oath_n which_o their_o lordship_n be_v the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a judge_n of_o the_o law_n know_v well_o can_v not_o be_v abjure_v after_o which_o perspicuous_a predeclaration_n of_o our_o mind_n their_o lordship_n undoubted_o in_o that_o same_o sense_n and_o none_o other_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o now_o good_a reader_n have_v hear_v his_o majesty_n mind_n and_o intention_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n concern_v this_o oath_n the_o reason_n to_o repel_v the_o former_a objection_n seem_v to_o be_v needless_a the_o know_a mind_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o urge_v a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o undoubted_a sense_n of_o it_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o objection_n have_v of_o late_o be_v main_o urge_v for_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n and_o well_o affect_v to_o that_o government_n from_o adhere_v unto_o it_o be_v please_v to_o know_v that_o the_o former_a objection_n have_v neither_o show_n nor_o force_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a oath_n and_o that_o explanation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n episcopal_a government_n neither_o be_v nor_o possible_o can_v be_v abjure_v and_o that_o for_o many_o reason_n but_o especial_o these_o five_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o approve_v have_v cause_v to_o be_v here_o insert_v and_o leave_v they_o to_o thy_o impartial_a consideration_n first_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v command_v his_o subject_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v against_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o which_o he_o live_v unless_o that_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a until_o such_o time_n as_o that_o kingdom_n and_o church_n do_v first_o repeal_v these_o law_n and_o therefore_o episcopal_a government_n not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o be_v consonant_n unto_o it_o as_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o argue_v it_o and_o stand_v full_o establish_v both_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o abjure_v it_o before_o these_o act_n be_v repeal_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v no_o man_n will_v conceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n mean_v to_o command_v a_o thing_n absolute_o unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o pitiful_a shift_n and_o evasion_n that_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n establish_v episcopal_a government_n be_v unlawful_o and_o undue_o obtain_v certain_o if_o they_o have_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o their_o bold_a assertion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n then_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o well_o settle_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n these_o reason_n may_v be_v present_v lawful_o to_o these_o judicatories_n to_o entreat_v they_o to_o reduce_v the_o say_n act_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v strength_n and_o validity_n find_v in_o they_o but_o to_o hold_v that_o until_o such_o time_n as_o these_o judicatories_n shall_v repeal_v the_o say_n law_n they_o either_o aught_o to_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v abjure_v be_v a_o wicked_a position_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n second_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o oath_n shall_v oblige_v the_o now_o taker_n of_o it_o far_o than_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o taker_n of_o it_o at_o first_o for_o doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o do_v oblige_v they_o then_o and_o so_o do_v it_o we_o now_o perpetual_o because_o these_o point_n in_o themselves_o be_v perpetual_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a but_o for_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o oath_n can_v bind_v the_o first_o taker_n of_o it_o no_o long_o than_o that_o discipline_n and_o government_n shall_v stand_v in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o our_o church_n in_o her_o positive_a confession_n of_o faith_n print_v among_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n artic_a 20.21_o declare_v to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o repealable_a by_o succeed_a act_n if_o the_o câ—â—rch_n shall_v see_v cause_n when_o a_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o a_o judge_n at_o his_o admission_n swear_v to_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o these_o law_n the_o meaning_n of_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v or_o judge_v according_a to_o they_o long_o than_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v law_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v lawful_o repeal_v both_o king_n and_o judge_n be_v free_a from_o rule_v and_o judge_v according_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v thus_o lawful_o repeal_v notwithstanding_o their_o original_a oath_n since_o therefore_o if_o the_o first_o taker_n of_o that_o oath_n be_v now_o alive_a they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v abjure_v episcopal_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o establsh_v by_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n in_o her_o confession_n hold_v church_n government_n to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o repeat_v but_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v say_v to_o abjure_v that_o government_n now_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o repeat_v the_o same_o oath_n three_o how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_v this_o oath_n shall_v make_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abjure_v by_o it_o more_o than_o the_o covenanter_n require_v it_o of_o their_o associate_n in_o both_o covenant_n the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n by_o the_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o the_o contriver_n and_o urger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v subscribe_v it_o without_o abjure_v of_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o invent_v and_o make_v and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o aberdene_n quaeres_fw-la have_v full_o and_o clear_o express_v themselves_o to_o that_o sense_n hold_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o present_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o only_o refer_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o likewise_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o last_o protestation_n against_o his_o
limit_v as_o be_v competent_a to_o they_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n from_o which_o time_n their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a be_v always_o extinct_a which_o be_v evident_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o and_o express_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1597._o grant_v voice_n in_o parliament_n to_o minister_n which_o albeit_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o episcopacy_n yet_o the_o parliament_n thereby_o have_v remit_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n as_o not_o pertain_v to_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o minister_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o prejudice_n always_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n permit_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereof_o that_o 1592._o forecited_a be_v one_o to_o general_a provincial_a assembly_n presbytery_n and_o session_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v never_o prejudge_v neither_o by_o the_o act_n 1606._o nor_o by_o the_o act_n 1609._o albeit_o corruption_n be_v then_o fast_o advance_v till_o the_o year_n 1612._o at_o which_o time_n first_o and_o never_o before_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n anent_o their_o office_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n former_o remit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o relative_a to_o that_o remit_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o which_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v also_o omit_v by_o the_o quotter_n like_a as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1609._o restore_v they_o only_o to_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n 1609._o and_o privilege_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o and_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o any_o other_o ordinare_fw-la jurisdiction_n do_v with_o reservation_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n and_o prerogative_n therein_o which_o can_v no_o way_n comprehend_v their_o ecclesiastical_a office_n because_o the_o same_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n neither_o do_v lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n after_o reformation_n and_o by_o the_o act_n 1592._o be_v abrogat_fw-la and_o take_v from_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n establish_v in_o presbytery_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n it_o can_v flow_v from_o the_o king_n who_o can_v make_v a_o minister_n doctor_n elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o kirk_n albeit_o he_o may_v present_v a_o minister_n make_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o the_o kirk_n neither_o can_v the_o parliament_n institute_v original_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n in_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v before_o say_v further_o the_o intend_a scope_n of_o that_o act_n be_v only_o the_o restitution_n of_o commissariat_n and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o act_n itself_o bear_v that_o they_o shall_v brook_v all_o privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o redintegrate_v they_o to_o their_o former_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o always_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n from_o who_o only_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n do_v flow_v which_o be_v only_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o commisser_n in_o temporal_a cause_n and_o no_o way_n any_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n competent_a ratione_fw-la officii_fw-la which_o by_o god_n word_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v abjure_v in_o they_o and_o establish_v in_o assembly_n presbytery_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v many_o time_n before_o repeat_v but_o to_o convince_v they_o further_o it_o be_v not_o or_o that_o both_o 1606_o and_o 1609._o they_o ride_v in_o parliament_n and_o by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o say_v act_n without_o insert_v the_o caution_n make_v at_o montrose_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o say_a caution_n and_o their_o own_o oath_n give_v for_o observance_n thereof_o against_o which_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n do_v protest_v solemn_o clear_v unanswerable_o not_o only_o the_o unlawfullnesse_n of_o their_o ecclesiastic_a episcopal_a function_n but_o also_o of_o the_o civil_a place_n in_o person_n of_o pastor_n from_o god_n word_n our_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n but_o this_o protestation_n be_v reject_v by_o they_o be_v print_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n 1617._o and_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o it_o can_v set_v down_o consecration_n to_o the_o office_n without_o a_o precede_a act_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v not_o allege_v but_o by_o the_o contraire_fw-fr the_o kirk_n have_v before_o condemn_v that_o office_n and_o do_v particular_o protest_v against_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n moreover_o this_o act_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o suppose_a ground_n of_o glasgow_n assembly_n 1610._o which_o for_o infallible_a reason_n be_v now_o annul_v and_o so_o not_o only_o this_o act_n 1617._o but_o all_o after_o act_n ratify_v the_o same_o fall_n ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o when_o the_o principal_a act_n or_o right_v ratify_v do_v fall_v the_o subsequent_a ratification_n fall_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la especial_o in_o this_o case_n when_o civil_a law_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n can_v be_v make_v original_o nor_o subsist_v after_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n which_o they_o ordain_v under_o civil_a sanction_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o yet_o be_v once_o annul_v they_o can_v be_v obey_v and_o further_a even_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1610._o which_o be_v now_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la do_v never_o restore_v the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesian_a bishop_n before_o condemn_v in_o this_o kirk_n but_o do_v too_o far_o enlarge_v and_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o these_o who_o be_v provide_v to_o the_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o always_o under_o caution_n and_o limitation_n swear_v unto_o which_o they_o never_o observe_v and_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o subjection_n for_o censure_n to_o yearly_o general_a assembly_n which_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v but_o impede_v and_o so_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o claim_v the_o benefice_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n conclude_v by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o violate_v by_o themselves_o and_o last_o for_o answer_v to_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n whatsoever_o conclusion_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n consider_v if_o as_o the_o assembly_n late_o convene_v by_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v judge_v and_o have_v proceed_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n so_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o oath_n make_v to_o god_n to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n 1580._o and_o renounce_v all_o subsequent_a act_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o kirk_n in_o who_o favour_n any_o pretend_a privilege_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o out_o of_o experience_n of_o real_a prejudice_n and_o the_o pungent_a sin_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o danger_n of_o perjury_n under_o which_o this_o kingdom_n lie_v for_o the_o which_o we_o ardent_o deprecate_v god_n wrath_n and_o beg_v mercy_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o must_v still_o continue_v our_o earnest_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n for_o redress_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o preserve_v the_o sacred_a person_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o perpetuate_a his_o reign_n and_o his_o royal_a posterity_n over_o this_o land_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v revise_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n ihonston_n clerk_n thereto_o edinb_n 14._o of_o feb._n 1639._o because_o the_o reader_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o these_o exception_n against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n here_o cite_v and_o of_o the_o impertinency_n of_o their_o citation_n of_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o when_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o frame_v and_o enjoin_v to_o be_v subscribe_v episcopal_a government_n be_v then_o in_o force_n and_o strength_n which_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a and_o irrefragable_a record_n of_o that_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o book_n and_o roll_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o cause_v to_o be_v insert_v out_o of_o the_o sederunt_fw-la roll_n of_o parliament_n the_o name_n of_o such_o bishop_n as_o sate_v in_o parliament_n and_o
represent_v the_o three_o estate_n since_o the_o reformation_n begin_v no_o high_a than_o the_o year_n 1579._o in_o which_o the_o reader_n must_v note_v that_o the_o abbot_n be_v secular_a man_n who_o have_v get_v the_o abbey-land_n but_o yet_o retain_v their_o name_n and_o place_n in_o parliament_n parliament_n 23._o octob._n 1579._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la murray_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 15._o parliament_n penult_n octob._n 1581._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 12._o parliament_n 2._o octob._n 1583._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dumblane_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la argyl_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la iles._n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 13._o parliament_n 22._o may_v 1584._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 11._o parliament_n 26._o august_n 1584._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 4._o parliament_n 1._o decemb._n 1585._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archâ—_n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 9_o parliament_n 13._o july_n 1587._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 13._o parliament_n 3._o april_n 1592._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 3._o april_n 1593._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 22._o april_n 1594._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 5._o parliament_n 1._o novemb_n 1597._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 5._o parliament_n 1._o novem._n 1600._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 12._o april_n 1604._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la rosse_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la caithnes_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 3_o parliament_n 3._o july_n 1606._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la s._n andrew_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la rosse_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la galloway_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 1_o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la prior_n 1_o parliament_n 3._o august_n 1607._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la st._n andrew_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la murray_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la caithnes_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 3_o about_o this_o time_n our_o commissioner_n resolve_v to_o ask_v our_o leave_n for_o his_o return_n to_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v expect_v from_o our_o fair_a and_o gracious_a proceed_n with_o they_o of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o write_v unto_o we_o according_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v our_o leave_n for_o his_o return_n he_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a stir_n which_o be_v now_o raise_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o the_o strong_a and_o great_a guard_n which_o be_v since_o his_o leave_v of_o glasgow_n put_v upon_o our_o castle_n there_o repair_v thither_o to_o our_o palace_n at_o holy-rood-house_n where_o he_o find_v the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n horrible_o abuse_v by_o the_o misreport_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o assembly_n whilst_o he_o continue_v at_o glasgow_n especial_o with_o a_o false_a information_n that_o we_o have_v there_o make_v good_a nothing_o of_o all_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o last_o gracious_a declaration_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n last_o pass_v herewith_o he_o make_v we_o present_o acquaint_v which_o move_v we_o by_o a_o very_a speedy_a dispatch_n to_o command_v he_o by_o our_o proclamation_n to_o make_v know_v to_o all_o our_o subject_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o whole_a proceed_n at_o glasgow_n which_o our_o commissioner_n present_o perform_v by_o cause_v this_o our_o ensue_a proclamation_n to_o be_v publish_v at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o that_o our_o city_n charles_n r._n 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 maissar_n herald_n pursuivant_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n whereas_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a within_o this_o our_o kingdom_n and_o for_o settle_v of_o a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n thereof_o we_o be_v please_v to_o cause_n indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o of_o november_n last_o and_o for_o our_o subject_n their_o better_a content_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v free_v of_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o petition_n and_o supplication_n give_v in_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v grieve_v at_o we_o in_o some_o sort_n preven_v the_o assembly_n by_o discharge_v by_o our_o proclamation_n the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n free_v and_o liberate_a our_o subject_n from_o the_o practise_n of_o the_o five_o article_n exime_v all_o minister_n at_o their_o entry_n from_o give_v any_o other_o oath_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v all_o person_n both_o ecclesiastical_a &_o civil_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n have_v declare_v all_o bygone_a disorder_n absolute_o forget_v and_o forgive_v and_o last_o for_o secure_v to_o all_o posterity_n the_o truth_n and_o liberty_n of_o religion_n do_v command_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o subscribe_v by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o to_o be_v renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o our_o subject_n here_o and_o albeit_o that_o this_o our_o gracious_a and_o pious_a command_n in_o stead_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n rancountre_v open_a and_o public_a opposition_n and_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o daily_a and_o hourly_o guard_v and_o watch_v our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n suffer_v nothing_o to_o be_v import_v therein_o but_o at_o their_o discretion_n stop_v and_o impede_v any_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n or_o other_o necessary_n whatsoever_o to_o any_o of_o our_o house_n within_o this_o kingdom_n deny_v to_o we_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o act_n without_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n like_a as_o they_o spare_v not_o bold_o and_o open_o to_o continue_v their_o convention_n and_o council_n table_n of_o nobility_n gentry_n minister_n and_o burgess_n within_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o not_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o warrant_n of_o authority_n they_o conveen_v assemble_v and_o treat_v upon_o matter_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a send_v their_o injunction_n and_o direction_n throughout_o the_o country_n to_o their_o subordinate_a table_n and_o other_o under_o minister_n appoint_v by_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o under_o colour_n and_o pretext_n of_o religion_n exerce_v a_o unwarrant_v liberty_n require_v obedience_n to_o their_o unlawful_a and_o illegal_a direction_n to_o the_o
see_v prejudice_n of_o authority_n and_o lawful_a monarchical_a government_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a by_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o of_o they_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n some_o long_a since_o banish_v for_o open_a and_o avow_v teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o of_o they_o suspend_v and_o some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o of_o they_o rebel_n and_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o of_o they_o confine_v and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o by_o this_o and_o other_o their_o underhand_o work_v and_o private_a information_n and_o persuasion_n have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o partiality_n and_o so_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a judge_n of_o what_o concern_v episcopacy_n and_o all_o be_v albeit_o it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o the_o peremptory_a and_o illegal_a procedure_v of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o order_n of_o law_n and_o without_o due_a form_n of_o process_n thrust_v out_o moderatour_n lawful_o establish_v and_o place_v other_o who_o they_o find_v most_o inclinable_a to_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n associate_n to_o themselves_o for_o choose_v of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n a_o laick-eld_a out_o of_o each_o parish_n who_o be_v in_o most_o place_n equal_a if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o ministry_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o shall_v be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n as_o also_o of_o a_o laick-eld_a which_o in_o time_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o import_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n and_o churchman_n be_v more_o direct_v therein_o by_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a table_n then_o by_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a instruction_n send_v from_o they_o far_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o country_n and_o lowable_a custom_n of_o this_o church_n some_o whereof_o be_v produce_v and_o exhibit_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o public_o read_v one_o whereof_o direct_v to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n of_o each_o presbytery_n do_v among_o many_o other_o odd_a passage_n require_v diligence_n lest_o say_v they_o by_o our_o own_o silliness_n and_o treachery_n we_o lose_v so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n of_o our_o liberty_n both_o christian_n and_o civil_a a_o strange_a phrase_n to_o proceed_v from_o dutiful_a or_o loyal_a heart_a subject_n the_o other_o to_o the_o moderatour_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n under_o the_o title_n of_o private_a instruction_n august_n 27._o first_o contain_v that_o these_o private_a instruction_n shall_v be_v discover_v to_o none_o but_o to_o brethren_n well_o affect_v to_o the_o cause_n second_o order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o none_o be_v choose_v rule_v elder_n but_o covenanter_n and_o those_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o business_n three_o that_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o well_o affect_v the_o roll_a elder_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n and_o speak_v to_o particular_o for_o that_o effect_n four_a that_o they_o be_v careful_a that_o no_o chappelman_n chapterman_n or_o minister_n justice_n of_o peace_n be_v choose_v although_o covenanter_n except_o they_o have_v public_o renounce_v or_o declare_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o their_o place_n five_o that_o the_o roll_a elder_n come_v from_o every_o church_n in_o equal_a number_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n oppose_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o opposition_n sixthly_a that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n cause_n conveen_v before_o he_o the_o roll_a elder_a of_o every_o kirk_n choose_v before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o election_n and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o their_o oath_n that_o they_o give_v vote_n to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v name_v already_o at_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n seventhly_a that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o nobleman_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v choose_v and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o there_o be_v choose_v a_o baron_n or_o one_o of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o he_o only_o a_o covenanter_n eighthly_a that_o the_o able_a man_n in_o every_o presbytery_n be_v provide_v to_o dispute_v de_fw-fr potestate_fw-la supremi_fw-la magistratus_fw-la in_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la praesertim_fw-la in_o convocandis_fw-la conciliis_fw-la etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a what_o prelimitation_n indirect_a and_o partial_a course_n and_o dangerous_a proposition_n have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o preparation_n and_o election_n to_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n by_o which_o unlawful_a do_n although_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o have_v discharge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n yet_o we_o be_v please_v patient_o to_o attend_v the_o same_o still_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o assistance_n of_o some_o well_o affect_a subject_n who_o be_v to_o be_v there_o and_o by_o their_o own_o see_v the_o real_a performance_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o proclamation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o return_v to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o subject_n but_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o their_o turbulent_a disposition_n do_v increase_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o repair_n to_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n with_o great_a troop_n and_o band_n of_o man_n all_o boddin_fw-mi in_o fear_n of_o war_n with_o gun_n &_o pistolet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 16._o day_n of_o novemb_n last_o and_o also_o by_o the_o peremptory_a refuse_v to_o the_o assessor_n authorize_v by_o we_o although_o few_o in_o number_n then_o our_o dear_a father_n be_v in_o use_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o vote_v in_o this_o assembly_n as_o former_o they_o have_v do_v in_o all_o other_o open_o aver_v that_o we_o nor_o our_o commissioner_n have_v no_o further_a power_n there_o then_o the_o mean_a commissioner_n of_o their_o number_n &_o by_o their_o partial_a and_o unjust_a refuse_v &_o not_o suffer_v to_o be_v read_v the_o reason_n &_o argument_n give_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n &_o their_o adherent_n to_o our_o commissioner_n why_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o try_v and_o admit_v of_o the_o commissioner_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v though_o in_o our_o name_n they_o be_v earnest_o require_v thereto_o by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o commissioner_n by_o warrant_n from_o we_o give_v in_o under_o his_o hand_n a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n bear_v likeways_o our_o pleasure_n of_o the_o registration_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n for_o all_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n as_o do_v clear_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n itself_o whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o many_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n have_v apprehend_v that_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o inbr_n of_o superstition_n have_v be_v intend_v have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o either_o of_o they_o and_o annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v or_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v the_o king_n majesty_n as_o he_o conceive_v for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o subject_n establish_v the_o high_a commission_n that_o thereby_o justice_n may_v be_v administrate_n and_o the_o fault_n and_o error_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v make_v liable_a thereto_o take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v with_o the_o more_o conveniency_n and_o less_o trouble_n to_o the_o people_n but_o find_v his_o gracious_a intention_n therein_o to_o be_v mistake_v have_v be_v please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o same_o and_o all_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o and_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v
that_o oath_n have_v be_v exact_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o many_o several_a way_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o where_o his_o majesty_n declare_v that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o a_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n year_n the_o same_o be_v of_o fearful_a consequence_n because_o the_o act_n bear_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o bishop_n by_o minister_n intrant_n and_o so_o suppose_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o uncontroverted_a whereby_o the_o assembly_n be_v prelimited_a against_o the_o reason_n before_o mention_v which_o may_v find_v that_o office_n useless_a and_o unlawful_a in_o this_o kirk_n and_o which_o now_o they_o have_v find_v upon_o most_o infallible_a reason_n five_o that_o his_o majesty_n assure_v general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v as_o oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o kirk_n shall_v require_v do_v not_o satisfy_v because_o first_o by_o leave_v the_o time_n undefinite_a it_o preiudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o hold_v yearly_a general_a assembly_n at_o least_o and_o often_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la ratify_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o the_o disuse_n whereof_o have_v be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o evil_n which_o shall_v be_v prevent_v in_o time_n come_v by_o renew_v that_o ancient_a necessary_a custom_n and_o liberty_n second_o by_o the_o same_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o the_o king_n or_o his_o commissioner_n be_v present_a shall_v appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o next_o assembly_n and_o in_o case_n his_o majesty_n or_o his_o commissioner_n be_v not_o present_a for_o the_o time_n in_o the_o town_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v hold_v it_o shall_v be_v leasome_a to_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o themselves_o to_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o next_o assembly_n as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o time_n past_a but_o this_o declaration_n not_o only_o leave_v all_o indefinite_a but_o total_o evert_v that_o power_n and_o liberty_n competent_a to_o they_o by_o law_n and_o custom_n three_o as_o it_o do_v not_o determine_v how_o oft_o the_o ordinary_a effair_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi require_v a_o assembly_n which_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o act_n foresay_a evident_o manifest_a to_o be_v yearly_o once_o at_o least_o so_o neither_o do_v it_o determine_v who_o shall_v judge_v when_o the_o necessity_n of_o extraordinary_a effair_n require_v a_o assembly_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la whereas_o undoubted_o the_o church_fw-mi will_v be_v most_o sensible_a of_o her_o own_o necessity_n and_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a judge_n of_o she_o own_o affair_n and_o therefore_o shall_v have_v freedom_n to_o appoint_v she_o own_o time_n when_o she_o find_v herself_o press_v with_o present_a exigency_n as_o his_o majesty_n have_v also_o power_n when_o he_o perceive_v any_o necessity_n require_v the_o same_o six_o whereas_o his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v answerable_a to_o and_o censurable_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v because_o first_o it_o bear_v a_o prelimitaon_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o try_v that_o office_n and_o presuppose_v the_o continuance_n thereof_o by_o succession_n as_o unquestionable_a second_o they_o have_v be_v former_o make_v censurable_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o straight_a way_n that_o the_o kirke_n can_v enjoin_v or_o they_o can_v assure_v and_o yet_o these_o thirty_o year_n they_o have_v shun_v all_o censure_n though_o all_o their_o action_n deserve_v it_o by_o procure_v general_a assembly_n to_o be_v prorogate_v and_o then_o sudden_o indict_v when_o they_o have_v cunning_o prepare_v both_o person_n and_o purpose_n to_o their_o mind_n likeas_n now_o they_o have_v by_o their_o declinator_n refuse_v to_o answer_v and_o be_v censure_v by_o this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o perfect_o constitute_v in_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o lie_v upon_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o take_v some_o solid_a course_n for_o secure_v the_o kirk_n in_o all_o time_n come_v against_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o former_a and_o frequent_a breach_n contrary_a to_o their_o oath_n give_v seven_o whereas_o his_o majesty_n require_v this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n former_o sign_v by_o his_o royal_a father_n 1580._o and_o late_o command_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n september_n last_v 22._o whereto_o we_o adhere_v and_o repeat_v the_o same_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v subscribe_v the_o same_o to_o which_o we_o add_v first_o that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n when_o their_o subscription_n be_v require_v that_o it_o may_v subsist_v with_o the_o innovation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o which_o contrary_n some_o of_o the_o say_a lord_n then_o do_v and_o all_o of_o we_o do_v now_o conceive_v to_o repugn_v to_o the_o genuine_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v first_o make_v second_o that_o his_o grace_n have_v protest_v divers_a time_n in_o this_o assembly_n that_o nothing_o do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v therein_o prejudge_v the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n in_o their_o privilege_n place_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n whereby_o the_o declare_v that_o these_o may_v subsist_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v novation_n introduce_v upon_o this_o church_fw-mi contrary_a to_o the_o same_o since_o the_o year_n foresay_a as_o be_v now_o find_v by_o the_o assembly_n three_o that_o to_o the_o assembly_n present_o convene_v and_o perfect_o constitute_v in_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o pertain_v proper_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n constitution_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o book_n of_o policy_n ratify_v in_o divers_a assembly_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o know_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi who_o thereafter_o without_o scruple_n or_o danger_n may_v subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o although_o the_o assembly_n can_v not_o find_v this_o declaration_n satisfactory_a for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a weighty_a reason_n yet_o be_v they_o will_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v insert_v in_o their_o book_n for_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n desire_n and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n pious_a affection_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o royal_a resolution_n to_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o express_v in_o the_o closure_n of_o his_o royal_a declaration_n they_o be_v confident_a that_o when_o his_o majesty_n shall_v be_v full_o inform_v that_o the_o novation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n 1580._o be_v incomparable_a with_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o will_v be_v please_v gracious_o to_o vouchsafe_v his_o comfortable_a protection_n upon_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o confession_n now_o full_o clear_v by_o the_o assembly_n have_v abjure_v all_o the_o innovation_n introduce_v and_o by_o their_o great_a oath_n and_o subscription_n have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o channel_n which_o convoy_v both_o duty_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n the_o evidence_n of_o god_n image_n in_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n his_o depute_v shall_v be_v terrible_a to_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o of_o his_o loyal_a subject_n who_o stand_v for_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o and_o shall_v raise_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o religious_a subject_n towards_o his_o majesty_n above_o all_o earthly_a respect_n reason_n and_o where_o it_o be_v subjoin_v in_o the_o proclamation_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o give_v contentment_n except_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o overthrow_v episcopal_a government_n and_o to_o abrogate_v public_a law_n stand_v and_o take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n we_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v thereof_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n abrogate_a and_o abolish_n episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_fw-mi for_o false_a infallible_a reason_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a act_n and_o also_o by_o our_o answer_n publish_v to_o the_o declaration_n emit_v in_o the_o commissioner_n name_n which_o for_o brevity_n we_o forbear_v to_o insert_v herein_o whereby_o we_o have_v
none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o yet_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n whether_o our_o refuse_v of_o the_o intrusion_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o the_o extrusion_n of_o episcopal_a government_n can_v be_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n a_o sufficient_a warrant_n or_o ground_n for_o his_o take_a arm_n against_o his_o lawful_a king_n and_o sovereign_a for_o now_o their_o very_a leader_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o rest_n make_v these_o two_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o their_o arm_n and_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o of_o our_o subject_n covenanter_n if_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n at_o the_o first_o they_o do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o take_v arm_n against_o we_o for_o these_o two_o point_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o episcopal_a government_n if_o they_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o we_o in_o their_o other_o grievance_n and_o fear_v innovation_n as_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v we_o be_v confident_a that_o no_o such_o matter_n be_v then_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o thought_n we_o then_o have_v full_o remove_v those_o pretend_a fear_n which_o occasion_v their_o covenant_n we_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o our_o seduce_a subject_n will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n but_o for_o their_o seducer_n we_o know_v that_o some_o of_o they_o from_o the_o very_a first_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n this_o grand_a imposture_n and_o calumny_n with_o the_o other_o three_o be_v remove_v we_o will_v now_o declare_v full_o and_o free_o to_o all_o our_o subject_n of_o our_o three_o kingdom_n and_o to_o all_o foreigner_n beside_o the_o true_a and_o only_a cause_n which_o do_v enforce_v we_o at_o this_o time_n to_o use_v force_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o insolence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o shall_v stand_v out_o against_o we_o first_o protest_v that_o none_o of_o the_o cause_n before_o mention_v suggest_v by_o their_o leader_n have_v settle_v in_o we_o this_o resolution_n but_o only_o these_o cause_n which_o now_o follow_v first_o we_o will_v never_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n nay_o that_o all_o our_o subject_n if_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n out_o of_o parliament_n shall_v ever_o abolish_v or_o destroy_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n especial_o not_o nobleman_n and_o other_o assemble_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n for_o to_o hold_v that_o any_o assembly_n of_o subject_n out_o of_o parliament_n or_o in_o parliament_n without_o our_o consent_n may_v abolish_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o government_n and_o justice_n in_o all_o monarchy_n and_o the_o do_v of_o it_o by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n in_o their_o counsel_n and_o synod_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o infinite_a calamity_n and_o miserable_a war_n and_o devastation_n of_o kingdom_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o conclave_n do_v usurp_v that_o unlawful_a and_o unlimited_a power_n which_o be_v in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n in_o all_o these_o late_a trouble_n practise_v against_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o same_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v unless_o the_o offender_n betake_v themselves_o to_o our_o mercy_n second_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n without_o our_o consent_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o parliament_n shall_v destroy_v any_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n which_o they_o in_o their_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n have_v go_v about_o to_o do_v three_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v call_v but_o by_o our_o indiction_n according_a to_o a_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v or_o that_o it_o shall_v continue_v after_o that_o we_o by_o our_o authority_n have_v dissolve_v it_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o who_o shall_v do_v so_o as_o our_o royal_a father_n punish_v those_o who_o do_v the_o like_a at_o aberdene_n four_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v those_o who_o have_v impose_v tax_n upon_o our_o subject_n levy_a man_n or_o arm_n raise_v any_o fortification_n in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n without_o our_o leave_n and_o first_o block_v up_o and_o then_o take_v our_o castle_n and_o fort_n and_o by_o violence_n dispossess_v our_o loyal_a subject_n of_o their_o house_n and_o castle_n detain_v they_o by_o force_n for_o all_o these_o by_o the_o express_a law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n be_v act_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n five_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o the_o protestation_n of_o subject_n against_o we_o our_o council_n our_o judge_n and_o law_n shall_v discharge_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o protester_n unto_o these_o law_n unless_o they_o be_v admit_v before_o the_o competent_a judge_n and_o legal_o discuss_v before_o they_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o covenanter_n all_o the_o time_n of_o these_o tumult_n six_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o our_o subject_n shall_v enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n or_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n without_o our_o leave_n ask_v and_o obtain_v it_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n for_o this_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o rebellion_n seven_o and_o principal_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o table_n or_o committee_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o under_o any_o other_o name_n title_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o shall_v sit_v without_o our_o consent_n and_o authority_n and_o order_n business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o the_o same_o by_o we_o our_o council_n or_o judge_n shall_v appeal_v from_o we_o and_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o either_o allege_v that_o they_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o none_o but_o by_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o immediate_a council_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o dependencie_n from_o or_o subordination_n either_o to_o our_o council_n or_o judge_n or_o our_o parliament_n which_o be_v the_o council_n of_o our_o kingdom_n and_o so_o that_o both_o churchman_n and_o lay-man_n under_o ecclesiastical_a name_n shall_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o and_o our_o law_n and_o the_o assembly_n itself_o shall_v hold_v the_o member_n of_o it_o free_a from_o be_v judge_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o assembly_n by_o any_o but_o by_o itself_o which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n be_v treason_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n cite_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o narration_n now_o all_o this_o have_v be_v practise_v and_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o which_o call_v themselves_o of_o the_o table_n from_o all_o which_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o offence_n which_o we_o resolve_v to_o punish_v in_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n do_v not_o concern_v religion_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n high_a commission_n nay_o nor_o whether_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o lay-elder_n in_o assembly_n or_o no_o episcopal_a government_n though_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o one_o and_o retain_v the_o other_o but_o the_o question_n indeed_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o whether_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n shall_v be_v any_o more_o king_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o if_o these_o traitorous_a position_n shall_v be_v maintain_v and_o make_v good_a by_o force_n of_o arm_n than_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n can_v be_v no_o more_o king_n there_o our_o parliament_n council_n and_o judge_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n there_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v give_v over_o to_o be_v king_n and_o so_o betray_v and_o desert_n that_o charge_n wherewith_o god_n have_v entrust_v we_o we_o must_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o our_o hand_n and_o by_o fair_a just_a and_o legal_a way_n to_o our_o great_a grief_n force_v they_o to_o obedience_n these_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n which_o have_v force_v we_o to_o undertake_v this_o journey_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o arm_n and_o aid_n of_o our_o loyal_a subject_n here_o for_o the_o security_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o safeguard_n of_o our_o person_n as_o likewise_o of_o the_o arm_n and_o aid_n of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o here_o first_o we_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v what_o a_o unwelcome_a journey_n this_o be_v unto_o we_o and_o how_o unwilling_o we_o do_v undertake_v it_o second_o we_o