all_o former_a protestation_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o commons_o respectiuè_v for_o the_o time_n so_o we_o may_v have_v his_o majesty_n royal_a approbation_n to_o this_o present_a assembly_n whole_a act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o all_o our_o proceed_n and_o behaviour_n in_o this_o business_n which_o we_o assure_o expect_v from_o his_o majesty_n imbred_a piety_n justice_n and_o bounty_n notwithstanding_o the_o sinistrous_a untrue_a information_n whisper_v in_o his_o royal_a year_n in_o the_o contrary_n upon_o all_o which_o premise_n and_o protestation_n aforesaid_a which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a make_v by_o we_o at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n last_o but_o so_o far_o differ_v as_o be_v necessary_a for_o answer_v to_o the_o new_a addition_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n and_o clear_v we_o of_o the_o aspersion_n wherewith_o we_o be_v change_v therein_o 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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 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command_n and_o instance_n to_o impair_v hurt_n or_o stay_v the_o say_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n correction_n of_o manner_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o offence_n &_o enormity_n or_o to_o make_v any_o appellation_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o stop_v the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v by_o god_n word_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n within_o the_o say_v kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n summary_o without_o any_o process_n or_o admonition_n to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n by_o the_o minister_n or_o minister_n which_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o they_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v know_v that_o any_o of_o the_o say_n head_n be_v transgress_v likeas_n both_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n promise_v that_o none_o thereafter_o shall_v have_v that_o cause_n to_o complain_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n in_o july_n 1597._o and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o saint_n andrews_n 24._o april_n 1582._o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o master_n robert_n montgomrie_n the_o assembly_n do_v write_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o this_o discharge_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o see_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a charge_n the_o assembly_n do_v proceed_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o say_a master_n robert_n further_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 27._o of_o june_n 1582._o sess._n 7._o among_o the_o grievance_n present_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o king_n the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o majesty_n by_o device_n of_o some_o counsellor_n be_v move_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o only_a king_n and_o 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also_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n because_o as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n so_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o national_a assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o only_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o so_o near_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o king_n james_n 6._o and_o parl._n 1_o king_n charles_n likeas_n by_o the_o 12._o par._n 114._o act_n k._n james_n 6._o ann_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o in_o her_o presbytery_n and_o assembly_n be_v full_o and_o firm_o ratify_v with_o declaration_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a over_o all_o estate_n and_o person_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n especial_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o full_a power_n even_o to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n 8._o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n by_o act_n 92._o parl._n 6._o king_n james_n 6._o be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v and_o to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o council_n in_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o the_o 47._o act_n 11._o parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n and_o supersederee_n purchase_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v discharge_v as_o contempt_n do_v to_o the_o law_n as_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o have_v and_o contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o admissible_o by_o any_o judge_n nor_o effectual_a to_o the_o purchaser_n any_o way_n and_o ordain_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v justice_n siclike_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o the_o say_a supersederee_n and_o licence_n never_o have_v be_v purchase_v nor_o produce_v like_o as_o by_o the_o 106._o act_n parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o act_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n according_a to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_n notwithstanding_o of_o privy_a warrant_n or_o prohibition_n contrary_a to_o law_n which_o common_o be_v impetrate_v from_o his_o majesty_n upon_o misinformation_n to_o proceed_v and_o minister_v justice_n 9_o to_o discharge_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n stop_v the_o execution_n thereof_o protect_v and_o defend_v such_o as_o be_v delinquent_n and_o under_o the_o kirk_n censure_n do_v direct_o repugn_v to_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n wherein_o cap._n 19_o the_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v upright_o ministration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v for_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o repress_v of_o vice_n and_o so_o no_o more_o can_v be_v impede_v nor_o just_o take_v from_o the_o kirk_n then_o any_o of_o she_o other_o two_o mark_n viz._n the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o oath_n at_o the_o king_n coronation_n he_o swear_v to_o maintain_v this_o confession_n and_o these_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o particular_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresaid_n crime_n 10._o in_o the_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o renew_v by_o the_o great_a and_o kingdom_n best_a part_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o explication_n renew_v also_o at_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o power_n so_o that_o see_v this_o general_a assembly_n have_v proceed_v in_o their_o constitution_n act_n and_o whole_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1580._o and_o 1590._o contain_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o in_o both_o these_o year_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v registrate_n and_o swear_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o clear_o distinguish_v in_o the_o 1._o c._n l._n 2._o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n may_v no_o way_n stop_v or_o impede_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o in_o the_o 7._o c._n the_o eldership_n and_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n upon_o all_o transgressor_n and_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o c._n the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a
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deliver_v the_o same_o by_o you_o due_o execute_v and_o endorse_v again_o to_o the_o bearer_n give_v under_o our_o signet_n at_o sterling_a the_o nineteen_o day_n of_o february_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o thirteen_o year_n 1638._o per_fw-la actum_fw-la secreti_fw-la concilii_fw-la here_o follow_v their_o protestation_n for_o god_n and_o the_o king_n we_o nobleman_n baron_n minister_n burrowes_n appoint_v to_o attend_v his_o majesty_n answer_n to_o our_o humble_a petition_n and_o complaint_n and_o to_o prefer_v new_a grievance_n and_o to_o do_v what_o else_o may_v lawful_o conduce_v to_o our_o humble_a desire_n that_o whereupon_o the_o 23._o of_o september_n last_o we_o present_v a_o supplication_n to_o your_o lordship_n and_o another_o upon_o the_o 18._o of_o october_n last_o and_o also_o a_o new_a bill_n relative_a to_o the_o former_a upon_o the_o 19_o of_o december_n last_o and_o do_v therein_o humble_o remonstrate_v our_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o also_o against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o the_o contriver_n maintainer_n and_o urger_n thereof_o and_o against_o their_o sit_v as_o our_o judge_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v decide_v earnest_o supplicate_v withal_o to_o be_v free_v and_o deliver_v from_o these_o and_o all_o other_o innovation_n of_o that_o kind_n introduce_v against_o the_o laudable_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o that_o of_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o other_o evil_n particular_o mention_v and_o general_o contain_v in_o our_o foresay_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n and_o that_o this_o our_o party_n delinquent_a against_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n may_v be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o these_o press_a grievance_n may_v be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o redress_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o by_o our_o say_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n more_o large_o do_v appear_v with_o the_o which_o on_o the_o 19_o of_o december_n last_o we_o give_v in_o a_o declinator_n against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n as_o our_o party_n who_o by_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v our_o judge_n whereupon_o your_o lordship_n declare_v by_o your_o act_n at_o dalkeith_n the_o say_v 19_o of_o december_n that_o you_o will_v present_v our_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n royal_a consideration_n and_o that_o without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o declinator_n give_v in_o by_o we_o the_o say_v supplicant_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v hear_v at_o place_n and_o time_n convenient_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n as_o the_o say_a act_n in_o itself_o bear_v and_o whereas_o we_o your_o lordship_n supplicant_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o hope_v also_o ground_v on_o sundry_a promise_n be_v expect_v a_o answer_n to_o these_o our_o humble_a desire_n and_o have_v learn_v that_o upon_o some_o direction_n of_o his_o majesty_n anent_o our_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n unto_o your_o
lordship_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n your_o lordship_n admit_v to_o the_o consult_v and_o judge_v anent_o our_o supplication_n and_o his_o majesty_n answer_n thereunto_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o direct_a party_n contrary_a to_o our_o declinator_n first_o propound_v at_o dalkeith_n and_o now_o renew_v at_o sterling_n and_o petition_n contrary_a to_o your_o lordship_n act_n aforesaid_a at_o dalkeith_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o humble_a supplication_n therefore_o lest_o our_o silence_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o this_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o former_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o trust_n of_o our_o commission_n out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o our_o god_n our_o king_n and_o native_a country_n we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v instrument_n in_o notary_n hand_n of_o your_o lordship_n refusal_n to_o admit_v our_o declinator_n or_o remove_v these_o our_o party_n and_o to_o protest_v in_o manner_n follow_v first_o that_o we_o may_v have_v our_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n to_o present_v our_o grievance_n and_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n to_o prosecute_v the_o same_o before_o the_o ordinary_a competent_a judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a without_o any_o offence_n offer_v by_o we_o or_o take_v by_o your_o lordship_n second_o we_o protest_v that_o the_o say_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o party_n complain_v upon_o can_v be_v repute_v or_o esteem_v lawful_a judge_n to_o fit_v in_o any_o judicatorie_a in_o this_o kingdom_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a upon_o any_o of_o the_o supplicant_n until_o after_o lawful_a trial_n judicial_o they_o purge_v themselves_o of_o such_o crime_n as_o we_o have_v already_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n offer_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o whensoever_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n shall_v please_v to_o give_v we_o audience_n three_o we_o protest_v that_o no_o act_n nor_o proclamation_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o past_a or_o to_o be_v pass_v in_o council_n or_o out_o of_o council_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n who_o we_o have_v already_o decline_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o we_o the_o supplicant_n our_o person_n estate_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n or_o pursuit_n four_o we_o protest_v that_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n move_v to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n shall_v incur_v any_o danger_n in_o life_n land_n or_o any_o political_a or_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n for_o not_o observe_v such_o act_n book_n canon_n rite_n judicatory_n proclamation_n introduce_v without_o or_o against_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o statute_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o we_o or_o they_o to_o use_v ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o laudable_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n conform_v to_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n the_o nine_o of_o december_n last_o five_o see_v by_o the_o legal_a and_o submiss_a way_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n all_o who_o take_v these_o innovation_n to_o heart_n have_v be_v keep_v calm_a and_o carry_v themselves_o in_o a_o quiet_a manner_n in_o hope_n of_o redress_n we_o protest_v that_o if_o any_o inconvenience_n shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v out_o which_o we_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v upon_o the_o press_n of_o any_o of_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n or_o evil_n special_o or_o general_o contain_v in_o our_o former_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n and_o upon_o your_o lordship_n refusal_n to_o take_v order_n thereanent_fw-la the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o seek_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o a_o order_n six_o we_o protest_v that_o these_o our_o request_n proceed_v from_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n honour_n do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o most_o humble_a desire_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n accustom_a goodness_n and_o justice_n from_o which_o we_o do_v certain_o expect_v that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n will_v provide_v and_o grant_v such_o remedy_n to_o our_o just_a petition_n and_o complaint_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o so_o gracious_a a_o king_n towards_o most_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n call_v for_o redress_n of_o so_o press_v grievance_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o against_o which_o protestation_n we_o shall_v now_o say_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v contain_v &_o repeat_v in_o another_o large_a protestation_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v insert_v hereafter_o and_o there_o it_o shall_v receive_v a_o full_a answer_n only_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o first_o the_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n of_o their_o demand_v some_o of_o our_o bishop_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o our_o council_n nay_o and_o which_o we_o think_v never_o be_v hear_v before_o their_o protest_v against_o all_o act_n to_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v in_o our_o council_n at_o which_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a allege_v that_o this_o their_o protestation_n against_o they_o and_o declinator_n of_o they_o make_v they_o to_o be_v party_n and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o withal_o they_o require_v they_o first_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o then_o promise_v they_o will_v make_v proof_n of_o such_o crime_n against_o they_o as_o shall_v declare_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o removal_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o entreat_v they_o first_o to_o condemn_v a_o man_n and_o then_o to_o try_v he_o and_o if_o a_o protestation_n against_o their_o sit_v in_o council_n and_o a_o declinator_n of_o our_o counsel_n authority_n neither_o of_o they_o admit_v by_o our_o council_n shall_v make_v some_o counsellor_n to_o be_v party_n and_o invalidate_v all_o act_n of_o council_n so_o long_o as_o these_o counsellor_n who_o they_o have_v fancy_v to_o be_v party_n sit_v there_o how_o their_o last_o pretend_a general_a assembly_n against_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o protestation_n make_v both_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o and_o which_o by_o all_o these_o protester_n be_v decline_v as_o judge_n because_o the_o member_n of_o it_o have_v all_o make_v themselves_o party_n can_v be_v count_v a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o lawful_a judge_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o reconcile_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o these_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n against_o the_o assembly_n be_v repel_v by_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o they_o let_v they_o remember_v that_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o declinator_n against_o our_o counsel_n authority_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o eject_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o likewise_o repel_v and_o reject_v by_o our_o council_n who_o be_v the_o only_a true_a judge_n of_o they_o their_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n be_v no_o true_a but_o only_o a_o pretend_a judge_n of_o the_o other_o after_o the_o assembly_n be_v dissolve_v by_o our_o authority_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v that_o their_o demand_n in_o this_o protestation_n be_v very_o far_o short_a of_o those_o which_o be_v make_v by_o they_o in_o their_o succeed_a protestation_n which_o swell_v with_o far_o more_o bold_a and_o insolent_a demand_n then_o this_o do_v although_o this_o be_v bold_a and_o insolent_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a course_n with_o the_o head_n of_o all_o rebellion_n to_o draw_v in_o that_o party_n by_o who_o power_n they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a their_o wicked_a plot_n with_o small_a thing_n at_o the_o first_o conceal_v from_o they_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o intention_n until_o they_o have_v engage_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v make_v they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n in_o retreat_v when_o their_o crime_n be_v past_a hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o now_o after_o this_o their_o first_o protestation_n begin_v the_o most_o unnatural_a causeless_a and_o horrible_a rebellion_n that_o this_o or_o perhaps_o any_o other_o age_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o for_o now_o these_o protester_n begin_v to_o invest_v themselves_o with_o the_o supreme_a ensign_n and_o mark_n of_o majesty_n and_o sovereignty_n by_o erect_v public_a table_n
act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o act._n 160._o parl._n 13._o k._n james_n 6._o ratify_v by_o act._n 4._o k._n charles_n so_o that_o act._n 6._o parl._n 1._o and_o act._n 68_o parl._n 6._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1579._o declare_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v raise_v up_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v then_o offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirke_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v present_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o decerne_v and_o declare_v all_o and_o sundry_a who_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n receive_v and_o approve_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o specify_v also_o in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o ratify_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n more_o particular_o do_v specify_v or_o that_o refuse_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v then_o ministrate_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o subsequent_a act._n 69._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o face_n of_o kirk_n nor_o other_o face_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v present_o at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n which_o therefore_o be_v ever_o style_v god_n true_a religion_n christ_n true_a religion_n the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a religion_n which_o by_o manifold_a act_n of_o parliament_n all_o within_o this_o realm_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v to_o subscribe_v the_o article_n thereof_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o recant_v all_o doctrine_n and_o error_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a article_n act._n 4._o and_o 9_o parl._n 1_o act._n 45.46.47_o parl._n 3_o act._n 71._o parl._n 6._o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o act._n 194._o and_o 197._o parl._n 14._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o all_o magistrate_n sheriff_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o one_o part_n be_v ordain_v to_o search_v apprehend_v and_o punish_v all_o contraviner_n for_o instance_n act._n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o act._n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n licence_n on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o way_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o papist_n and_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n act._n 106._o par._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o on_o the_o other_o part_n in_o the_o 47._o act._n parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v see_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o his_o highness_n authority_n be_v so_o join_v as_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o who_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o confession_n and_o make_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o that_o they_o who_o after_o defection_n shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o continue_v therein_o in_o time_n come_v to_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o at_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o fortify_v assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n against_o whatsoever_o enemy_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o against_o all_o such_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n estate_n or_o degree_n they_o be_v of_o that_o have_v join_v and_o bind_v themselves_o or_o have_v assist_v or_o assist_v to_o set_v forward_o and_o execute_v the_o cruel_a decree_n of_o trent_n contrary_a to_o the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v repeat_v word_n by_o word_n in_o the_o article_n of_o pacification_n at_o pearth_n the_o 23_o of_o february_n 1572._o approve_v by_o parliament_n the_o last_o of_o april_n 1573._o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1578._o and_o relate_v act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o with_o this_o addition_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o resist_v all_o treasonable_a uproar_n and_o hostility_n raise_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n majesty_n &_o the_o true_a professor_n like_a as_o all_o have_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o k._n majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o neither_o any_o law_n or_o lawful_a judicatory_n can_v be_v establish_v act._n 130._o act._n 131._o par._n 8._o k._n ja_n 6._o &_o the_o subject_n liberty_n who_o ought_v only_o to_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o king_n law_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n allanerly_a act._n 48._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 1_o act._n 79._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 4_o repeat_v in_o act._n 131._o parl._n 8._o k._n james_n 6._o which_o if_o they_o be_v innovate_v or_o prejudge_v the_o commission_n anent_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o the_o 17._o parl._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v such_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v as_o this_o realm_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o free_a monarchy_n because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n ancient_a privilege_n office_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n not_o only_o the_o princely_a authority_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a descent_n have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n maintain_v but_o also_o the_o people_n security_n of_o their_o land_n live_n right_n office_n liberty_n &_o dignity_n preserve_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v statute_n by_o act._n 8._o parl._n 1._o repeat_v in_o act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o ratify_v in_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o and_o 114._o act._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o 4._o act._n of_o k._n charles_n that_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o coronation_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o princely_a authority_n shall_v make_v their_o faithful_a promise_n by_o their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n that_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v serve_v the_o same_o eternal_a god_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n according_a as_o he_o have_v require_v in_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o precede_v and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v rule_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o foresay_a word_n and_o according_a to_o the_o lowable_a law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v in_o this_o realm_n no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a will_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o shall_v procure_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whole_a christian_a people_n true_a and_o perfect_a peace_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresay_a crime_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o his_o majesty_n at_o his_o coronation_n in_o edinburgh_n 1633._o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o coronation_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n
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 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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
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
head_n think_v that_o our_o commissioner_n can_v yield_v to_o a_o request_n of_o so_o high_a injustice_n but_o because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v yield_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o by_o his_o denial_n they_o shall_v have_v mean_n to_o irritate_fw-la our_o people_n even_o to_o a_o disgust_n of_o that_o our_o gracious_a favour_n which_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v so_o well_o relish_v but_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o resolution_n some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n of_o all_o sort_n send_v from_o their_o table_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o repair_v to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o to_o demand_v of_o he_o that_o which_o they_o be_v sure_o no_o just_a nor_o honest_a man_n can_v grant_v viz._n that_o they_o can_v clear_o prove_v bribery_n and_o corruption_n frequent_o to_o have_v be_v use_v by_o these_o our_o two_o judge_n and_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o to_o remove_v they_o present_o from_o their_o place_n of_o judicatorie_a after_o which_o they_o will_v intend_v process_n and_o so_o legal_o proceed_v in_o the_o probation_n of_o these_o crime_n object_v against_o they_o to_o which_o their_o demand_n our_o commissioner_n return_v this_o just_a and_o modest_a answer_n that_o sure_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o he_o either_o can_v or_o shall_v condescend_v to_o this_o their_o desire_n which_o yield_v unto_o do_v overthrow_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o main_a rule_n of_o justice_n viz._n that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o any_o crime_n before_o he_o be_v legal_o convict_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v this_o if_o they_o think_v these_o judge_n clear_o convincible_a of_o these_o horrible_a crime_n they_o shall_v intend_v first_o process_n against_o they_o and_o then_o probation_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a than_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o their_o place_n and_o receive_v such_o further_a condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v provide_v for_o such_o notorious_a criminal_o assure_v they_o that_o we_o his_o master_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v the_o course_n of_o justice_n against_o any_o such_o offender_n as_o that_o we_o will_v hold_v it_o a_o special_a service_n do_v to_o we_o to_o bring_v the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o judge_n to_o public_a trial_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o their_o demand_n with_o which_o just_a answer_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v so_o unsatisfied_a that_o they_o reply_v unto_o he_o that_o this_o his_o denial_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o all_o our_o subject_n for_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n of_o denial_n make_v and_o publish_v a_o protestation_n that_o whatsoever_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n shall_v make_v in_o any_o cause_n at_o which_o these_o two_o judge_n or_o either_o of_o they_o be_v present_a and_o give_v voice_n shall_v be_v null_a and_o void_a in_o law_n and_o that_o none_o of_o our_o subject_n either_o shall_v be_v bind_v or_o will_v yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o be_v not_o this_o a_o strange_a usurpation_n upon_o regal_a power_n to_o this_o our_o commissioner_n only_o add_v that_o every_o such_o protestation_n must_v be_v make_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v or_o repel_v it_o and_o therefore_o for_o that_o point_n he_o remit_v they_o to_o these_o lord_n as_o the_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o which_o answer_n of_o our_o commissioner_n they_o present_o labour_v to_o have_v misconstrue_v by_o their_o party_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o justice_n to_o be_v have_v against_o any_o man_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o they_o and_o their_o covenant_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o the_o proclamation_n the_o session_n sit_v down_o and_o our_o commissioner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n go_v to_o the_o place_n and_o open_v it_o with_o a_o short_a speech_n to_o the_o judge_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v warrant_v from_o we_o to_o recall_v the_o session_n again_o to_o edinburgh_n that_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o have_v move_v we_o thereunto_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o incommodity_n which_o our_o subject_n in_o general_a and_o the_o judge_n in_o particular_a do_v sustain_v by_o the_o remove_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v require_v he_o to_o desire_v and_o command_v the_o judge_n to_o grant_v all_o reasonable_a dispatch_n to_o our_o subject_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n that_o so_o some_o time_n which_o be_v lose_v may_v be_v regain_v that_o in_o our_o name_n he_o require_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a that_o in_o these_o troublesome_a time_n no_o order_n nor_o decree_n may_v pass_v from_o they_o which_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o crown_n or_o service_n our_o judge_n hereupon_o return_v to_o our_o commissioner_n their_o humble_a and_o hearty_a expression_n of_o all_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o this_o our_o singular_a favour_n and_o grace_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o our_o subject_n and_o with_o great_a submission_n entreat_v he_o to_o return_v unto_o we_o their_o humble_a and_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n and_o here_o now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o covenanter_n neither_o make_v any_o such_o protestation_n against_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o two_o judge_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o nor_o do_v ever_o intend_v any_o process_n or_o probation_n against_o they_o for_o the_o crime_n object_v though_o our_o commissioner_n immediate_o after_o his_o return_n from_o we_o assure_v they_o that_o we_o not_o only_o have_v give_v they_o leave_v but_o will_v thank_v they_o for_o so_o do_v which_o we_o be_v confident_a they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v conceive_v these_o judge_n guilty_a and_o give_v to_o we_o good_a assurance_n that_o this_o calumny_n against_o these_o judge_n be_v only_o cast_v in_o by_o some_o of_o their_o ringleader_n to_o mar_v and_o interrupt_v that_o resentment_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o they_o perceive_v wrought_v very_o much_o upon_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o their_o party_n for_o bring_v back_o again_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n to_o our_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o session_n thus_o settle_v our_o commissioner_n resolve_v to_o publish_v by_o proclamation_n the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n the_o principal_a covenanter_n when_o they_o can_v not_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o present_o go_v about_o and_o both_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o seditious_a preacher_n fill_v their_o follower_n mind_n with_o such_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o it_o that_o some_o day_n before_o it_o be_v publish_v they_o fill_v the_o street_n with_o multitude_n of_o people_n especial_o near_o the_o cross_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proclaim_v and_o those_o in_o hostile_a equipage_n divide_v into_o rank_n pull_v their_o sword_n out_o of_o their_o belt_n and_o with_o pistol_n be_v arm_n prohibit_v by_o our_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n give_v out_o that_o if_o this_o our_o declaration_n be_v hearken_v unto_o it_o will_v bring_v undoubted_a ruin_n to_o their_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n though_o the_o people_n know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o our_o declaration_n some_o day_n they_o continue_v in_o this_o posture_n which_o make_v our_o commissioner_n delay_v the_o publish_n of_o it_o until_o he_o may_v hear_v of_o more_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o street_n of_o which_o be_v advertise_v he_o cause_v the_o proclamation_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n solemn_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o trumpet_n sound_v but_o there_o come_v to_o the_o cross_a a_o mighty_a confluxe_n of_o people_n the_o covenanter_n have_v present_o a_o scaffold_n erect_v on_o which_o they_o mount_v with_o a_o protestation_n ready_o write_v in_o their_o hand_n before_o our_o proclamation_n be_v pronounce_v our_o proclamation_n be_v thus_o 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 herald_n messenger_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsameikle_n as_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a disorder_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a within_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n occasion_v as_o be_v pretend_v upon_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n thereby_o fear_v innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o which_o fear_n we_o well_o hope_v that_o the_o two_o proclamation_n of_o the_o eleven_o of_o december_n
and_o nineteen_o of_o february_n have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a nevertheless_o find_v that_o disorder_n have_v daily_o so_o increase_v that_o a_o powerful_a rather_o then_o persuasive_a way_n may_v have_v be_v just_o expect_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o out_o of_o our_o innative_a indulgence_n to_o our_o people_n grieve_v to_o see_v they_o run_v themselves_o so_o headlong_o into_o ruin_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o try_v if_o by_o a_o fair_a way_n we_o can_v reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o fault_n rather_o than_o to_o let_v they_o perish_v in_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o once_o for_o all_o we_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o declare_v and_o hereby_o to_o assure_v all_o our_o good_a people_n that_o we_o neither_o be_v be_v nor_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n ever_o shall_v be_v stain_v with_o popish_a superstition_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_a be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a protestant_a christian_n religion_n already_o profess_v within_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o for_o far_a clear_n of_o scruple_n we_o do_v hereby_o assure_v all_o man_n that_o we_o will_v neither_o now_o nor_o hereafter_o press_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o foresay_a canon_n and_o service_n book_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v all_o our_o love_a subject_n that_o we_o neither_o intend_v innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n have_v give_v order_n to_o discharge_v all_o act_n of_o council_n make_v thereanent_a and_o for_o the_o high_a commission_n we_o shall_v so_o rectify_v it_o with_o the_o help_n of_o advice_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o impugn_v the_o law_n nor_o be_v a_o just_a grievance_n to_o our_o loyal_a subject_n and_o what_o be_v far_o fit_v to_o be_v agitate_v in_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n for_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o peaceable_a government_n of_o the_o same_o in_o establish_v of_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v shall_v likewise_o be_v take_v into_o our_o royal_a consideration_n in_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v indict_v and_o call_v with_o our_o best_a conveniency_n and_o we_o hereby_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o our_o true_a meaning_n and_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n either_o in_o religion_n or_o law_n but_o careful_o to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n already_o profess_v and_o establish_v and_o no_o way_n to_o suffer_v our_o law_n to_o be_v infringe_v and_o although_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o dis-affected_n person_n who_o will_v strive_v to_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a subject_n that_o this_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v yet_o we_o do_v expect_v that_o the_o behaviour_n of_o all_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n will_v be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v testimony_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o how_o sensible_a they_o be_v of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n that_o thus_o pass_v over_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o by_o their_o future_a carriage_n make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v only_o fear_v of_o innovation_n that_o have_v cause_v the_o disorder_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a within_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o mislead_v to_o misconstrue_v we_o or_o our_o action_n but_o rest_v hearty_o satisfy_v with_o our_o pious_a and_o real_a intention_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherefore_o we_o require_v and_o hearty_o wish_v all_o our_o good_a people_n careful_o to_o advert_v to_o these_o dangerous_a suggestion_n and_o not_o to_o permit_v themselves_o blind_o under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v lead_v in_o disobedience_n and_o draw_v on_o infinite_o to_o our_o grief_n their_o own_o ruin_n which_o we_o have_v and_o still_o shall_v strive_v to_o save_v they_o from_o so_o long_o as_o we_o see_v not_o royal_a authority_n shake_v off_o and_o most_o unwilling_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o for_o reclaim_v of_o disobedient_a people_n our_o will_n be_v herefore_o and_o we_o charge_v you_o straight_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v to_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o our_o burgh_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o all_o other_o place_n needful_a and_o there_o by_o open_a proclamation_n make_v publication_n hereof_o to_o all_o and_o sundry_a our_o good_a subject_n where_o through_o none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o the_o which_o to_o do_v we_o commit_v to_o you_o conjunct_o and_o several_o our_o full_a power_n by_o these_o our_o letter_n deliver_v the_o same_o by_o you_o due_o execute_v and_o endorse_v again_o to_o the_o bearer_n give_v at_o our_o court_n of_o greenwich_n the_o twenty_o eight_o day_n of_o june_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o thirteen_o year_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la no_o soon_o be_v it_o end_v but_o this_o their_o ensue_a protestation_n against_o it_o begin_v and_o be_v public_o read_v which_o here_o according_a to_o their_o print_a copy_n we_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v reprint_v the_o protestation_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burrows_n minister_n and_o commons_o etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o that_o whereas_o we_o the_o king_n majesty_n true_a and_o loyal_a subject_n who_o have_v ever_o esteem_v it_o our_o great_a happiness_n to_o live_v under_o a_o religious_a and_o righteous_a king_n and_o our_o great_a glory_n to_o testify_v our_o best_a affection_n to_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n have_v be_v in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n from_o this_o his_o native_a kingdom_n heavy_o press_v for_o a_o long_a time_n past_a and_o especial_o of_o late_a with_o diverse_a innovation_n which_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v urge_v do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o king_n honour_n and_o of_o our_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o extremity_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v betwixt_o the_o rock_n of_o excommunication_n and_o the_o high_a pain_n of_o rebellion_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o desperate_a danger_n of_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n on_o the_o other_o but_o to_o represent_v our_o case_n and_o present_v our_o supplication_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n that_o be_v equal_o ponder_v by_o they_o they_o may_v either_o be_v answer_v by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o recommendation_n may_v ascend_v to_o his_o majesty_n own_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o humble_a manner_n we_o do_v to_o this_o effect_n supplicate_v their_o lordsh_fw-mi we_o be_v most_o willing_a for_o the_o modest_a follow_v of_o our_o supplication_n to_o obey_v their_o direction_n in_o choose_v commissioner_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o supplicant_n who_o flock_v together_o from_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v careful_a to_o order_v ourselves_o in_o all_o christian_n and_o quiet_a carriage_n and_o against_o the_o tediousness_n of_o many_o and_o long_a delay_n do_v wait_v for_o a_o long_a time_n with_o very_o great_a patience_n till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v please_v to_o receive_v our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o bill_n and_o conceive_v they_o to_o contain_v weighty_a matter_n than_o can_v by_o themselves_o be_v determine_v they_o do_v promise_n and_o undertake_v to_o represent_v and_o recommend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n unto_o his_o majesty_n royal_a consideration_n and_o to_o report_v his_o majesty_n answer_n while_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v their_o mind_n waken_v and_o their_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n worthy_a of_o his_o majesty_n pious_a and_o equitable_a disposition_n in_o the_o month_n of_o february_n last_o incontinent_a a_o rumour_n fly_v through_o the_o country_n and_o fill_v all_o ear_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n secret_a council_n be_v command_v to_o make_v such_o a_o proclamation_n concern_v the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o peaceable_a meeting_n of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n in_o time_n come_v as_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o have_v be_v procure_v by_o the_o secret_a work_n and_o malignant_a misinformation_n of_o our_o adversary_n seek_v for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o our_o legal_a proceed_n and_o to_o escape_v their_o own_o due_a censure_n and_o
therefore_o intend_v to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n what_o be_v noise_v concern_v the_o proclamation_n how_o far_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v be_v by_o some_o sinistrous_a misinformation_n frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o constant_a desire_n to_o have_v some_o course_n take_v by_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi advice_n how_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o inform_v may_v deliver_v his_o good_a subject_n from_o so_o great_a grievance_n and_o fear_n and_o establish_v a_o sure_a peace_n in_o this_o country_n for_o time_n to_o come_v we_o find_v ourselves_o tie_v by_o order_n of_o law_n to_o decline_v those_o against_o who_o we_o have_v make_v our_o complaint_n unless_o we_o will_v admit_v our_o party_n to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o in_o case_n our_o declinator_n shall_v not_o be_v accept_v we_o behove_v to_o protest_v that_o we_o may_v have_v immediate_a recourse_n to_o the_o king_n himself_o etc._n etc._n thereafter_o in_o the_o month_n of_o march_n find_v that_o by_o the_o foresay_a proclamation_n the_o innovation_n supplicate_v against_o be_v approven_v our_o lawful_a proceed_n condemn_v our_o most_o necessary_a meeting_n prohibit_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n thereby_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n provoke_v to_o wrath_n against_o we_o by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n within_o this_o land_n to_o clear_v our_o sovereign_n mind_n from_o all_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n arise_v from_o our_o adversary_n misinformation_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o carriage_n and_o so_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o acceptance_n of_o our_o humble_a supplication_n and_o grant_v of_o their_o lawful_a remedy_n to_o guard_v this_o land_n in_o defence_n of_o religion_n authority_n and_o liberty_n against_o inward_a division_n and_o external_a violence_n and_o that_o our_o action_n may_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o holy_a profession_n we_o afterward_o draw_v up_o a_o humble_a supplication_n contain_v our_o grievance_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o attend_v his_o declaration_n here_o in_o scotland_n which_o will_v free_v we_o of_o all_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o prove_v satisfactory_a and_o lest_o for_o want_n of_o true_a information_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n it_o shall_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o we_o express_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a modesty_n we_o can_v our_o desire_n in_o some_o few_o article_n and_o with_o great_a patience_n have_v attend_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n thereanent_fw-la and_o all_o this_o month_n bygone_a be_v frequent_o convene_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o deliver_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o right_a noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n we_o present_v a_o new_a petition_n to_o his_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n crave_v most_o humble_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n thereof_o like_a as_o find_v a_o misinformation_n or_o mistake_v of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n to_o be_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o obtain_v our_o desire_n in_o a_o new_a supplication_n we_o have_v full_o remove_v that_o impediment_n renew_v our_o desire_n of_o those_o supreme_a judicatories_n to_o be_v indict_v with_o diligence_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n but_o be_v answer_v only_o with_o delay_n after_o these_o nine_o month_n attendance_n and_o with_o this_o proclamation_n that_o contain_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n of_o his_o pious_a intention_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n nor_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o we_o be_v ever_o so_o far_o from_o call_v in_o question_n as_o in_o our_o supplicatication_n complaint_n and_o bill_n we_o use_v the_o same_o as_o one_o cause_n of_o our_o desire_n one_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o adversary_n malignant_a misinformation_n of_o so_o religious_a a_o king_n and_o now_o most_o humble_o with_o bend_a knee_n and_o bow_a heart_n thank_v our_o gracious_a sovereign_n for_o the_o same_o wish_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n true_o and_o full_o to_o inform_v his_o majesty_n how_o far_o these_o book_n judicatory_n and_o all_o our_o other_o evil_n and_o grievance_n be_v full_a of_o idolatrous_a superstition_n and_o popish_a error_n how_o destructive_a of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o his_o majesty_n pious_a intention_n and_o declaration_n yet_o see_v that_o no_o proclamation_n can_v sufficient_o remove_v the_o present_a evil_n nor_o settle_v our_o fear_n nor_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o reentry_n of_o any_o evil_a or_o innovation_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o discharge_v or_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v nor_o satisfy_v our_o humble_a supplication_n crave_v the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o our_o evil_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o like_a and_o see_v this_o proclamation_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n or_o acknowledge_v any_o of_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o grievance_n or_o any_o just_a cause_n thereof_o except_o under_o the_o name_n of_o great_a increase_n of_o disorder_n fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n but_o only_o our_o fear_n of_o some_o future_a innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n occasion_v only_o as_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o fear_v his_o majesty_n hope_v to_o have_v be_v abundant_o and_o sufficient_o satisfy_v by_o his_o two_o former_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nine_o of_o december_n and_o ninteenth_n of_o february_n and_o by_o this_o his_o present_a declaration_n except_o his_o subject_n be_v blind_o under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n lead_v unto_o disobedience_n do_v mis-ken_n pass_v over_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n deny_v all_o our_o supplication_n bill_n article_n and_o desire_n especial_o our_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n our_o party_n and_o that_o once_o for_o all_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o persuasive_a way_n even_o after_o the_o resaite_n of_o our_o last_o supplication_n clear_v we_o from_o the_o calumny_n of_o unlawful_a combination_n do_v not_o disallow_v nor_o discharge_v any_o of_o the_o innovation_n and_o evil_n complain_v upon_o but_o only_o assure_v that_o his_o majesty_n will_v not_o press_v their_o practice_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v his_o subject_n of_o his_o intention_n which_o join_v with_o the_o other_o clause_n allow_v and_o confirm_v the_o proclamation_n the_o nineteen_o of_o february_n evidence_v the_o liberty_n leave_v to_o any_o prelate_n or_o person_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o by_o all_o other_o fair_a way_n to_o persuade_v other_o thereunto_o and_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n to_o press_v their_o practice_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o also_o confirm_v the_o former_a declaration_n that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v a_o ready_a mean_a to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n already_o profess_v and_o to_o beat_v out_o all_o superstition_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o to_o be_v compile_v and_o approve_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n do_v not_o abolish_v but_o promise_v to_o rectify_v the_o high_a commission_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n imply_v the_o king_n power_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o council_n to_o establish_v this_o or_o any_o judicatory_a within_o this_o kingdom_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n convene_v in_o parliament_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a and_o express_a law_n thereof_o and_o by_o consequent_a with_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o establish_v law_n and_o service_n book_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduction_n do_v only_o promise_v to_o take_v into_o his_o consideration_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v call_v at_o his_o best_a convenience_n while_o as_o the_o evident_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o settle_v the_o combustion_n threaten_v the_o total_a dissolution_n and_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o
country_n and_o our_o posterity_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o of_o his_o majesty_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o humble_a desire_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o article_n unto_o the_o which_o we_o adhere_v again_o and_o again_o as_o we_o will_v eschew_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n follow_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v certain_o expect_v according_a to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o accustom_a goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n after_o a_o true_a information_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n will_v present_o indict_v these_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o our_o just_a supplication_n complaint_n and_o article_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v and_o use_v to_o be_v grant_v from_o so_o just_a and_o gracious_a a_o king_n towards_o most_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n call_v for_o redress_n of_o so_o press_v grievance_n and_o pray_v hearty_o that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o whereupon_o a_o noble_a earl_n john_n earl_n of_o cassles_a etc._n etc._n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n m._n alexander_n gibson_n young_a of_o dury_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n james_n fletcher_n provost_n of_o dundy_n in_o name_n of_o the_o borrow_v m._n john_n ker_n minister_n at_o salt-prestoun_a in_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o master_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_a mercat_n 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 borrow_v 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 now_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o our_o proclamation_n which_o deserve_v such_o a_o undutiful_a and_o rebellious_a protestation_n or_o the_o seditious_a clamour_n which_o both_o at_o their_o private_a and_o public_a meeting_n especial_o in_o their_o pulpit_n be_v make_v against_o it_o this_o protestation_n need_v no_o answer_n for_o after_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o repetition_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o often_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o number_n of_o falsity_n heap_v up_o together_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v easy_o perceive_v for_o whereas_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o have_v remove_v the_o impediment_n which_o cause_v their_o covenant_n to_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n we_o suppose_v that_o thereby_o they_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o tender_v to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o explication_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v unto_o we_o any_o satisfaction_n that_o both_o to_o we_o and_o all_o reasonable_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o unlawful_a combination_n for_o whereas_o they_o refuse_v to_o except_v we_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o person_n against_o who_o their_o band_n of_o mutual_a maintenance_n be_v intend_v it_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o in_o their_o intention_n we_o be_v the_o person_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o some_o few_o line_n after_o this_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o call_v in_o question_n our_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v the_o religion_n profess_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o our_o care_n for_o not_o admit_v any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n now_o we_o do_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o in_o their_o private_a meeting_n nay_o even_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o sermon_n they_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o settle_v in_o our_o good_a subject_n mind_n opinion_n fear_n and_o jealousy_n quite_o contrary_a to_o these_o their_o print_a asseveration_n in_o the_o last_o part_n they_o ground_n their_o protestation_n upon_o no_o ground_n but_o such_o as_o these_o that_o they_o will_v continue_v together_o because_o they_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o by_o oath_n so_o to_o do_v and_o because_o they_o will_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o adhere_v constant_o to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o because_o they_o offer_v to_o clear_v themselves_o before_o a_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n where_o they_o themselves_o make_v account_v to_o be_v judge_n now_o these_o and_o such_o like_a false_a and_o weak_a ground_n it_o be_v very_o unnecessary_a to_o confute_v the_o rehearsal_n of_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o view_n their_o sufficient_a conviction_n after_o all_o these_o they_o end_v their_o protestation_n with_o two_o very_a unsavourie_a conclusion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o their_o proceed_n they_o themselves_o will_v call_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o allow_v of_o they_o a_o notable_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o disloyalty_n together_o to_o be_v suitor_n to_o we_o for_o that_o which_o they_o as_o they_o say_v both_o may_v do_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v without_o our_o leave_n the_o second_o be_v they_o protest_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v or_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a all_o their_o proceed_n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_a mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o that_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 that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v style_v or_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 all_o which_o word_n be_v multiply_v only_o to_o make_v up_o a_o very_a unmannerly_a contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o our_o proclamation_n our_o commissioner_n see_v not_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v but_o that_o they_o be_v resolute_a not_o to_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n by_o what_o be_v offer_v and_o that_o the_o most_o that_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n but_o indeed_o be_v none_o for_o they_o will_v never_o yield_v that_o these_o word_n whereby_o in_o their_o covenant_n they_o bind_v themselves_o in_o a_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v admit_v this_o interpretation_n except_o the_o king_n he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o since_o his_o instruction_n be_v out_o he_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o with_o they_o without_o new_a conference_n with_o and_o instruction_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v a_o speedy_a journey_n to_o we_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o what_o have_v pass_v and_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o that_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o they_o have_v give_v he_o though_o as_o it_o have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o himself_o so_o he_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v give_v none_o to_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o entreat_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o more_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o than_o they_o have_v do_v until_o our_o pleasure_n be_v further_o know_v that_o pretend_a explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n be_v conceive_v by_o way_n of_o petition_n and_o be_v this_o to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o supplication_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o here_o attend_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a petition_n complaint_n and_o desire_n humble_o show_v that_o whereas_o we_o expect_v from_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n and_o just_a desire_n have_v present_v to_o your_o grace_n a_o petition_n humble_o crave_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o the_o only_a mean_a to_o put_v this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o quietness_n it_o please_v your_o grace_n to_o show_v that_o his_o majesty_n from_o his_o princely_a care_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n
he_o by_o we_o they_o he_o be_v enforce_v to_o call_v the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n divers_a other_o of_o our_o nobility_n and_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n themselves_o to_o give_v testimony_n of_o his_o frequent_a asseveration_n in_o their_o hear_n that_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v with_o that_o explication_n so_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o satisfaction_n by_o it_o only_o that_o he_o will_v present_v it_o to_o we_o at_o their_o entreaty_n and_o beside_o the_o attestation_n of_o so_o many_o witness_n he_o be_v necessitate_v both_o for_o clear_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o and_o prevent_v the_o further_a increase_n of_o covenanter_n upon_o that_o false_a and_o groundless_a surmise_n to_o print_v a_o manifest_a and_o declaration_n of_o his_o own_o clearness_n and_o their_o calumny_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o print_v a_o weak_a answer_n to_o that_o manifest_a in_o which_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o never_o hear_v he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o declaration_n but_o that_o by_o some_o probable_a reason_n which_o be_v there_o express_v and_o indeed_o be_v most_o improbable_a one_o they_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o although_o that_o both_o to_o their_o new_a proselyte_n and_o in_o the_o minister_n print_v answer_n they_o have_v positive_o aver_v that_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v that_o explication_n he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o their_o covenant_n which_o deal_v of_o they_o give_v occasion_n for_o many_o to_o think_v that_o this_o false_a aspersion_n be_v put_v upon_o he_o by_o those_o who_o ever_o labour_v to_o strangle_v all_o hope_n of_o reconciliation_n only_o to_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o distrustful_a jealousy_n of_o his_o service_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v call_v back_o and_o the_o people_n make_v believe_v that_o no_o relieve_n of_o their_o grievance_n be_v intend_v by_o us._n about_o the_o same_o time_n a_o great_a stir_n be_v raise_v in_o that_o kingdom_n upon_o a_o very_a slender_a ground_n which_o be_v this_o there_o have_v be_v print_v at_o antwerp_n in_o several_a piece_n the_o picture_n of_o the_o several_a story_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o the_o manner_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o print_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n some_o papist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v other_o have_v cause_v these_o several_a piece_n to_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o bibles_n at_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o those_o story_n to_o which_o they_o do_v relate_v they_o find_v such_o a_o bible_n print_v at_o edinburgh_n which_o be_v print_v as_o all_o bible_n be_v by_o our_o privilege_n upon_o a_o sudden_a there_o be_v make_v most_o tragical_a complaint_n that_o picture_n and_o image_n be_v bring_v into_o their_o bibles_n by_o our_o authority_n aggravate_v by_o the_o head_n of_o that_o faction_n especial_o the_o minister_n with_o the_o imminent_a danger_n of_o the_o present_a introduction_n of_o popery_n superstition_n &_o idolatry_n still_o to_o make_v the_o people_n averse_a from_o all_o hope_n of_o satisfaction_n so_o that_o some_o do_v conceive_v that_o these_o picture_n may_v be_v bind_v in_o that_o bible_n by_o some_o of_o themselves_o mere_o to_o irritate_fw-la the_o people_n and_o continue_v they_o in_o their_o distance_n from_o return_v to_o our_o obedience_n but_o so_o far_o with_o this_o particular_a we_o can_v charge_v they_o now_o notwithstanding_o these_o new_a and_o daily_o emergent_a combustion_n and_o their_o perpetual_a work_n of_o the_o people_n both_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o at_o their_o other_o meeting_n to_o new_a insolence_n and_o great_a height_n of_o rage_n and_o fury_n our_o commissioner_n resolve_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v to_o pass_v they_o over_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o treaty_n with_o they_o for_o the_o preparative_n overture_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n because_o he_o do_v see_v that_o all_o these_o impediment_n and_o block_n be_v lay_v purposely_o in_o his_o way_n that_o either_o he_o may_v stumble_v at_o they_o or_o be_v so_o scare_v as_o to_o go_v back_o for_o it_o be_v plain_o perceive_v that_o whensoever_o he_o make_v any_o proposition_n of_o peace_n likely_a to_o take_v or_o please_v they_o present_o cast_v about_o how_o to_o dash_v it_o with_o some_o new_a violence_n and_o accident_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o impossible_a as_o do_v most_o evident_o appear_v in_o this_o particular_a our_o commissioner_n send_v some_o of_o our_o council_n to_o confer_v with_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n concern_v some_o necessary_a proposition_n fit_a to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o before_o the_o indict_v of_o the_o assembly_n both_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o concern_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o it_o two_o consultation_n usual_o previous_a to_o that_o meeting_n for_o the_o omission_n whereof_o in_o one_o assembly_n of_o late_a time_n they_o have_v so_o grievous_o complain_v that_o in_o a_o petition_n exhibit_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o side_n it_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n this_o message_n be_v receive_v with_o so_o much_o choler_n and_o contempt_n that_o they_o present_o blaze_v it_o abroad_o among_o their_o follower_n for_o a_o proposition_n tend_v utter_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n that_o the_o harken_v to_o any_o such_o overture_n be_v a_o absolute_a prelimitation_n of_o that_o assembly_n which_o they_o intend_v shall_v be_v free_a and_o general_a that_o neither_o of_o the_o member_n of_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o it_o they_o will_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n until_o they_o come_v upon_o the_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n that_o then_o and_o there_o the_o assembly_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n both_o of_o the_o competency_n of_o the_o member_n elect_v of_o the_o regularitie_n of_o their_o election_n and_o of_o all_o matter_n treat_v of_o there_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o their_o cognisance_n and_o jurisdiction_n or_o not_o and_o likewise_o give_v out_o that_o they_o do_v not_o much_o care_n whether_o our_o commissioner_n will_v indict_v a_o assembly_n or_o not_o they_o will_v indeed_o like_v it_o better_o if_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o our_o authority_n but_o if_o we_o request_v by_o they_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v refuse_v it_o they_o both_o can_v and_o will_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o then_o do_v their_o pulpit_n again_o begin_v to_o ring_v with_o this_o monstrous_a proposition_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o church_n by_o the_o prelimitation_n of_o their_o assembly_n as_o if_o this_o conference_n propound_v by_o our_o commissioner_n concern_v the_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o that_o meeting_n have_v be_v such_o a_o blow_n to_o their_o church_n as_o they_o can_v not_o fear_v a_o great_a from_o rome_n itself_o and_o to_o make_v our_o commissioner_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n they_o have_v a_o little_a before_o cause_v the_o presbytery_n of_o peebles_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o election_n for_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v a_o place_n not_o above_o twenty_o mile_n distant_a from_o edinburgh_n so_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a it_o must_v speedy_o come_v to_o his_o knowledge_n to_o this_o election_n all_o the_o gentleman_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o presbytery_n resort_v intrude_v themselves_o by_o violence_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o minister_n will_v give_v their_o voice_n to_o the_o choose_v both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o one_o layman_n to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o that_o presbytery_n at_o the_o next_o assembly_n whensoever_o and_o wheresoever_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v when_o as_o yet_o no_o assembly_n be_v indict_v our_o commissioner_n weigh_v well_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o minister_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v with_o they_o several_o and_o upon_o several_a occasion_n have_v protest_v unto_o he_o that_o their_o meaning_n never_o be_v quite_o to_o abolish_v episcopal_a government_n but_o only_o to_o have_v it_o limit_v and_o restrict_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v accountable_a to_o and_o censurable_a by_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o they_o shall_v transgress_v these_o limit_n add_v that_o they_o have_v far_o rather_o live_v under_o that_o government_n then_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o presbyery_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v their_o father_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o and_o have_v give_v they_o charge_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a protestation_n they_o have_v likewise_o make_v to_o divers_a of_o our_o council_n
januarie_n 28._o 1580._o and_o sign_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o to_o that_o effect_n have_v give_v order_n to_o our_o commissioner_n with_o advice_n of_o our_o council_n to_o set_v down_o and_o settle_v some_o solid_a course_n whereby_o the_o same_o may_v be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o council_n judge_n magistrate_n of_o burroughes_n and_o all_o other_o our_o people_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o ourself_o we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o the_o reform_a religion_n now_o establish_v and_o against_o the_o roman_a so_o we_o purpose_v by_o god_n grace_n both_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n what_o we_o have_v think_v further_a fit_v to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o time_n concern_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o subject_n petition_n you_o shall_v receive_v our_o full_a pleasure_n therein_o from_o our_o commissioner_n and_o that_o this_o our_o declaration_n concern_v ourself_o and_o our_o pious_a intention_n for_o settle_v the_o reform_a religion_n within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n may_v appear_v to_o posterity_n our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o these_o present_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n oatland_n septem_fw-la 9_o 1638._o this_o our_o letter_n be_v receive_v by_o our_o council_n with_o all_o submissive_a joyful_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n our_o commissioner_n make_v they_o further_o acquaint_v with_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o the_o appease_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o same_o be_v fill_v with_o excessive_a joy_n as_o make_v full_a account_n that_o now_o malice_n itself_o can_v not_o find_v the_o least_o pretence_n of_o keep_v our_o people_n from_o be_v satisfy_v all_o thing_n which_o ever_o yet_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o trouble_v they_o have_v desire_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o some_o of_o our_o counsellor_n who_o be_v not_o only_o covenanter_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o their_o covenant_n have_v make_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a covenant_a lord_n acquaint_v with_o the_o unexpected_a excess_n of_o our_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n these_o lord_n make_v full_a account_n that_o their_o reign_n be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o expiration_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v understand_v our_o grace_n and_o favour_n bestir_v themselves_o with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o disperse_v rumour_n among_o they_o that_o the_o news_n bring_v home_o by_o our_o commissioner_n import_v our_o answer_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o we_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o if_o they_o now_o do_v not_o resist_v all_o they_o have_v do_v be_v quite_o undo_v and_o lose_v after_o which_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o come_v down_o first_o to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o then_o to_o our_o council_n request_v they_o or_o indeed_o rather_o require_v they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o require_v it_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o other_o by_o any_o authority_n from_o we_o threaten_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v repent_v it_o and_o that_o a_o present_a rupture_n will_v follow_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n hear_v they_o twice_o full_o but_o find_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n as_o see_v it_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n in_o these_o lord_n to_o have_v it_o conceal_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o resolve_v and_o impart_v 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present_v declare_v that_o
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their_o own_o covenant_n the_o assembly_n be_v indict_v the_o covenanter_n do_v now_o go_v about_o to_o effect_v all_o which_o they_o have_v plot_v and_o design_v concern_v the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o it_o that_o all_o and_o none_o but_o they_o may_v be_v choose_v who_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o and_o be_v of_o the_o most_o rigid_a rank_n who_o they_o be_v sure_a will_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n and_o keep_v all_o other_o so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v from_o accept_v of_o any_o their_o device_n be_v this_o they_o perceive_v that_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n will_v glad_o embrace_v peace_n if_o they_o may_v see_v their_o conscience_n satisfy_v in_o these_o fear_n and_o doubt_n upon_o which_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o late_a covenant_n the_o leader_n resolve_v not_o to_o trust_v any_o such_o moderate_a man_n consider_v that_o all_o their_o scruple_n be_v remove_v by_o our_o last_o declaration_n and_o the_o indiction_n of_o 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to_o prorogue_v or_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n indict_v by_o we_o that_o then_o they_o will_v present_o indict_v one_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v sure_o we_o will_v not_o countenance_v with_o any_o commissioner_n from_o we_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v both_o secure_v from_o have_v their_o party_n weaken_v by_o our_o propound_v in_o assembly_n our_o gracious_a offer_n express_v in_o our_o last_o declaration_n and_o be_v certain_o persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v easy_o induce_v our_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n promise_v in_o that_o declaration_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o us._n to_o compass_v therefore_o their_o desire_n of_o our_o commissioner_n either_o prorogue_a or_o discharge_v the_o assembly_n they_o resolve_v to_o increase_v their_o disorder_n to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o they_o hope_v he_o will_v never_o endure_v they_o and_o to_o multiply_v so_o many_o affront_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o he_o upon_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n as_o they_o 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make_v some_o representation_n thereof_o to_o your_o grace_n that_o some_o course_n may_v be_v take_v for_o present_v suppress_v this_o so_o irreligious_a and_o unjust_a manner_n of_o do_v and_o for_o prevent_v the_o hard_a consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v from_o people_n who_o be_v thus_o press_v to_o subscribe_v against_o their_o mind_n and_o from_o other_o who_o be_v join_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o which_o as_o it_o be_v humble_o petition_v so_o it_o be_v confident_o expect_v by_o edinb_n 3._o oct._n 1638._o your_o grace_n humble_a servant_n cassills_n lothean_n lindsay_n lowdoune_n balmerino_n johnstoun_n burg_o the_o complaint_n contain_v in_o this_o letter_n do_v afterward_o prove_v to_o be_v most_o unjust_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o kingdom_n with_o horrible_a and_o most_o false_a aggravation_n viz._n that_o some_o of_o our_o council_n with_o charge_a pistol_n and_o draw_v dagger_n hold_v to_o the_o breast_n of_o our_o subject_n have_v force_v 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people_n in_o the_o least_o point_n they_o have_v order_v that_o in_o most_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o day_n design_v by_o we_o for_o the_o fast_o shall_v not_o be_v observe_v certain_o only_o because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o we_o as_o be_v unwilling_a that_o we_o who_o they_o have_v give_v out_o to_o our_o people_n for_o a_o innovator_n in_o religion_n and_o a_o introducer_n of_o popery_n shall_v be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v any_o care_n of_o so_o religious_a a_o exercise_n as_o a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o how_o that_o in_o edinburgh_n though_o the_o magistrate_n by_o their_o earnest_a entreaty_n have_v procure_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o without_o put_v a_o special_a affront_n upon_o authority_n by_o displace_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v continue_v in_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n to_o us._n but_o these_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o other_o violence_n whereby_o they_o will_v have_v our_o commissioner_n take_v 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o subject_n complaint_n respect_v or_o the_o offender_n punish_v with_o consent_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o by_o cast_v the_o church_n loose_a and_o desolate_a will_v abandon_v both_o to_o ruin_v 7._o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o assembly_n for_o preven_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o two_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o first_o subscribe_v in_o 1580_o and_o 1590._o be_v a_o national_n covenant_n and_o oath_n to_o god_n which_o 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this_o assembly_n do_v full_o settle_v the_o solid_a peace_n of_o this_o church_n cognosce_v and_o examine_v the_o corruption_n introduce_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o for_o attain_v hereof_o and_o remove_v all_o just_a exception_n which_o may_v be_v take_v at_o our_o proceed_n we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n false_a that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n shall_v grant_v we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n 4._o that_o if_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n depart_v and_o leave_v this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o this_o present_a disorder_n and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n till_o we_o have_v try_v judge_v censure_v all_o the_o by-gone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n for_o continue_v god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o adhere_v hereunto_o shall_v sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o this_o assembly_n till_o after_o the_o final_a settle_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o 5._o that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n as_o the_o action_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n 6._o that_o whatsoever_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o free_a meeting_n sit_v reason_v or_o conclude_v of_o this_o present_a assembly_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o their_o judicatorie_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o observe_n and_o obey_v the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v to_o abide_v any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n have_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o realm_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o again_o and_o again_o do_v by_o these_o present_v cite_v and_o summon_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o compeer_n before_o this_o present_a general_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o give_v in_o their_o reason_n defence_n and_o answer_n against_o the_o complaint_n give_v in_o or_o to_o be_v give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o to_o hear_v probation_n lead_v and_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o they_o and_o conform_v to_o our_o former_a cytation_n and_o according_a to_o justice_n with_o certification_n as_o effeir_n like_a as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_v to_o the_o 12._o act._n king_n james_n 4._o parliament_n 2._o and_o protest_v for_o remedy_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 7._o and_o last_o we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o former_a protestation_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burghe_n and_o commons_o so_o see_v we_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n sudden_a depart_n far_o contrary_a to_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n and_o our_o expectation_n we_o may_v extend_v this_o our_o protestation_n and_o add_v more_o reason_n thereunto_o in_o great_a length_n and_o number_n whereby_o we_o may_v full_o clear_v before_o god_n and_o man_n the_o equity_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o proceed_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a premise_n the_o foresay_a person_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n aforesaid_a ask_v instrument_n this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o high_a church_n of_o glasgow_n in_o public_a
they_o contain_v prelimitation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v repugnant_a not_o only_o to_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o freedom_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o assembly_n two_o of_o these_o paper_n be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v content_a shall_v be_v communicate_v to_o all_o their_o associate_n viz._n that_o large_a paper_n send_v abroad_o to_o all_o presbytery_n before_o or_o about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o lesser_a paper_n for_o their_o meeting_n first_o at_o edinburgh_n then_o at_o glasgow_n some_o few_o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o choose_v of_o assessor_n these_o two_o paper_n our_o commissioner_n deliver_v not_o into_o the_o assembly_n because_o they_o do_v public_o avow_v they_o but_o their_o other_o two_o paper_n of_o secret_a instruction_n be_v direct_v not_o from_o the_o table_n public_o but_o underhand_o from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o prime_a leader_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o 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reason_n the_o minister_n shall_v best_o know_v the_o ability_n and_o fitness_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o five_o these_o man_n elect_v as_o lay-elder_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n can_v not_o be_v think_v able_a and_o fit_a man_n since_o they_o be_v never_o elder_n before_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v new_o choose_v some_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v lay-elder_n the_o very_a day_n before_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n which_o show_v plain_o they_o be_v choose_v only_o to_o serve_v their_o associate_n turn_v the_o six_o since_o the_o institution_n of_o lay-elder_n by_o their_o own_o principle_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o people_n in_o that_o parish_n wherein_o they_o live_v how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v choose_v a_o ruling-eld_a from_o a_o presbytery_n who_o be_v not_o a_o inhabitant_n within_o any_o parish_n of_o the_o precinct_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o yet_o divers_a such_o especial_o nobleman_n be_v choose_v as_o lay-elder_n commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n within_o the_o precinct_n whereof_o they_o never_o be_v inhabitant_n against_o all_o sense_n or_o reason_n even_o upon_o their_o own_o ground_n the_o seven_o they_o can_v show_v neither_o law_n nor_o practice_n for_o choose_v assessor_n to_o the_o ruling-elders_a without_o who_o consent_n they_o be_v not_o to_o give_v voice_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o assembly_n the_o eight_o the_o introduce_v of_o lay-elder_n be_v a_o burden_n so_o grievous_a to_o the_o minister_n as_o that_o many_o presbytery_n do_v protest_v and_o supplicate_v against_o they_o and_o many_o presbytery_n though_o they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o then_o yet_o do_v protest_v against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o nine_o in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o fit_a man_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o few_o choose_v who_o ever_o be_v commissioner_n at_o any_o assembly_n before_o the_o reason_n be_v they_o conceive_v that_o new_a man_n will_v not_o stand_v much_o for_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o liberty_n whereof_o they_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a beside_o some_o be_v choose_v who_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n some_o who_o be_v deprive_v by_o the_o church_n some_o who_o have_v be_v expel_v out_o of_o the_o university_n for_o read_v to_o their_o scholar_n against_o monarchical_a government_n some_o who_o have_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o their_o seditious_a sermon_n and_o behaviour_n some_o who_o for_o the_o like_a offence_n have_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o ireland_n some_o who_o be_v then_o lie_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n some_o who_o then_o have_v no_o ordination_n or_o imposition_n of_o hand_n some_o who_o have_v late_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrary_a to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o lay-elder_n now_o what_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n which_o do_v consist_v of_o such_o member_n and_o so_o irregular_o choose_v the_o ten_o divers_a member_n of_o this_o assembly_n even_o whilst_o they_o sit_v there_o be_v rebel_n and_o at_o our_o horn_n and_o so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n uncapable_a of_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o any_o judicatorie_a the_o eleven_o three_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o every_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n the_o oath_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n late_o renew_v by_o our_o commandment_n the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n any_o of_o which_o three_o oath_n whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v can_v sit_v as_o a_o judge_n in_o any_o court_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o three_o oath_n be_v swear_v by_o any_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n beside_o these_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n what_o indecencie_n and_o rudeness_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v in_o it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o face_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n to_o be_v see_v not_o a_o gown_n wear_v by_o any_o member_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o one_o or_o two_o minister_n who_o live_v in_o the_o town_n the_o appearance_n in_o a_o manner_n whole_o laical_a among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v seven_o earl_n ten_o lord_n forty_o gentleman_n one_o and_o fifty_o burgess_n many_o of_o they_o in_o colour_a clothes_n and_o sword_n by_o their_o side_n all_o which_o do_v give_v voice_n not_o only_o in_o very_o high_a point_n of_o controversy_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o very_o many_o of_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o also_o in_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o nay_o and_o more_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o assembly_n carry_v by_o the_o
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
meaning_n but_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o old_a oath_n which_o can_v admit_v no_o new_a destructive_a sense_n but_o must_v be_v swear_v conform_a to_o the_o genuine_a original_a first_o meaning_n 2._o that_o oath_n be_v just_o refuse_v by_o we_o upon_o that_o ground_n of_o discrepance_n among_o many_o other_o and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o council_n till_o they_o declare_v their_o meaning_n by_o act_n simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la with_o their_o subscription_n 3._o we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o kirk_n of_o england_n or_o ireland_n it_o but_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n all_o our_o argument_n and_o proceed_n being_n for_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n where_o from_o the_o time_n of_o she_o more_o pure_a reformation_n then_o of_o her_o sister_n kirk_n episcopacy_n have_v ever_o be_v abolish_v till_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o though_o his_o majesty_n have_v hitherto_o maintain_v episcopacy_n in_o scotland_n because_o his_o majesty_n want_v the_o mean_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n yet_o we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v so_o rich_o replenish_v his_o royal_a breast_n with_o such_o justice_n and_o piety_n that_o when_o his_o majesty_n shall_v receive_v perfect_a information_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o will_v never_o desire_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o our_o ancient_a kirk_n government_n and_o discipline_n especial_o now_o when_o his_o majesty_n have_v cause_v the_o maintenance_n thereof_o to_o be_v religious_o swear_v the_o five_o and_o last_o reason_n be_v that_o we_o can_v never_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o episcopal_a government_n reason_n at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o administer_a the_o oath_n be_v abolish_v the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o after_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v these_o received_n believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n and_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n whereupon_o be_v infer_v that_o bishop_n abbot_n and_o pryor_n make_v up_o at_o that_o time_n a_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n which_o give_v approbation_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o three_o estate_n do_v not_o abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v abolish_v by_o act_n of_o assembly_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o in_o force_n by_o many_o of_o they_o stand_v unrepealed_a which_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o monarch_n &_o his_o three_o estate_n be_v never_o repealable_a by_o any_o ecclesiastical_a national_a synod_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o 1._o it_o do_v appear_v and_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o register_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n that_o before_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n at_o the_o time_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o that_o abbot_n prior_n and_o bishop_n be_v so_o clear_o evident_o and_o express_o condemn_v in_o this_o kirk_n that_o the_o best_a wit_n of_o this_o age_n opposer_n of_o episcopacy_n can_v yet_o require_v one_o syllable_n to_o be_v add_v for_o far_a assurance_n and_o the_o most_o able_a maintainer_n thereof_o can_v not_o pick_v any_o quarrel_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o expression_n 2._o the_o clause_n cit_v in_o the_o reason_n be_v only_o anent_o the_o doctrine_n and_o not_o anent_o the_o discipline_n which_o thereafter_o be_v determine_v and_o the_o hierarchy_n detest_v and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n swear_v unto_o 3._o albeit_o that_o clause_n be_v of_o discipline_n yet_o it_o make_v nothing_o for_o bishop_n except_v by_o inference_n that_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v for_o collection_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n or_o ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la can_v be_v adduce_v against_o the_o express_a act_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o maker_n signify_v their_o mind_n in_o clear_a term_n &_o apertissime_fw-la dicendo_fw-la leave_v no_o place_n to_o presume_v the_o contrare_fw-la especial_o in_o this_o kingdom_n where_o these_o expression_n of_o stylus_fw-la curiae_fw-la be_v careful_o observe_v without_o change_n which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o same_o case_n by_o many_o parliament_n where_o it_o be_v answer_n not_o our_o that_o no_o prelate_n be_v present_a or_o allow_v and_o yet_o the_o act_n proport_v to_o be_v make_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n be_v interpret_v by_o the_o quoter_n as_o make_v by_o the_o prelate_n with_o other_o 4._o episcopacy_n be_v abolish_v not_o only_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n but_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v law_n for_o episcopal_a government_n but_o some_o against_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v evident_a in_o the_o answer_n make_v to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n subjoin_v hereto_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n stand_v for_o episcopacy_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n the_o council_n the_o collective-body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v actual_o renunce_v the_o same_o by_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n 1580._o whereunto_o episcopacy_n be_v contrare_fw-la which_o god-willing_o may_v also_o be_v enact_v at_o the_o next_o parliament_n proclaim_v to_o be_v hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o may_n 5._o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n in_o the_o 1._o and_o 10._o chapter_n put_v clear_a merche_n betwixt_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n make_v every_o one_o independent_a in_o matter_n proper_o belong_v to_o their_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o every_o one_o subject_n to_o the_o other_o in_o matter_n proper_o belong_v to_o that_o other_o kingdom_n so_o that_o as_o the_o assembly_n can_v make_v civil_a law_n nor_o repeal_v they_o nor_o imp_v the_o parliament_n from_o make_v or_o repeal_n civil_a law_n no_o more_o can_v the_o parliament_n make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n original_o nor_o repeal_n or_o hinder_v the_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o repeal_v the_o same_o for_o albeit_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v and_o may_v be_v ratify_v in_o parliament_n that_o be_v only_o that_o the_o civil_a sanction_n may_v concur_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o will_v not_o stop_v the_o assembly_n to_o recall_v their_o own_o act_n which_o be_v adnul_v by_o they_o the_o contrary_n civil_a ratification_n and_o sanction_n fall_v ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la for_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o kirk_n may_v not_o repeal_v she_o own_o act_n ratify_v once_o in_o parliament_n be_v so_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o ordinance_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o we_o have_v more_o large_o clear_v in_o the_o protestation_n 22_o september_n last_v that_o we_o believe_v few_o or_o none_o will_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n all_o these_o five_o objection_n and_o many_o more_o be_v agitate_v and_o discuss_v in_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o act_n anent_o episcopacy_n be_v make_v and_o see_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n conclusion_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n now_o hold_v at_o glasgow_n which_o be_v the_o only_a judge_n competent_a and_o fit_a interpreter_n to_o remove_v and_o explain_v all_o doubt_n arise_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n have_v after_o long_o religious_a and_o mature_a declaration_n expon_v the_o same_o and_o clear_o find_v that_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o kirk_n among_o other_o corruption_n be_v abjure_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n have_v discharge_v all_o subscription_n to_o the_o covenant_n subscribe_v and_o interpret_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v command_v the_o covenant_n subscribe_v in_o februare_fw-la with_o the_o application_n to_o be_v now_o subscribe_v according_a to_o her_o present_a determination_n therefore_o we_o trust_v that_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o all_o good_a christian_n and_o patriot_n that_o they_o subscribe_v not_o the_o one_o and_o that_o they_o subscribe_v the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o genuine_a and_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o declare_v by_o the_o kirk_n allennerly_a and_o of_o no_o contrary_a incompatible_a sense_n as_o they_o will_v eshew_v the_o crime_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o contradictory_n oath_n and_o we_o will_v most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o beg_v of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o command_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v so_o subscribe_v conform_a to_o the_o declare_a explanation_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o will_v prove_v the_o great_a happiness_n and_o joy_n that_o ever_o befall_v these_o
protestation_n more_o large_o and_o for_o the_o 132._o and_o 133._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n 1584._o there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a privilege_n or_o authority_n thereby_o grant_v to_o bishop_n as_o bishop_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o cognition_n wherein_o the_o parliament_n have_v join_v other_o the_o king_n commissioner_n with_o they_o only_o as_o the_o king_n commissioner_n and_o grant_v the_o same_o unto_o seculare_fw-la person_n with_o they_o but_o the_o king_n can_v never_o provide_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v abolish_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n before_o write_v the_o 23._o act_n 1587._o work_v direct_o against_o bishop_n 1587._o be_v a_o general_a ratification_n of_o all_o act_n former_o make_v anent_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o must_v include_v the_o act_n abolish_n episcopacy_n but_o especial_o see_v in_o the_o same_o parliament_n 1587._o temporal_a live_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o the_o office_n be_v 1567._o and_o the_o same_o act_n undoubted_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o same_o meaning_n wherein_o the_o kirk_n do_v crave_v it_o who_o that_o same_o year_n have_v often_o condemn_v episcopal_a government_n as_o contraire_fw-fr to_z god_n word_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o approve_v presbyterial_a government_n as_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n it_o fall_v in_o here_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o act_n 114._o anno_fw-la 1592._o be_v never_o allege_v 1592._o and_o that_o because_o it_o not_o only_a revock_n in_o particular_a the_o foresay_a act_n 1584._o but_o in_o general_a all_o other_o act_n contrary_a to_o that_o discipline_n then_o establish_v and_o in_o particular_a the_o assembly_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o the_o discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v ratify_v and_o establish_v as_o most_o just_a and_o godly_a notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o statute_n act_n cannon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n make_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la whereunto_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a further_o the_o say_a act_n abrogate_v all_o act_n grant_v commission_n to_o bishop_n and_o other_o judge_n constitute_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o ordain_v presentation_n to_o benefice_n to_o be_v direct_a to_o presbytery_n with_o power_n to_o give_v collation_n thereupon_o and_o so_o contain_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o head_n of_o policy_n set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o act_n be_v renew_v act_n 60._o anno_fw-la 1593._o and_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n acknowledge_v 1594._o act_n 129._o and_o be_v never_o rescind_v express_o in_o totum_fw-la but_o only_o in_o part_n by_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n which_o now_o can_v be_v respect_v but_o fall_v ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la see_v that_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n be_v now_o upon_o just_a and_o infallible_a reason_n declare_v to_o have_v be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o so_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n wise_o omit_v by_o the_o collecter_n to_o the_o commissioner_n grace_n may_v serve_v alone_o without_o our_o precede_a special_a answer_n for_o clear_v the_o whole_a precede_a act_n the_o 23._o act_n 1597._o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o voice_n in_o parliament_n to_o the_o whole_a kirk_n 1597._o and_o under_o that_o name_n to_o abbot_n or_o other_o person_n provide_v to_o prelacy_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n even_o as_o in_o time_n of_o papistry_n so_o as_o sir_n robert_n spottiswood_n abbot_n of_o new-abbay_a road_n thereafter_o in_o parliament_n which_o be_v both_o unwarrantable_a and_o unusual_a which_o do_v nothing_o contribute_v for_o the_o bishop_n advantage_n because_o albeit_o the_o benefice_n be_v not_o extinct_a yet_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o parliament_n may_v give_v they_o the_o office_n so_o oft_o condemn_v by_o this_o kirk_n which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o same_o act_n because_o after_o the_o grant_n to_o they_o of_o the_o say_a voice_n the_o parliament_n remit_v they_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o assembly_n concern_v their_o office_n in_o their_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n in_o the_o kirk_n 2._o the_o say_a act_n bear_v express_o to_o be_v but_o prejudice_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o any_o time_n precede_v and_o permit_v by_o the_o say_a act_n to_o all_o provincial_a and_o general_a assembly_n and_o other_o whatsoever_o presbytery_n and_o session_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o so_o the_o same_o can_v derogate_v from_o the_o former_a act_n ratify_v the_o present_a discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o the_o say_a act_n 1592._o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o privilege_n be_v grant_v upon_o condition_n they_o be_v actual_a pastor_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o if_o with_o good_a conscience_n they_o may_v claim_v the_o benefice_n of_o that_o act_n 4._o that_o privilege_n be_v obtrude_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v introduce_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o may_v and_o have_v renounce_v the_o same_o as_o be_v incompatible_a with_o their_o spiritual_a function_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o more_o length_n bear_v upon_o undeniable_a reason_n 5._o when_o voice_n in_o parliament_n be_v first_o plausible_a obtrude_v upon_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v neither_o proponed_a nor_o tolerate_v in_o other_o term_n then_o that_o only_o such_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n as_o have_v commissiom_n from_o the_o kirk_n so_o that_o not_o as_o bishop_n but_o as_o minister_n commissioner_n from_o the_o kirk_n they_o have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n like_a as_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n 1600._o be_v so_o hardly_o press_v by_o authority_n that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v it_o altogether_o refuse_v albeit_o in_o their_o conference_n at_o haly-rud-house_n 1599_o they_o propon_v unanswerable_a reason_n against_o this_o and_o all_o other_o civil_a place_n of_o pastor_n set_v down_o caution_n bind_v the_o minister_n voter_n in_o parliament_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n subsequent_a which_o be_v omit_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o bishop_n oath_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o contrare_fw-la for_o the_o breach_n whereof_o they_o be_v now_o most_o just_o censure_v 6._o the_o ratificatory_a act_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o then_o profess_v be_v not_o thereby_o abrogate_v but_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o must_v stand_v in_o force_n because_o it_o be_v ever_o understand_v and_o frequent_o provide_v in_o parliament_n that_o all_o act_n thereof_o be_v make_v salvo_fw-la jure_fw-la cujuslibeâ—_n far_o more_o salvo_fw-la jure_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la &_o sponsae_fw-la christi_fw-la when_o she_o be_v rob_v of_o her_o right_a without_o audience_n especial_o see_v her_o right_n be_v usual_o ratify_v in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o every_o parliament_n 7._o albeit_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o any_o whatsoever_o the_o prelate_n have_v voice_n in_o parliament_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o exeime_v they_o from_o ecclesiastic_a censure_n nor_o forefault_v the_o kirk_n right_a whereby_o she_o may_v condemn_v they_o for_o their_o transgression_n as_o now_o this_o assembly_n most_o just_o have_v do_v for_o by_o their_o own_o caveat_n whosoever_o be_v ecclesiastical_o censure_v by_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la lose_v his_o benefice_n and_o vote_n in_o parliament_n 8._o further_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o declinatour_n profess_v they_o never_o have_v commission_n from_o this_o kirk_n to_o voice_n for_o she_o in_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o caution_n set_v down_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n for_o the_o which_o caution_n that_o assembly_n be_v never_o challenge_v as_o trench_v upon_o the_o three_o estate_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o precede_a act_n 1606._o for_o albeit_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n may_v have_v repone_v they_o to_o their_o rent_n teend_n land_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n yea_o may_v have_v dispone_v to_o they_o any_o part_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o crown_n if_o lordly_a title_n and_o civil_a place_n in_o the_o person_n of_o pastor_n separat_fw-la to_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v lawful_a yet_o can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o spiritual_a office_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a which_o be_v abolish_v and_o abjure_v by_o many_o precede_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n forecited_a et_fw-la quod_fw-la illud_fw-la tantum_fw-la agebatur_fw-la be_v evident_a by_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o act_n repon_v they_o for_o remee_v of_o their_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n to_o their_o dignity_n privilege_n live_n rent_n land_n and_o teind_n and_o this_o always_o
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
and_o record_n that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v give_v in_o keep_v to_o the_o house_n of_o erskine_n by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n authority_n hac_fw-la lege_fw-la expressa_fw-la &_o conditione_n ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la nisi_fw-la conventui_fw-la ordinum_fw-la reposcenti_fw-la traderent_fw-la eight_o this_o act_n be_v not_o unexampled_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o have_v many_o precedent_n both_o in_o the_o history_n of_o other_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o own_o which_o have_v many_o such_o example_n even_o do_v by_o the_o estate_n themselves_o who_o fact_n do_v make_v our_o right_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v ratify_v conform_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o loveable_a custom_n in_o punish_v rebellious_a subject_n and_o preserve_v the_o faithful_a act_n 130._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v upbraid_v for_o our_o meeting_n table_n which_o in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v call_v council_n table_n only_o by_o that_o name_n which_o by_o ordinary_a expression_n be_v due_a to_o judicatories_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o some_o unwarrantable_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o intend_v to_o do_v god_n willing_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o sober_a modest_a and_o quiet_a way_n for_o deliberate_v with_o joint_a advice_n upon_o those_o weighty_a business_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o table_n meeting_n do_v never_o emit_v nor_o send_v forth_o any_o authoritative_a command_n or_o injunction_n but_o conclude_v upon_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o advance_v that_o great_a business_n and_o facilitate_v the_o way_n of_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o overture_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o act_n lawful_a and_o approvable_a in_o the_o self_n albeit_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o force_n or_o validity_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n or_o command_n which_o be_v never_o aim_v at_o nor_o intend_v which_o meeting_n they_o may_v warrantable_o keep_v for_o that_o end_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o remove_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o subject_n no_o way_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o municipal_a law_n which_o disapprove_v such_o convention_n as_o be_v for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o usurpation_n against_o authority_n whereof_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o these_o meeting_n not_o the_o first_o because_o no_o invasion_n violence_n offer_v of_o wrong_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o any_o person_n no_o even_a to_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o just_o complain_v ensew_v upon_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o provocation_n and_o their_o fear_n false_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o malicious_o pretend_v for_o their_o stay_n out_o of_o the_o country_n not_o the_o second_o because_o their_o meeting_n be_v to_o consult_v in_o manner_n foresay_a upon_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o humble_a way_n of_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o convenient_a proposition_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o act_n be_v most_o compatible_a with_o the_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n and_o do_v no_o way_n entrench_v upon_o authority_n see_v they_o can_v never_o be_v challenge_v to_o have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o judicial_a determination_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a but_o by_o voluntary_a instruction_n and_o opinion_n every_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n do_v resolve_v what_o may_v be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a end_n and_o yet_o those_o convention_n want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o the_o nobility_n baron_n burrows_n and_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v place_n of_o propon_v reason_v and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n act_n 113._o king_n james_n the_o 6._o parl._n 11._o wherein_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v of_o the_o need_v and_o cause_n pertain_v to_o his_o love_a subject_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o therefore_o ratify_v the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1427._o give_v power_n to_o baron_n to_o propone_v all_o and_o sundry_a needs_o and_o cause_n and_o to_o hear_v treat_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n which_o necessary_a and_o true_a information_n can_v be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n king_n without_o privy_a meeting_n and_o consultation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o to_o inform_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o propone_v hear_v treat_v and_o final_o determine_v all_o needs_o and_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o meeting_n and_o advise_v upon_o that_o information_n quia_fw-la aliquo_fw-la concesso_fw-la omne_fw-la concessa_fw-la videntur_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la concessum_fw-la expediri_fw-la nequit_fw-la and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n they_o have_v likeways_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n of_o this_o land_n to_o propone_v reason_n and_o vote_n in_o assembly_n and_o be_v the_o examine_v parity_n of_o reason_n to_o keep_v precede_v meeting_n not_o to_o determinate_a or_o execute_v but_o to_o consult_v upon_o their_o necessary_a proposition_n so_o that_o these_o lawful_a meeting_n for_o the_o religious_a end_n suffer_v wrongous_o the_o invidious_a designation_n of_o council_n table_n which_o be_v only_o do_v for_o procure_v misconstruction_n against_o they_o because_o at_o these_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n they_o sit_v about_o a_o table_n which_o posture_n be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o authority_n the_o mean_a of_o mechanik_a craft_n have_v their_o own_o table_n where_o about_o they_o sit_v when_o they_o consult_v upon_o the_o small_a business_n import_v their_o trade_n and_o far_o these_o same_o meeting_n consist_v of_o commissioner_n from_o each_o sheriffedome_n and_o body_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n false_a council_n first_o and_o thereafter_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n out_o of_o their_o resentment_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o cause_n have_v 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to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o although_o no_o answer_n be_v requisite_a see_v the_o person_n thereby_o mean_v be_v not_o special_o condescend_v upon_o yet_o for_o clear_v all_o man_n mind_n and_o show_v the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o proceed_n it_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o particular_a trial_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o some_o such_o surmise_n can_v not_o find_v any_o censure_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n or_o ireland_n by_o a_o lawful_a manner_n in_o a_o lawful_a ireland_n judicatory_a or_o for_o a_o lawful_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o assembly_n after_o careful_a search_n and_o examination_n find_v that_o any_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o person_n in_o scotland_n be_v only_o by_o a_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o take_v arrogant_o on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o that_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o presbytery_n but_o sit_v in_o his_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o
sufficient_o evince_v that_o our_o proceed_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o destructive_a of_o any_o lawful_a three_o estate_n and_o which_o part_n of_o the_o proclamation_n do_v close_a with_o a_o undeserved_a imputation_n to_o our_o loyalty_n bear_v that_o for_o the_o like_a dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n and_o for_o other_o reason_n import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n the_o commissioner_n be_v force_v to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n but_o the_o same_o be_v so_o general_o express_v that_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v do_v of_o plain_a purpose_n to_o make_v we_o hateful_a which_o we_o hope_v will_v not_o work_v that_o end_n unless_o some_o special_a act_n of_o disloyalty_n or_o malversation_n can_v be_v special_o condescend_v upon_o which_o undoubted_o have_v not_o be_v omit_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a otherways_o that_o dark_a cloud_n of_o general_a term_n can_v obfuscate_v the_o pure_a brightness_n of_o our_o sincere_a intention_n unless_o our_o true_a representation_n of_o grievance_n and_o earnest_a humble_a press_a legal_a redress_n thereof_o at_o his_o majesty_n hand_n may_v deserve_v that_o aspersion_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o these_o counsellor_n who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v rather_o in_o absolute_a obedience_n than_o a_o dutiful_a representation_n to_o their_o sovereign_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o warrantable_a wherein_o we_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n if_o either_o our_o proceed_n or_o opinion_n be_v any_o way_n derogatory_n to_o the_o true_a power_n of_o monarchical_a government_n or_o his_o majesty_n authority_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o defend_v with_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n by_o our_o covenant_n return_v and_o where_o in_o the_o proclamation_n in_o that_o part_n thereof_o anent_o the_o commissioner_n discharge_v of_o the_o assembly_n be_v insinuate_v some_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n willingness_n to_o return_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o the_o assembly_n we_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o grace_n presence_n and_o receive_v great_a contentment_n by_o that_o countenance_n of_o royal_a authority_n in_o representation_n whereof_o we_o will_v never_o have_v deprive_v ourselves_o if_o we_o have_v have_v the_o least_o signification_n of_o any_o such_o intention_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o have_v call_v ourselves_o to_o our_o best_a remembrance_n we_o hear_v no_o word_n or_o expression_n tend_v that_o way_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_n false_a we_o do_v humble_o require_v his_o grace_n to_o give_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o discontentment_n in_o writ_n and_o to_o return_v the_o next_o day_n again_o at_o which_o time_n we_o shall_v give_v in_o sufficient_a answer_n thereto_o which_o may_v wipe_v away_o all_o his_o grace_n objection_n and_o move_v he_o to_o continue_v his_o wish_a presence_n to_o that_o assembly_n whereat_o he_o have_v public_o profess_v he_o can_v no_o long_o assist_v but_o this_o be_v refuse_v and_o the_o assembly_n discharge_v by_o he_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o protest_v both_o that_o day_n and_o the_o day_n follow_v upon_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o glasgow_n and_o to_o show_v that_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_fw-mi and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o can_v not_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o discharge_v for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o conveening_a a_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v conveen_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi in_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v then_o judicial_o and_o do_v now_o actual_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n three_o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o the_o self_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_fw-mi to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o well-farre_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church_fw-mi government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n four_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v dissolve_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n five_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notstand_v any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o it_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherways_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_v m._n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v misinform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n six_o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterated_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o and_o after_o frequent_a convention_n and_o formal_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o
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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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of_o the_o boldness_n of_o this_o petition_n which_o expect_v our_o answer_n in_o such_o term_n as_o it_o do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o require_v our_o approbation_n of_o their_o wicked_a proceed_n but_o almost_o to_o command_v it_o and_o last_o it_o be_v subscribe_v only_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a cytation_n serve_v upon_o the_o mean_a subject_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o will_v know_v what_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n just_a or_o pretend_a do_v ever_o use_v any_o coercive_a power_n but_o that_o which_o be_v ecclesiastical_a viz._n suspension_n deprivation_n degradation_n or_o excommunication_n but_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n have_v beside_o all_o these_o inforce_v her_o act_n with_o arm_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o violence_n both_o against_o the_o person_n and_o fortune_n of_o such_o as_o do_v not_o agree_v unto_o they_o but_o continue_v loyal_a to_o us._n by_o this_o time_n we_o hope_v the_o reader_n be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o right_o inform_v concern_v all_o the_o particular_a passage_n of_o these_o trouble_n for_o since_o we_o produce_v their_o own_o original_n foul_a and_o black_a act_n and_o the_o counsel_n which_o we_o take_v and_o course_n which_o we_o hold_v for_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o hinder_v they_o so_o far_o as_o then_o on_o the_o sudden_a we_o can_v every_o man_n will_v now_o hold_v their_o ordinary_a and_o so_o often_o repeat_v calumny_n sufficient_o confute_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o proceed_n and_o proffer_n on_o their_o part_n be_v quite_o conceal_v from_o we_o that_o their_o petition_n remonstrance_n and_o grievance_n be_v keep_v from_o we_o that_o we_o understand_v no_o more_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o kingdom_n than_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o bad_a patriot_n be_v please_v to_o impart_v unto_o we_o that_o our_o commissioner_n in_o his_o several_a journey_n between_o we_o and_o they_o never_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o business_n or_o with_o their_o request_n and_o protestation_n that_o he_o at_o his_o several_a return_n do_v do_v that_o which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o not_o what_o we_o have_v command_v he_o or_o that_o if_o we_o do_v command_v he_o our_o commandment_n be_v according_a to_o the_o information_n which_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o of_o their_o counsel_n and_o course_n which_o information_n be_v never_o true_a nor_o right_a but_o only_o such_o as_o he_o and_o the_o bishop_n have_v contrive_v for_o mis-informing_a of_o we_o all_o which_o most_o wicked_a calumny_n invent_v only_o to_o keep_v our_o people_n unsatisfied_a as_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o want_n of_o truth_n so_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o most_o undeserved_a ingratitude_n for_o we_o do_v profess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n since_o the_o time_n of_o these_o trouble_n who_o have_v more_o zealous_o stand_v between_o our_o wrath_n and_o they_o than_o our_o commissioner_n and_o who_o have_v more_o constant_o labour_v we_o to_o admit_v any_o probable_a construction_n which_o may_v be_v make_v of_o their_o action_n ever_o until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o come_v to_o that_o height_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o probable_o nor_o possible_o receive_v any_o good_a construction_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o all_o his_o persuasion_n be_v to_o pardon_v and_o forgiveness_n if_o they_o shall_v acknowledge_v their_o error_n and_o with_o a_o submissive_a humility_n return_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o here_o we_o must_v needs_o justify_v all_o his_o proceed_n with_o they_o as_o be_v punctual_o and_o exact_o order_v and_o perform_v according_a to_o our_o instruction_n and_o commandment_n to_o he_o and_o condemn_v their_o ingratitude_n to_o he_o not_o doubt_v but_o ere_o long_o they_o will_v hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o have_v some_o such_o about_o we_o who_o may_v solicit_v we_o for_o their_o peace_n and_o pardon_n so_o careful_o as_o he_o do_v so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o hope_n of_o their_o amendment_n the_o same_o course_n which_o they_o hold_v with_o he_o their_o own_o countryman_n they_o hold_v likewise_o with_o some_o of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o great_a place_n especial_o some_o of_o the_o prelate_n near_o we_o and_o entrust_v with_o the_o great_a business_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n for_o during_o the_o time_n of_o all_o these_o trouble_n they_o have_v likewise_o slander_v they_o among_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n both_o for_o misinformation_n of_o we_o and_o give_v we_o counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o shun_v all_o way_n of_o peace_n whereas_o we_o must_v profess_v that_o those_o prelate_n who_o in_o their_o last_o seditious_a and_o treasonable_a information_n to_o the_o good_a christian_n of_o england_n they_o have_v traduce_v for_o their_o great_a enemy_n &_o chief_o some_o of_o they_o who_o they_o especial_o glance_v at_o with_o our_o commissioner_n have_v be_v their_o great_a friend_n their_o counsel_n be_v always_o counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o their_o solicitation_n to_o we_o be_v vehement_a and_o earnest_a for_o grant_v unto_o they_o those_o unexpected_a and_o undeserved_a favour_n which_o we_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o our_o people_n publish_v in_o our_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n 1638._o and_o afterward_o make_v good_a to_o they_o in_o our_o name_n by_o our_o commissioner_n at_o the_o assembly_n in_o glasgow_n these_o prelate_n and_o our_o commissioner_n advise_v we_o rather_o to_o condescend_v to_o these_o particular_n then_o to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o effusion_n of_o any_o drop_n of_o our_o subject_n blood_n but_o the_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n of_o many_o of_o our_o well_o mean_v subject_n in_o that_o kingdom_n have_v in_o all_o this_o business_n be_v this_o that_o they_o trust_v the_o misinformation_n of_o their_o leader_n even_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o their_o leader_n themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n such_o be_v their_o false_a report_n of_o our_o inclination_n to_o popery_n of_o our_o intention_n never_o to_o hold_v a_o assembly_n although_o we_o have_v indict_v it_o of_o our_o intention_n of_o never_o perform_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o assembly_n which_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o gracious_a proclamation_n of_o the_o indiction_n of_o it_o all_o which_o false_a report_n we_o have_v since_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o our_o command_v the_o renovation_n of_o the_o subscription_n of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v subsist_v with_o popery_n by_o our_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n the_o freedom_n whereof_o they_o quite_o destroy_v by_o their_o proceed_n both_o before_o it_o and_o in_o it_o by_o our_o make_n good_a in_o that_o assembly_n such_o as_o it_o be_v all_o our_o gracious_a promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v now_o but_o hope_n and_o expect_v that_o all_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n of_o that_o our_o ancient_a and_o native_a kingdom_n will_v by_o their_o former_a experience_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o seducer_n and_o leader_n learn_v to_o give_v no_o trust_n or_o credit_n to_o their_o posteriour_a and_o new_a misinformation_n which_o by_o their_o last_o seditious_a pamphlet_n print_v or_o write_v and_o by_o many_o intercept_a letter_n we_o find_v to_o be_v these_o three_o especial_o but_o all_o of_o they_o most_o notorious_o false_a first_o they_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v our_o good_a subject_n that_o we_o intend_v a_o invasion_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o great_a power_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o as_o they_o can_v make_v believe_v that_o a_o king_n will_v invade_v his_o own_o kingdom_n invasion_n make_v by_o prince_n of_o other_o prince_n dominion_n have_v be_v usual_a but_o for_o a_o prince_n to_o invade_v his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v a_o prodigious_a untruth_n but_o they_o tell_v our_o people_n that_o we_o be_v come_v thither_o attend_v with_o english_a troop_n we_o wonder_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o they_o who_o our_o people_n in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v be_v make_v believe_v be_v all_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o will_v take_v arm_n with_o they_o in_o their_o defence_n against_o us._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o english_a troop_n go_v along_o to_o secure_v this_o our_o kingdom_n of_o england_n from_o invasion_n by_o they_o which_o they_o have_v so_o frequent_o threaten_v and_o if_o for_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o person_n they_o shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v our_o guard_n wheresoever_o we_o go_v what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o continue_v in_o our_o breast_n that_o
full_a assurance_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o fidelity_n towards_o we_o of_o which_o we_o have_v always_o by_o unanswerable_a demonstration_n be_v full_o persuade_v as_o also_o upbraid_v the_o disloyalty_n of_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o our_o native_a kingdom_n among_o who_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o trust_v we_o without_o offer_v their_o person_n to_o be_v our_o guard_n but_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o do_v desire_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n firm_o to_o believe_v first_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o much_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o english_a troop_n to_o chastise_v the_o head_n of_o this_o late_a rebellion_n as_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o our_o loyal_a subject_n who_o have_v all_o this_o while_n adhere_v unto_o we_o and_o our_o mislead_v subject_n who_o upon_o this_o our_o declaration_n will_v adhere_v unto_o we_o but_o above_o all_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o we_o his_o anoint_v shall_v be_v strength_n enough_o to_o bring_v those_o principal_a rebel_n to_o undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o our_o law_n next_o we_o desire_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n there_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o invasion_n of_o that_o our_o native_a kingdom_n as_o that_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o oath_n take_v at_o our_o coronation_n we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n always_o be_v ready_a with_o our_o whole_a power_n estate_n and_o expense_n of_o our_o blood_n if_o the_o case_n shall_v so_o require_v to_o defend_v that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o subject_n thereof_o against_o all_o invasion_n whatsoever_o for_o we_o do_v at_o this_o time_n only_o intend_v to_o reduce_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o these_o tumult_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o we_o and_o our_o law_n and_o in_o case_n of_o their_o rebellious_a obstinacy_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o those_o deserve_a punishment_n which_o in_o such_o case_n the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n have_v provide_v nor_o can_v this_o either_o be_v call_v or_o account_v a_o invasion_n more_o than_o the_o judge_n sentence_v malefactor_n to_o punishment_n can_v be_v call_v a_o invasion_n of_o they_o the_o second_o misinformation_n whereby_o we_o find_v the_o head_n of_o this_o rebellion_n go_v about_o to_o keep_v our_o people_n from_o return_v to_o our_o obedience_n be_v this_o they_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o since_o they_o have_v not_o accept_v of_o our_o gracious_a offer_n make_v in_o our_o declaration_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n last_o and_o make_v good_a by_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n at_o the_o assembly_n in_o glasgow_n that_o now_o we_o will_v certain_o perform_v none_o of_o they_o but_o these_o wicked_a mis-reporter_n speak_v both_o according_a to_o their_o own_o desert_n as_o know_v that_o their_o rebellious_a misdemeanour_n have_v indeed_o deserve_v no_o such_o favour_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o likewise_o according_a to_o their_o own_o desire_n as_o fear_v that_o if_o we_o shall_v make_v they_o good_a than_o our_o people_n might_n and_o must_v receive_v satisfaction_n thereby_o but_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o our_o royal_a intention_n which_o be_v to_o assure_v our_o subject_n that_o as_o we_o have_v before_o express_v in_o our_o preface_n their_o fault_n and_o disloyal_a course_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o go_v back_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o either_o of_o those_o two_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o glasgow_n but_o that_o we_o will_v perform_v they_o all_o for_o the_o secure_n of_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n from_o any_o further_a fear_n of_o these_o pretend_a innovation_n the_o three_o misinformation_n whereby_o the_o head_n of_o this_o rebellion_n go_v about_o to_o continue_v our_o people_n in_o disobedience_n to_o we_o be_v this_o they_o will_v make_v they_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v now_o yield_v we_o do_v intend_v to_o make_v that_o our_o native_a kingdom_n a_o province_n and_o to_o despoil_v they_o of_o all_o their_o law_n and_o liberty_n and_o to_o give_v they_o new_a law_n as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o conquer_a kingdom_n a_o most_o devilish_a and_o false_a suggestion_n for_o we_o profess_v we_o never_o harbour_v any_o such_o thought_n in_o our_o royal_a breast_n but_o do_v intend_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v that_o our_o native_a kingdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o law_n and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o all_o their_o liberty_n and_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o translate_v we_o to_o leave_v the_o same_o in_o charge_n to_o our_o successor_n these_o foul_a but_o false_a aspersion_n be_v thus_o wipe_v off_o we_o be_v now_o desirous_a to_o remove_v their_o grand_a and_o main_a calumny_n whereby_o they_o do_v at_o once_o endeavour_n both_o to_o disparage_v our_o just_a and_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o most_o unjust_a proceed_n they_o give_v out_o that_o we_o have_v no_o quarrel_n against_o they_o but_o religion_n and_o when_o they_o be_v ask_v in_o what_o point_v of_o religion_n we_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o they_o do_v not_o name_v any_o one_o of_o which_o they_o have_v complain_v in_o their_o petition_n and_o which_o in_o they_o they_o call_v innovation_n in_o religion_n for_o they_o know_v that_o in_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n we_o have_v give_v full_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o but_o they_o instance_n in_o other_o two_o particular_n first_o our_o not_o admit_v the_o introduce_v of_o lay-elder_n into_o their_o presbytery_n and_o that_o in_o equal_a number_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o these_o lay-elder_n shall_v have_v voice_n and_o always_o the_o cast_a voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o second_o that_o we_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o the_o abolish_n of_o episcopal_a government_n for_o the_o former_a we_o profess_v that_o we_o can_v give_v way_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o course_n unheard_a of_o not_o only_o in_o that_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o in_o any_o church_n in_o any_o age_n for_o how_o can_v we_o yield_v that_o nobleman_n gentleman_n commoners_z shall_v be_v make_v ecclesiastical_a person_n which_o must_v needs_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n of_o these_o two_o ecclesiastical_a and_o secular_a person_n which_o have_v always_o be_v distinguish_v next_o how_o can_v we_o betray_v the_o minister_n of_o that_o kingdom_n unto_o perpetual_a slavery_n for_o if_o episcopal_a government_n shall_v be_v go_v which_o they_o intend_v and_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v over-swayed_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lay-elder_n what_o face_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n can_v remain_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v quite_o pull_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o account_v it_o a_o great_a ingratitude_n in_o those_o minister_n who_o oppose_v we_o for_o who_o maintenance_n as_o we_o first_o stand_v against_o the_o laity_n so_o we_o be_v now_o resolve_v to_o stand_v against_o they_o for_o their_o liberty_n for_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o abolish_n of_o episcopal_a government_n we_o profess_v we_o can_v yield_v unto_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o apostolical_a institution_n at_o the_o first_o and_o since_o by_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n as_o we_o hold_v it_o be_v warrant_v by_o both_o first_o because_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v so_o now_o and_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n by_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n next_o because_o of_o the_o course_n which_o they_o have_v take_v to_o abolish_v it_o to_o wit_n by_o a_o assembly_n hold_v that_o a_o assembly_n may_v abolish_v act_n of_o parliament_n a_o proposition_n which_o must_v not_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o monarchy_n for_o then_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n or_o general_a assembly_n in_o scotland_n may_v introduce_v in_o either_o of_o these_o kingdom_n popery_n and_o the_o pope_n authority_n if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v so_o notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o both_o kingdom_n which_o have_v eject_v they_o and_o which_o act_v of_o parliament_n be_v posteriour_a to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o be_v confirmation_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v before_o in_o they_o three_o we_o can_v destroy_v episcopal_a government_n without_o destroy_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n which_o we_o will_v not_o do_v but_o these_o man_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n without_o our_o consent_n or_o consent_v of_o parliament_n have_v go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n but_o say_v that_o