nane_fw-la shall_v be_v repute_n as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o say_a sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebellar_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o examine_v quhilk_fw-mi 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 all_o sik_n as_o make_v profession_n thereof_o and_o yet_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n ought_v to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n shall_v be_v admonish_v be_v the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o turn_v to_o their_o dutieful_a obedience_n and_o if_o they_o failzie_a therein_o to_o be_v excommunicate_a and_o seclude_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o rebellious_a and_o corrupt_a member_n betwixt_o and_o the_o first_o of_o jun_n nixt_v to_o come_v and_o that_o always_o before_o sik_n person_n as_o have_v make_v defection_n be_v receive_v to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n mercy_n and_o favour_n they_o shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a and_o promise_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o time_n come_v and_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n 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 sik_n 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 execut_v the_o cruel_a decreit_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n quhilk_n most_o injurious_o be_v call_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o holy_a league_n contrary_a the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o other_o act_n and_o these_o most_o peremptory_a and_o strict_a against_o the_o popish_a religion_n as_o idolatry_n and_o very_o pernicious_a to_o the_o kingdom_n may_v here_o be_v add_v but_o these_o be_v set_v down_o as_o most_o apposite_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v see_v at_o length_n in_o the_o print_a act_n of_o parliament_n act_n ch._n 2._o p._n 2._o c._n 1._o anno_fw-la 1669._o act_n assert_v his_o majesty_n supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastik_a the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n have_v serious_o consider_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o relation_n to_o matter_n and_o person_n ecclesiastical_a be_v more_o clear_o assert_v by_o one_fw-mi act_n of_o parliament_n have_v therefore_o think_v fit_a it_o be_v enact_v assert_v and_o declare_v likeas_n his_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v hereby_o enact_v assert_v and_o declare_v that_o his_o majesty_n have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n and_o supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o this_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o the_o order_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o successor_n as_o one_fw-mi inherent_a right_a of_o the_o crown_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o successor_n may_v settle_v enact_v and_o emit_v such_o constitution_n act_n and_o order_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o same_o and_o concern_v all_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v propose_v and_o determine_v therein_o as_o they_o in_o their_o royal_a wisdom_n shall_v think_v fit_a which_o act_v order_n and_o constitution_n be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n and_o du_o publish_v be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n any_o law_n act_n or_o custom_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o likea_n his_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_v foresay_a do_v rescind_a and_o annul_v all_o law_n act_n and_o clause_n thereof_o and_o all_o custom_n and_o constition_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o majesty_n supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v hereby_o assert_v and_o declare_v the_o same_o void_a and_o null_n in_o all_o time_n come_v the_o bishop_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o the_o synod_n explanation_n of_o the_o test._n i._o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o swear_v to_o all_o the_o particular_a assertion_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n mention_v in_o the_o test_n but_o only_o to_o the_o uniform_a doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n contain_v therein_o ii_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o prejudg_v the_o church_n right_a to_o and_o power_n of_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o say_a confession_n as_o to_o the_o ambiguity_n and_o obscure_a expression_n thereof_o or_o of_o ☞_o make_v a_o more_o unexceptionable_a frame_n iii_o when_o we_o swear_v that_o the_o king_n be_v supreme_a governor_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastic_a as_o civil_a and_o when_o we_o swear_v to_o assert_v and_o defend_v all_o his_o majesty_n right_n and_o prerogative_n this_o be_v reserve_v always_o the_o intrinsic_a unalterable_a ☞_o power_n of_o the_o church_n immediate_o derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o wit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n consist_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ordain_v of_o pastor_n exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o hold_v of_o such_o assembly_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n truth_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o think_v that_o the_o king_n have_v a_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n iv._o when_o we_o swear_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o subject_n to_o meet_v or_o conveen_v to_o treat_v or_o consult_v etc._n etc._n about_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a this_o be_v except_v meeting_n for_o ordination_n public_a worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o such_o meeting_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n v._o when_o we_o swear_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o etc._n etc._n to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n we_o mean_v by_o arm_n or_o any_o seditious_a ☜_o way_n vi_o when_o we_o swear_v that_o we_o take_v the_o test_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n we_o understand_v it_o only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v these_o exception_n ☜_o the_o explanation_n of_o the_o test_n by_o the_o synod_n and_o clergy_n of_o perth_n because_o our_o conscience_n require_v the_o publish_n and_o declare_v of_o that_o express_a meaning_n we_o have_v in_o take_v the_o test_n that_o we_o be_v not_o misinterpret_v to_o swear_v it_o in_o these_o gloss_n which_o man_n uncharitable_a to_o it_o and_o enemy_n to_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o put_v upon_o it_o and_o because_o some_o man_n ill_o affect_v to_o the_o government_n who_o be_v daily_a broacher_n of_o odious_a and_o calumnious_a slander_n against_o our_o person_n and_o ministry_n be_v apt_a to_o deduce_v inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o allege_a ambiguity_n of_o some_o proposition_n of_o the_o ☜_o test_n that_o we_o charitable_o and_o firm_o do_v believe_v be_v never_o intend_v by_o the_o imposer_n nor_o receive_v by_o the_o taker_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n and_o to_o save_v our_o credit_n from_o these_o unjust_a imputation_n we_o express_o declare_v that_o we_o swear_v the_o test_n in_o this_o follow_a meaning_n i._o by_o take_v the_o test_n we_o do_v not_o swear_v to_o every_o proposition_n and_o clause_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n found_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o popery_n and_o fanaticism_n ii_o by_o swear_v the_o ecclesiastic_a supremacy_n we_o swear_v it_o as_o we_o have_v do_v former_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o assertory_n act_n we_o also_o reserve_v entire_a unto_o the_o church_n it_o be_v own_o intrinsic_a and_o unalterable_a power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o pure_a primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o century_n iii_o by_o swear_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v etc._n etc._n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a as_o
we_o do_v not_o evacuate_v our_o natural_a liberty_n whereby_o we_o be_v in_o freedom_n innocent_o without_o reflection_n upon_o or_o derogation_n to_o authority_n or_o person_n entrust_v with_o it_o to_o discourse_v in_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o we_o exclude_v not_o those_o other_o meeting_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o well-being_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n iv._o by_o our_o swear_n it_o unlawful_a to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n we_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v unlawfal_n for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v ☜_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o specific_a government_n of_o monarchy_n in_o the_o true_a and_o lineal_a descent_n and_o episcopacy_n v._o when_o we_o swear_v in_o the_o genuine_a and_o literal_a sense_n etc._n etc._n we_o understand_v it_o so_o far_o as_o ☜_o it_o be_v not_o opposite_a or_o contradictory_n to_o the_o foresay_a exception_n they_o be_v allow_v to_o insert_v after_o the_o oath_n before_o their_o subscription_n these_o word_n or_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o under-written_a do_v take_v this_o oath_n according_a to_o the_o explanation_n make_v by_o the_o council_n approve_v by_o his_o majesty_n letter_n and_o we_o declare_v we_o be_v no_o further_o bind_v by_o this_o oath_n a_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o test_n emit_v by_o one_o of_o the_o conform_a clergy_n i_o a._n b._n solemn_o swear_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o i_o invocate_v as_o judge_v and_o witness_v of_o my_o sincere_a intention_n of_o this_o my_o oath_n that_o i_o a._n b._n be_v full_o assure_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n or_o hesitation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o assert_v and_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o promise_v do_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n swear_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o i_o here_o call_v upon_o to_o witness_v against_o i_o in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o i_o if_o i_o affirm_v any_o thing_n by_o this_o my_o oath_n of_o the_o certainty_n whereof_o i_o be_o not_o full_o assure_v or_o promise_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o i_o have_v any_o scruple_n and_o which_o i_o be_o not_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o perform_v viz._n that_o i_o own_o and_o sincere_o profess_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n record_v in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o james_n the_o vi_o etc._n etc._n that_o i_o cordial_o own_o &_o without_o any_o dissimulation_n profess_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n and_o because_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n that_o pass_v under_o that_o name_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o i_o do_v mean_a by_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n i_o declare_v that_o i_o own_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o king_n james_n the_o vi_o as_o the_o true_a test_n and_o standard_n thereof_o and_o that_o i_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o just_a standard_n if_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v take_v and_o other_o leave_v unless_o these_o part_n that_o be_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o be_v express_o condescend_v on_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v impose_v for_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v arbitrary_a for_o every_o one_o to_o pitch_v on_o these_o part_n of_o it_o he_o please_v as_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v useless_a for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v adduce_v therefore_o i_o embrace_v the_o whole_a confession_n and_o do_v swear_v by_o the_o same_o solemn_a oath_n that_o i_o believe_v every_o article_n and_o every_o proposition_n therein_o to_o be_v true_a as_o be_v evident_o found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n art_n 3._o i_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o adam_n transgression_n be_v common_o call_v original_a sin_n and_o art_n 12._o that_o man_n have_v as_o little_a hand_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n as_o they_o have_v in_o their_o creation_n and_o redemption_n and_o art_n 14._o that_o to_o suppress_v tyranny_n be_v one_o of_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o second_o table_n most_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o command_v by_o himself_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n most_o odious_a which_o always_o displease_v and_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n that_o be_v when_o the_o civil_a mastrate_n come_v to_o act_v arbitrary_o and_o against_o law_n when_o he_o invade_v the_o establish_a religion_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n or_o the_o liberty_n and_o property_n of_o subject_n he_o be_v to_o be_v oppose_v and_o resist_v or_o when_o our_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n usurp_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o behave_v themselves_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n or_o require_v absolute_a obedience_n to_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n they_o be_v to_o be_v withstand_v and_o bear_v down_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o article_n i_o swear_v that_o i_o believe_v our_o resistance_n of_o these_o who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o be_v a_o sin_n when_o they_o do_v not_o pass_v over_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o office_n but_o if_o they_o pass_v over_o these_o bound_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o resist_v they_o which_o be_v evident_a be_v compare_v with_o the_o former_a proposition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o who_o compose_v the_o confession_n and_o in_o the_o same_o article_n i_o swear_v and_o believe_v all_o these_o to_o be_v evil_a work_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n but_o the_o invention_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o our_o superior_n determine_v in_o this_o matter_n though_o only_o for_o decency_n if_o they_o can_v show_v it_o to_o be_v clear_o found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o evil_a work_n and_o i_o swear_v i_o shall_v so_o reckon_v it_o art_n 16._o i_o swear_v that_o i_o think_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v that_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o natural_a light_n and_o moral_a equity_n shall_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o true_a church_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o eternal_a felicity_n so_o that_o i_o not_o only_o condemn_v all_o pagan_n and_o papist_n to_o hell_n fire_n but_o i_o declare_v upon_o oath_n that_o i_o think_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n and_o art_n 18._o i_o believe_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n right_o administer_v as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v be_v as_o essential_a a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o any_o other_o church_n that_o have_v not_o discipline_n right_o administer_v though_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a want_v a_o essential_a note_n of_o a_o true_a a_o church_n and_o art_n 21._o i_o declare_v that_o i_o perfect_o understand_v this_o proposition_n and_o do_v solemn_o swear_v that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v so_o make_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n that_o as_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n have_v give_v to_o the_o flesh_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o of_o its_o own_o condition_n and_o nature_n be_v mortal_a and_o corruptible_a life_n and_o immortality_n so_o do_v christ_n jesus_n his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n eat_v and_o drunken_a by_o we_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o same_o prerogative_n and_o art_n 22._o i_o declare_v and_o swear_v by_o this_o my_o solemn_a oath_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o true_a sacrament_n so_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n have_v both_o their_o baptism_n and_o ordination_n from_o they_o we_o have_v neither_o among_o we_o true_o baptize_v person_n nor_o right_o ordain_v minister_n and_o art_n 24_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o resist_a the_o supreme_a power_n do_v that_o which_o appertain_v to_o his_o charge_n be_v to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o resist_v when_o he_o go_v beyond_o his_o charge_n be_v not_o to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o to_o repress_v tyranny_n according_a to_o art_n 14_o and_o i_o promise_v and_o swear_v that_o i_o shall_v adhere_v thereto_o during_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n &_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o educate_v my_o
god_n subject_n may_v take_v up_o arm_n against_o he_o 2._o they_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o these_o the_o principle_n that_o embroil_v these_o kingdom_n that_o raise_v a_o combustion_n and_o that_o turn_v all_o thing_n upside_o down_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o be_v not_o these_o principle_n plain_o teach_v in_o this_o confession_n it_o be_v reckon_v art_n 15_o a_o duty_n to_o repress_v tyranny_n and_o to_o disobey_v and_o resist_v king_n be_v a_o sin_n with_o this_o caution_n and_o limitation_n while_o they_o pass_v not_o over_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o office_n or_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o assistance_n we_o owe_v they_o be_v caution_v and_o limit_v while_o they_o vigilant_o travel_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n by_o which_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n let_v any_o but_o read_v spotswood_n history_n of_o the_o resormation_n anno_fw-la 1558_o 1559_o 1560._o among_o other_o how_o subject_n do_v bind_v themselves_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n to_o assist_v one_o another_o for_o advance_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n how_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o minister_n they_o deprive_v the_o queen_n regent_n of_o her_o government_n and_o this_o very_a year_n this_o confession_n be_v compile_v and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v remain_v no_o doubt_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o confession_n in_o this_o point_n but_o to_o render_v the_o matter_n beyond_o exception_n it_o be_v declare_v rebellious_a and_o treasonable_a by_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o subject_n to_o put_v limitation_n on_o their_o due_a obedience_n and_o allegiance_n and_o for_o the_o other_o principle_n about_o divine_a worship_n the_o confession_n affirm_v these_o to_o be_v evil_a work_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v no_o other_o assurance_n but_o the_o invention_n and_o opinion_n man_n in_o this_o principle_n they_o condemn_v very_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o church_n as_o sing_v the_o doxology_n and_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a ceremony_n for_o decency_n and_o help_v for_o devotion_n call_v they_o by_o the_o odious_a title_n of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n but_o be_v these_o principle_n true_a or_o false_a in_o themselves_o certain_o they_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o these_o other_o clause_n in_o the_o test_n that_o assert_v it_o unlawful_a on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o invest_v he_o with_o such_o a_o supremacy_n as_o empower_n he_o to_o erect_v such_o constitution_n and_o order_n about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o his_o majesty_n think_v fit_a and_o in_o this_o also_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a contradiction_n that_o the_o test_n bind_v we_o not_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o change_n contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n and_o by_o and_o by_o enjoin_v to_o swear_v what_o be_v flat_o contradictory_n to_o it_o we_o can_v take_v this_o test_n unless_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n we_o swear_v and_o forswear_v under_o oath_n protest_v onething_a and_o forthwith_o under_o oath_n protest_v the_o quite_o contrary_a it_o oblige_v we_o to_o swear_v we_o shall_v with_o our_o utmost_a power_n defend_v assist_v and_o maintain_v all_o the_o king_n right_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o swear_v we_o know_v not_o what_o or_o be_v it_o not_o to_o swear_v we_o shall_v maintain_v and_o defend_v with_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o concernedness_n whatsoever_o the_o king_n challenge_v or_o the_o parliament_n vote_n to_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o may_v not_o a_o prince_n come_v to_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o act_v arbitrary_o and_o may_v not_o iniquity_n happen_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n nay_o do_v not_o the_o king_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la challenge_n and_o have_v not_o the_o parliament_n declare_v supremacy_n to_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o which_o his_o majesty_n may_v settle_v and_o emit_v such_o act_n and_o order_n as_o he_o please_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o avow_v we_o hold_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o king_n believe_v and_o so_o ere_o long_o the_o right_n jurisdiction_n prerogative_n privilege_n preeminence_n and_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v v_o t_v to_o belong_v to_o our_o prince_n may_v come_v to_o swallow_v up_o religion_n liberty_n property_n and_o all_o our_o privilege_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o conscience_n can_v swear_v this_o clause_n in_o so_o great_a a_o latitude_n and_o so_o illimited_a term_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o swear_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o unlawful_a without_o the_o king_n special_a command_n to_o convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v in_o any_o council_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determine_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastik_a the_o clause_n except_v ordinary_a judgement_n which_o be_v add_v in_o all_o such_o convocate_a conveen_a and_o assemble_v which_o be_v declare_v unlawful_a anno_fw-la 1661._o 1._o par._n char._n 2._o act_n 21._o be_v leave_v out_o here_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o all_o such_o session_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v discharge_v there_o be_v no_o special_a command_n or_o express_v for_o they_o that_o we_o know_v of_o and_o these_o meeting_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o curb_v of_o vice_n and_o profaneness_n and_o for_o settle_v and_o entertain_v peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o church_n we_o can_v swear_v to_o forbear_v hold_v of_o they_o though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o express_a licence_n from_o the_o king_n we_o acknowledge_v prince_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o inhibit_v their_o subject_n to_o meet_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n but_o we_o can_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v they_o against_o such_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v on_o his_o church_n this_o be_v a_o privilege_n the_o church_n ever_o enjoy_v since_o it_o be_v found_v and_o erect_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o all_o age_n use_v as_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n require_v so_o we_o can_v devoid_a ourselves_o of_o it_o without_o prove_v betrayer_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o condemn_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o without_o special_a command_n nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a edict_n of_o prince_n do_v convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v in_o council_n and_o convention_n to_o treat_v consult_v and_o determine_v about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v no_o less_o commend_v and_o admire_v for_o loyalty_n and_o peaceableness_n than_o for_o piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o see_v that_o in_o the_o present_a juncture_n its_o notour_n that_o there_o be_v cabal_n and_o engine_n form_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o undermine_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o to_o bereave_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o as_o so_o many_o depositary_n can_v we_o without_o the_o most_o horrid_a guilt_n and_o the_o black_a infamy_n swear_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meet_v two_o or_o three_o of_o we_o together_o till_o we_o have_v the_o king_n warrant_n perhaps_o never_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o man_n soul_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o to_o endeavour_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n be_v not_o this_o to_o swear_v what_o no_o man_n live_a can_v assure_o know_v and_o be_v there_o not_o indeed_o many_o tie_n on_o we_o as_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o pastor_n to_o procure_v as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n now_o if_o we_o discern_v and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n that_o the_o government_n may_v be_v better_v by_o enact_v wholesome_a new_a law_n and_o abrogate_a corrupt_a old_a one_o may_v we_o not_o ought_v we_o not_o in_o our_o station_n endeavour_v such_o a_o alteration_n the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_a synod_n e._n g._n give_v the_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrew_n a_o negative_a when_o the_o whole_a clergy_n be_v contrary_a so_o that_o be_v all_o our_o bishop_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n man_n of_o apostolic_a sanctity_n and_o zeal_n yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v
close_v up_o this_o head_n of_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o confession_n foresay_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o famous_a and_o â—earned_a doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n anno_fw-la 1638._o in_o their_o demand_n and_o duply_n do_v in_o demand_v 11._o declare_v and_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o they_o and_o other_o people_n be_v willing_a to_o subscribe_v this_o very_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o 11_o duply_v they_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o subscribe_v but_o to_o swear_v this_o national_a confession_n of_o faith_n so_o they_o call_v it_o ratify_v and_o register_v in_o parliament_n to_o which_o declaration_n they_o add_v the_o oath_n swear_v by_o they_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o degree_n of_o doctorat_n in_o theology_n which_o oath_n they_o solemn_o again_o renew_v in_o the_o 7._o duply_v and_o this_o they_o judge_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v no_o favourer_n of_o popery_n which_o as_o then_o so_o now_o be_v the_o engine_n whereby_o to_o calumniate_v loyal_a subject_n and_o sound_a protestant_n as_o papist_n in_o masquerade_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v that_o these_o learned_a loyal_a divine_n and_o orthodox_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o their_o age_n who_o well_o understand_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o resist_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o the_o intrinsik_n power_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o interest_n and_o right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n do_v not_o scruple_n to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o as_o a_o test_n against_o popish_a error_n and_o supersition_n so_o that_o they_o who_o shall_v now_o refuse_v to_o swear_v to_o own_o and_o believe_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n reform_v from_o popery_n contain_v in_o this_o confession_n do_v occasion_n too_o much_o umbrage_n of_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sound_v nor_o solid_a protestant_n as_o to_o the_o second_o head_n or_o classis_fw-la of_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n which_o together_o with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v assert_v and_o swear_v in_o the_o test_n the_o great_a stress_n of_o the_o objection_n found_v thereupon_o lie_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n that_o the_o king_n supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n viz_o 16_o anno_fw-la 1669._o seem_n to_o deprive_v and_o divest_v the_o church_n of_o all_o its_o intrinsic_a power_n as_o if_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v derive_v not_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o alone_a prince_n and_o vital_a head_n of_o his_o church_n but_o from_o secular_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o foresay_a act_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o power_n lodge_v in_o the_o king_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o establish_v episcopal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o royal_a pleasure_n which_o they_o can_v never_o swear_v to_o maintain_v as_o a_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n who_o believe_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o oecumenick_n and_o unalterable_a government_n by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a satisfaction_n of_o these_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o read_v and_o consider_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n november_n the_o 16_o 1669_o in_o which_o upon_o due_a perusal_n and_o examination_n nothing_o new_a or_o dangerous_a to_o the_o setlement_n of_o our_o national_a church_n will_v be_v find_v comprehend_v our_o saviour_n be_v very_o unconcerned_a to_o regulate_v the_o bound_n of_o sovereign_a power_n he_o do_v not_o examine_v pilat_n power_n to_o judge_n of_o blasphemy_n or_o treason_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v unto_o it_o and_o so_o his_o apostle_n neither_o inquire_v into_o the_o right_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n nor_o limit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n but_o serious_o recommend_v to_o all_o good_a subject_n as_o their_o duty_n submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o they_o leave_v the_o secular_a power_n of_o the_o world_n in_o possession_n of_o whatever_o authority_n either_o over_o person_n or_o matter_n they_o find_v they_o invest_v with_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o spiritual_a function_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n exercise_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n or_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n our_o gracious_a king_n never_o challenge_v these_o spiritual_a power_n which_o indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o holy_a and_o best_a king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v famous_a for_o abolish_n false_a worship_n assert_v and_o settle_v of_o the_o truth_n many_o excellent_a ordinance_n concern_v religion_n be_v make_v by_o moses_n joshua_n david_n solomon_n asa_n josiab_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v record_v and_o applaud_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n these_o order_v and_o regulate_v divine_a worship_n sacrament_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n they_o erect_v altar_n temple_n and_o tabernacle_n and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o god_n they_o destroy_v idolatry_n reform_a abuse_n in_o god_n house_n and_o service_n and_o both_o settle_v the_o stand_a worship_n and_o ordain_v thanksgiving_n and_o humiliation_n so_o that_o the_o order_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o the_o supreme_a secular_a power_n under_o the_o law_n nor_o do_v the_o emperor_n and_o sovereign_a prince_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n lose_v their_o power_n enjoy_v by_o all_o their_o predecessor_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v thereby_o inevitable_o expose_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o government_n by_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n upon_o every_o frantic_a eruption_n of_o religious_a melancholy_n if_o constantine_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n for_o suppress_v the_o arrian_n heresy_n what_o have_v become_v either_o of_o government_n or_o religion_n the_o draw_v up_o of_o canon_n for_o regulate_a religion_n our_o lord_n commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n with_o other_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o that_o these_o canon_n shall_v be_v enforce_v as_o law_n by_o temporal_a sanction_n and_o penalty_n this_o flow_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o according_o in_o the_o second_o ecumenical_a council_n the_o bishop_n and_o father_n assemble_v at_o constantinople_n beseech_v theodosius_n the_o elder_a to_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n justinian_n establish_v the_o main_a canon_n or_o codex_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n consist_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o first_o general_n and_o five_o ancient_a provincial_a council_n command_v they_o to_o be_v keep_v as_o law_n as_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o cognizance_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n much_o less_o can_v the_o exemption_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v pretend_v under_o the_o law_n we_o find_v solomon_n judge_v a_o high_a priest_n offend_v viz._n abiathar_n who_o he_o turn_v out_o and_o place_v zadock_n in_o his_o room_n and_o office_n 1_o king_n 2._o 27_o 35._o and_o as_o single_a person_n so_o if_o we_o consider_v church-officer_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n we_o find_v the_o call_v thereof_o lodge_v in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n for_o moses_n not_o aaron_n david_n not_o abiathar_n solomon_n not_o zadock_n summon_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o the_o meeting_n so_o under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n we_o find_v no_o council_n nor_o synod_n call_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o bishop_n or_o by_o any_o other_o minister_n form_v themselves_o into_o classical_a and_o synodical_a meeting_n against_o or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_n prince_n or_o magistrate_n to_o any_o who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v antiquty_n or_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o indiction_n of_o time_n and_o place_n the_o convocate_a of_o person_n the_o precedency_n the_o order_n of_o debate_n the_o dismission_n of_o assembly_n the_o confirmation_n of_o canon_n so_o as_o to_o enforce_v they_o as_o law_n in_o the_o general_n or_o provincial_a council_n be_v all_o perform_v by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n st._n paul_n himself_o appeal_v to_o caesar_n when_o arraign_v and_o call_v in_o question_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o athanasius_n appeal_v from_o the_o synod_n at_o tyre_n to_o constantine_n to_o who_o be_v two_o appeal_n make_v in_o the_o case_n of_o cassianus_n and_o donatus_n beside_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o churchman_n and_o minister_n
thereof_o hence_o it_o appear_v a_o mere_a quibble_n to_o cavil_v upon_o the_o particle_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v which_o some_o think_v have_v be_v better_o express_v by_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n since_o by_o what_o be_v say_v the_o particle_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v reduplicative_a but_o specificative_a relate_v to_o the_o species_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o government_n and_o it_o be_v a_o cavil_n no_o less_o fâ—ivoious_a which_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o particle_n in_o â—he_v government_n which_o they_o say_v have_v be_v be_v better_o express_v of_o the_o government_n since_o that_o particle_n in_o must_v neither_o relate_v to_o the_o substance_n species_n and_o fundamental_o of_o these_o government_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n or_o change_n whereof_o be_v entire_o unlawful_a by_o this_o oath_n or_o it_o must_v be_v interpret_v by_o the_o parricle_n of_o by_o which_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o any_o subject_n endeavour_v the_o change_n or_o subversion_n of_o the_o settle_a monarchy_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v swear_v and_o assert_v the_o last_o clause_n in_o the_o testâ—â—eâ—â—ing_n â—â—eâ—â—ing_z it_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n without_o any_o equivocation_n or_o man_n ☜_o tall_a reservation_n &c_n &c_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o sense_n and_o interpret_n the_o same_o by_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o speech_n as_o well_o as_o of_o justice_n and_o equity_n this_o interpretation_n import_v no_o more_o than_o single_o to_o make_v clear_a and_o plain_a any_o word_n or_o sentence_n therein_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o any_o to_o be_v dark_a or_o dubious_a which_o serve_v only_o to_o disco_fw-la ver_fw-la the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o ☜_o oath_n and_o the_o true_a design_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o imposer_n thereof_o which_o be_v all_o that_o by_o this_o essay_n be_v undertake_v and_o endeavour_v and_o if_o a_o man_n may_v swear_v to_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o apostolic_a creed_n or_o the_o several_a petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o ten_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n without_o any_o equivocation_n mental_a reservation_n or_o evasion_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o he_o can_v do_v without_o a_o interpretation_n put_v upon_o some_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n viz._n of_o the_o descent_n into_o hell_n and_o upon_o some_o petition_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n and_o on_o some_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n as_o the_o five_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o four_o commandment_n then_o may_v we_o also_o swear_v this_o oath_n thâ—_n some_o word_n or_o phrase_n in_o it_o need_v a_o sense_n or_o illustration_n ☜_o to_o be_v put_v on_o they_o must_v a_o christian_n abstain_v therefore_o from_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n no._n neither_o for_o this_o need_n we_o to_o admit_v any_o ambiguity_n or_o equivocation_n the_o word_n certain_o have_v but_o one_o true_a sense_n and_o signification_n but_o divers_a person_n understand_v they_o according_a to_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o their_o light_n these_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o popular_a scruple_n of_o great_a seem_a force_n which_o be_v common_o offer_v against_o this_o oath_n and_o test_n and_o upon_o the_o issue_n they_o appear_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o some_o word_n and_o clause_n therein_o and_o misconstruct_v of_o the_o design_n authority_n have_v in_o frame_v and_o impose_v the_o same_o and_o now_o we_o have_v be_v in_o duty_n so_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a towards_o the_o loyaland_n regular_n protestant_a subject_n this_o vindication_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n neither_o of_o papist_n nor_o fanatic_o as_o to_o endeavour_v by_o this_o short_a essay_n to_o clear_v these_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o their_o mind_n upon_o the_o oath_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v perceive_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o swear_v by_o it_o to_o maintain_v or_o believe_v every_o article_n assertion_n or_o clause_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n ☜_o therein_o mention_v but_o only_o the_o true_a christian_a protestant_n religion_n as_o it_o be_v reform_v from_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o other_o heresy_n and_o that_o by_o it_o no_o power_n be_v assert_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o prince_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o or_o destructive_a of_o the_o specifik_n establish_v government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o intrinsik_n or_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n thereof_o it_o may_v be_v fair_o hope_v that_o all_o good_a &_o peaceable_a subject_n with_o their_o minister_n &_o other_o will_v meek_o receive_v the_o satisfaction_n here_o offer_v unto_o they_o and_o compose_v their_o mind_n to_o a_o cheerful_a acquiescence_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o governor_n who_o have_v judge_v this_o oath_n so_o necessary_a for_o defeat_v the_o pretend_a obligation_n of_o many_o former_a unlawful_a and_o treasonable_a oath_n and_o the_o best_a mean_a and_o expedient_a for_o secure_v the_o church_n and_o protestant_n religion_n together_o with_o the_o monarchy_n from_o all_o danger_n of_o subversion_n from_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o fanatic_o on_o the_o other_o it_o can_v but_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o fatal_a thing_n if_o any_o conformist_a minister_n or_o true_o loyal_a protestant_n for_o who_o interest_n peace_n and_o security_n this_o oath_n be_v chief_o form_v and_o enjoin_v shall_v not_o only_o after_o what_o be_v say_v continue_v to_o entertain_v peevish_a scruple_n themselves_o but_o undutiful_o to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o populacie_n with_o prejudices_fw-la as_o unjust_a as_o uncharitable_a against_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o most_o peaceable_a religion_n and_o therein_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o these_o incendiary_n who_o fatal_o fire_v the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o late_a age_n by_o instil_a prejudices_fw-la into_o the_o unwary_a mobile_n from_o the_o pulpit_n or_o other_o way_n brand_a the_o action_n of_o the_o k._n and_o par._n as_o impose_v thing_n sinful_a and_o unlawful_a this_o sure_a will_v prove_v the_o great_a advantage_n the_o promoter_n of_o the_o romish_a interest_n will_v propose_v to_o themselves_o against_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o schism_n and_o breach_n among_o we_o and_o concussion_n in_o the_o ancient_a government_n of_o our_o church_n do_v visible_o hazard_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o thing_n still_o go_v on_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o explanation_n that_o some_o in_o our_o late_a distraction_n and_o rebellion_n make_v of_o that_o passage_n st._n john_n 11._o v_o 45._o venient_fw-la romani_fw-la &_o capient_fw-la gentem_fw-la nostram_fw-la will_v prove_v too_o true_a a_o prophecy_n and_o popery_n will_v overturn_v all_o at_o last_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n indeed_o to_o see_v how_o the_o fanatical_a adversary_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n have_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n be_v so_o strange_o multiply_v in_o their_o number_n and_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o so_o many_o special_a opinion_n and_o principle_n crumble_v into_o faction_n and_o fraction_n bite_v and_o ready_a to_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o if_o loyal_a protestant_n also_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o by_o the_o ear_n among_o themselves_o upon_o most_o unseasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a scruple_n may_v it_o not_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o vigilant_a adversary_n who_o be_v intent_n upon_o all_o manner_n of_o advantage_n will_n when_o he_o spy_v his_o time_n overmaster_v all_o with_o the_o more_o ease_n and_o less_o resistance_n it_o can_v in_o charity_n be_v doubt_v but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n loyalty_n to_o the_o best_a of_o monarch_n pious_a care_n for_o preserve_v and_o secure_v our_o excellent_a religion_n from_o popery_n disloyalty_n and_o enthusiasm_n with_o the_o zeal_n of_o loyal_a and_o regular_a minister_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o education_n of_o christian_a school_n under_o their_o spiritual_a conduct_n and_o the_o dutiful_a regard_n and_o deference_n man_n owe_v to_o their_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a governor_n will_v prevail_v with_o humble_a meek_a and_o teachable_a mind_n by_o interpret_n all_o the_o action_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o favourable_a sense_n to_o resolve_v and_o overcome_v all_o scruple_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o frank_o and_o ready_o to_o embrace_v what_o the_o most_o transcendent_a authority_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v from_o sincere_a and_o pious_a intention_n enjoin_v and_o impose_v for_o so_o pious_a and_o excellent_a end_n if_o this_o small_a apology_n be_v read_v without_o gall_n or_o prejudice_n the_o reader_n will_v not_o catch_v at_o particle_n or_o syllable_n but_o
study_v the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n will_v receive_v without_o peevishness_n prejudice_n or_o partiality_n the_o satisfaction_n which_o herein_o be_v with_o so_o much_o affection_n and_o charity_n endeavour_v and_o tender_v than_o the_o pain_n herein_o take_v shall_v be_v think_v well_o place_v and_o employ_v edinburgh_n sederunt_fw-la tertio_fw-la die_fw-la novembris_fw-la 1681._o his_o royal_a highness_n etc._n etc._n athol_n praeses_fw-la montrose_n argyle_n winton_n linlithgow_n perth_n strathmore_n roxburgh_n ancram_fw-la airley_n balcarre_n lorn_n levingston_n bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n elphinston_n rosse_n dalziel_n precedent_n of_o session_n treasurer_n deputy_n register_n advocate_n justice_n clerk_n collintoun_n lundie_n this_o day_n the_o earl_n of_o argyll_n have_v first_o open_o declare_v his_o sense_n as_o you_o have_v it_o hereafter_o set_v down_o in_o his_o explication_n take_v the_o test_n as_o a_o privy_a councillor_n and_o after_o he_o be_v call_v to_o and_o have_v take_v his_o place_n the_o council_n explication_n which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v have_v be_v former_o read_v and_o debate_v be_v put_v to_o the_o vote_n and_o pass_v the_o earl_n not_o vote_v thereto_o as_o have_v be_v remark_v edinburgh_n the_o 3d_o day_n of_o november_n 1681._o the_o privy_a council_n explanation_n of_o the_o test._n forasmuch_o as_o some_o have_v entertain_v jealousy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o oath_n and_o test_n appoint_v to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o person_n in_o public_a trust._n civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o military_a in_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o six_o act_n of_o his_o maje_n 〈…〉_z ies_n three_o parliament_n as_o if_o thereby_o they_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o every_o proposition_n or_o clause_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n therein_o mention_v or_o that_o invasion_n be_v make_v by_o it_o upon_o the_o intrinsik_n spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o church_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o as_o if_o the_o present_a episcopal_a government_n of_o this_o national_a church_n by_o law_n establish_v be_v thereby_o expose_v to_o the_o hazard_n of_o alteration_n or_o subversion_n all_o which_o be_v far_o from_o the_o intention_n or_o design_n of_o the_o parliament_n impose_v this_o oath_n and_o from_o the_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o therefore_o his_o royal_a highness_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o lord_n of_o privy-council_n do_v allow_v authorise_v and_o empower_v the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o administer_v this_o oath_n and_o test_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o respective_a diocese_n in_o this_o express_a sense_n 1._o that_o though_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1567._o be_v frame_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o reformation_n and_o deserve_v its_o due_a praise_n yet_o by_o the_o test_n we_o do_v not_o swear_v to_o every_o proposition_n or_o clause_n therein_o contain_v but_o only_o to_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o that_o confession_n as_o it_o as_o oppose_v to_o popery_n and_o fanaticism_n 2._o that_o by_o the_o test_n or_o any_o clause_n therein_o contain_v no_o invasion_n or_o encroatchment_n be_v make_v or_o intend_v upon_o the_o intrinsik_n spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o church_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o first_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n and_o which_o be_v still_o reserve_v entire_o to_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o the_o oath_n and_o test_n be_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o episcopal_a government_n of_o this_o national_a church_n which_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o second_o session_n of_o his_o majesty_n first_o parliament_n to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o monarchy_n and_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n his_o majesty_n have_v declare_v he_o will_v inviolable_o and_o unalterable_o preserve_v and_o appoint_v the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o require_v the_o minister_n in_o their_o respective_a diocese_n with_o their_o first_o conveniency_n to_o obey_v the_o law_n in_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o foresay_a oath_n and_o test_n with_o certification_n that_o the_o refuser_n shall_v be_v esteem_v person_n disaffect_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o to_o his_o majesty_n government_n and_o that_o the_o punishment_n appoint_v by_o the_o foresay_a six_o act_n of_o his_o majesty_n three_o parliament_n shall_v be_v impartial_o and_o without_o delay_n inflict_v upon_o they_o by_o i_o pet._n menzeis_n sederunt_fw-la quarto_fw-la die_fw-la novembris_fw-la 1681._o his_o royal_a highness_n etc._n etc._n montrose_n praeses_fw-la perth_n ancram_fw-la levingston_n precedent_n of_o session_n advocate_n winton_n strathmore_n airley_n bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n treasurer_n deputy_n lundie_n linlithgow_n roxburgh_n balcaras_n elphynstoun_n register_n this_o day_n the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n be_v about_o to_o take_v the_o test_n as_o a_o commissioner_n of_o the_o treasury_n and_o have_v uponcommand_n produce_v a_o paper_n bear_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o he_o take_v the_o test_n the_o precede_a day_n and_o in_o which_o he_o will_v take_v the_o same_o as_o a_o commissioner_n of_o the_o treasury_n upon_o consideration_n thereof_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o he_o can_v sit_v in_o council_n not_o have_v take_v the_o test_n in_o thesense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o be_v remove_v the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n explication_n of_o the_o test_n when_o he_o take_v it_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o test_n and_o i_o be_o very_o desirous_a to_o give_v obedience_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v i_o be_o confident_a the_o parliament_n never_o intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n therefore_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v explain_v it_o but_o for_o himself_o according_o i_o take_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o i_o do_v declare_v that_o i_o mean_v not_o to_o bind_v up_o myself_o in_o my_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n to_o wish_v and_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n i_o think_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o my_o loyalty_n and_o this_o i_o understand_v as_o a_o part_n of_o my_o oath_n but_o the_o earl_n find_v as_o have_v be_v narrate_v this_o his_o explication_n though_o accept_v and_o approven_v by_o his_o highness_n and_o council_n the_o day_n before_o to_o be_v this_o day_n carp_v and_o offend_v at_o and_o advantage_n thereupon_o seek_v and_o design_v against_o he_o do_v immediate_o draw_v up_o the_o follow_a explanation_n of_o his_o explication_n and_o for_o his_o own_o vindication_n do_v first_o communicate_v it_o to_o some_o privatlie_o and_o thereafter_o intend_v to_o have_v offer_v it_o at_o his_o trial_n for_o clear_v of_o his_o defence_n the_o explanation_n of_o his_o explication_n i_o have_v delay_v hitherto_o to_o take_v the_o oath_n appoint_v by_o the_o pa_n 〈…〉_z ent_v to_o be_v take_v betwixt_o and_o the_o first_o of_o january_n nixt_v but_o now_o be_v require_v 〈◊〉_d two_o month_n soon_o to_o take_v it_o this_o day_n peremptourly_a or_o to_o refuse_v i_o have_v consider_v the_o test_n and_o have_v see_v several_a objection_n move_v against_o it_o especial_o by_o many_o of_o the_o orthodox_n clergy_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o a_o just_a explanation_n which_o i_o here_o offer_v that_o i_o may_v both_o satisfy_v my_o conscience_n and_o obey_v your_o highness_n and_o your_o lordship_n command_n in_o take_v the_o test_n though_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n do_v not_o simple_o command_v the_o thing_n but_o only_o under_o a_o certification_n which_o i_o can_v easy_o submit_v to_o if_o it_o be_v with_o your_o highness_n favour_n and_o may_v be_v without_o offence_n but_o i_o love_v not_o to_o be_v singular_a and_o i_o be_o very_o desirous_a to_o give_v obedience_n in_o this_o and_o everything_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v and_o that_o which_o clear_v i_o be_v that_o i_o be_o confident_a whatever_o any_o man_n may_v think_v or_o say_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o this_o oath_n the_o parliament_n never_o intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n and_o because_o their_o sense_n they_o be_v the_o framer_n and_o imposer_n be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o that_o this_o test_n enjoin_v be_v of_o no_o private_a interpretation_n nor_o be_v the_o king_n statute_n to_o be_v interpret_v but_o as_o they_o â—ear_v and_o to_o the_o intent_n they_o be_v make_v therefore_o i_o 〈…〉_z nk_v no_o man_n that_o be_v no_o private_a person_n can_v explain_v it_o for_o another_o to_o amuse_v or_o trouble_v â—im_a with_o it_o may_v be_v mistake_v gloss_n but_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o take_v it_o so_o be_v to_o ex_fw-la 〈…〉_z ain_n it_o for_o himself_o and_o to_o endeavour_v
ambiguous_a and_o needs_o to_o be_v explain_v and_o the_o earl_n may_v confident_o aver_v that_o of_o all_o the_o explanation_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v even_o the_o council_n not_o except_v his_o be_v the_o mostsafe_v sound_n and_o least_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o parliament_n true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o other_o escape_n he_o alone_o must_v be_v seize_v and_o for_o a_o thing_n so_o open_o innocent_a clear_o justifiable_a and_o undeniable_o allow_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a of_o crime_n even_o leasing-making_a leasing-telling_a deprave_v of_o law_n and_o treason_n but_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n almighty_a see_v and_o to_o he_o the_o judgement_n yet_o belong_v and_o thus_o i_o leave_v this_o dscourse_n shut_v it_o up_o with_o the_o case_n of_o archbishop_n cranmer_n plain_o parallel_v to_o the_o earl_n to_o show_v how_o much_o he_o be_v more_o favourable_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o king_n and_o government_n in_o those_o day_n than_o the_o earl_n now_o be_v though_o he_o live_v under_o a_o much_o more_o merciful_a and_o just_a prince_n than_o that_o worthy_a prelate_n do_v for_o cranmer_n be_v call_v and_o promote_v by_o henry_n viii_o of_o england_n to_o be_v archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o find_v a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o which_o in_o his_o apprehension_n will_v bind_v he_o up_o from_o what_o he_o account_v his_o duty_n he_o altogether_o decline_v the_o dignity_n and_o preferment_n unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n with_o such_o a_o explanation_n as_o he_o himself_o propose_v for_o salve_v of_o his_o conscience_n and_o though_o this_o oath_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o statut_fw-la and_o solemn_a oath_n that_o all_o his_o predecessor_n in_o that_o see_v and_o all_o the_o miter_v clergy_n in_o england_n have_v swear_v yet_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o take_v it_o as_o you_o see_v in_o fuller_n church_n hist_o of_o britain_n lib_n 5_o p._n 185_o and_o 186_o with_o this_o formal_a protestation_n in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la amen_o coramvobis_fw-la etc._n etc._n non_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la erit_fw-la meae_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la aut_fw-la intentionis_fw-la per_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la juramentum_fw-la veljuramenta_fw-la qualitereunque_fw-la verba_fw-la in_o ipsis_fw-la posita_fw-la sonare_fw-la videbuntur_fw-la i_o obligare_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquid_fw-la ratione_fw-la â—orundum_fw-la post_fw-la hac_fw-la dicendum_fw-la faciendum_fw-la aut_fw-la attentandum_fw-la quod_fw-la erit_fw-la aut_fw-la esse_fw-la videbitur_fw-la contra_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la vel_fw-la contra_fw-la illustrissimum_fw-la regem_fw-la nostrum_fw-la angliae_fw-la legesve_fw-la aut_fw-la praerogativas_fw-la esusdem_fw-la et_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la intendo_fw-la per_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la juramentum_fw-la veljuramentâ—_n quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la i_o obligare_fw-la quo_fw-la minus_fw-la libere_fw-la loqui_fw-la consulere_fw-la aut_fw-la consentire_fw-la valeam_fw-la in_fw-la omnibus_fw-la &_o singulâ—s_fw-la reformationem_fw-la religionis_fw-la christianae_n gubernationem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la anglicanae_n &_o praerogativam_fw-la coronae_fw-la ejusdâ—m_fw-la reipublicae_fw-la vel_fw-la commoditatem_fw-la earundem_fw-la quoquo_fw-la modo_fw-la concernentibus_fw-la &_o eâ—_n ubique_fw-la exequi_fw-la &_o reformare_fw-la quae_fw-la mihi_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la anglicana_n reformanda_fw-la videbuntur_fw-la et_fw-la secundum_fw-la hanc_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la &_o intellectum_fw-la hunc_fw-la &_o non_fw-la aliter_fw-la neque_fw-la alio_fw-la modo_fw-la dictum_fw-la juramentum_fw-la i_o praestiturum_fw-la protestor_fw-la &_o profiteor_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n amen_n before_o you_o etc._n etc._n it_o neither_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v my_o will_n or_o meaning_n by_o this_o kind_n of_o oath_n or_o oath_n and_o however_o the_o word_n of_o themselves_o shall_v seem_v to_o sound_v or_o signify_v to_o bind_v up_o myself_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o to_o say_v do_v or_o endeavour_v any_o thing_n which_o shall_v real_o be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o against_o our_o most_o illustrious_a king_n of_o england_n or_o against_o his_o law_n and_o prerogative_n and_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o by_o this_o my_o oath_n or_o oath_n any_o way_n to_o bind_v up_o myself_o from_o speak_v consult_v and_o consent_v free_o in_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n in_o any_o sort_n concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n thereof_o or_o their_o advantage_n and_o from_o execute_v and_o reform_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o shall_v think_v need_n to_o be_v reform_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o according_a to_o this_o explanaton_n and_o sense_n and_o not_o otherwise_o nor_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n do_v i_o protest_v and_o profess_v that_o i_o be_o to_o take_v and_o perform_v this_o oath_n nor_o do_v that_o excellent_a person_n say_v mr_n fuller_n smother_v this_o private_o in_o a_o corner_n but_o public_o interpose_v it_o three_o several_a time_n once_o in_o the_o charterhouse_n before_o authentik_a witness_n again_o upon_o his_o bend_a knee_n before_o the_o high_a altar_n in_o view_n and_o hear_n of_o many_o people_n and_o bishop_n behold_v he_o when_o he_o be_v consecrate_v and_o the_o three_o time_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o pall_n in_o the_o same_o place_n now_o will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o the_o like_a liberty_n shall_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o â—arl_n under_o his_o majesty_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o test_n which_o henry_n the_o viii_o a_o prince_n that_o stand_v as_o much_o on_o his_o prerogative_n as_o ever_o any_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o this_o thomas_n cranmer_n who_o as_o another_o historian_n observe_v act_v fair_o and_o aboveboard_n but_o there_o want_v then_o the_o high_a and_o excellent_a design_n of_o the_o great_a minister_n the_o rare_a fidelity_n of_o councillor_n sound_a religion_n and_o tender_a piety_n of_o bishop_n solid_a law_n and_o learning_n of_o advocate_n incorruptible_a integrity_n of_o judge_n and_o upright_a honesty_n of_o assizer_n that_o now_o we_o have_v to_o get_v archbishop_n cranmer_n accuse_v and_o condemn_v for_o leasing-making_a deprave_a law_n perjury_n and_o treason_n to_o which_o accusation_n his_o explanation_n be_v certain_o no_o less_o obnoxious_a than_o the_o earl_n but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o head_n of_o the_o earl_n additional_a defence_n viz_o the_o remove_n certain_a groundless_a pretence_n allege_v by_o the_o advocate_n for_o aggravate_v the_o earl_n offence_n asi_n that_o the_o earl_n be_v a_o peer_n and_o member_n of_o parliament_n shall_v have_v know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o that_o neither_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o clergy_n nor_o the_o council_n proclamation_n design_v for_o mere_a ignorant_n can_v any_o way_n excuse_v the_o earl_n for_o offer_v such_o a_o explanation_n but_o first_o the_o advocate_n may_v have_v remember_v that_o in_o another_o passage_n he_o tax_v the_o earl_n as_o have_v debate_v in_o parliament_n against_o the_o test_n whereby_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o gather_v that_o the_o earl_n have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o test_n a_o dissenter_n this_o quality_n do_v rather_o justify_v than_o aggravat_fw-la the_o earl_n scruple_v 2_o if_o the_o proclamation_n be_v design_v for_o the_o mere_a ignorant_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o advocate_n call_v they_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o have_v pass_v in_o parliament_n a_o explanation_n be_v far_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o earl_n who_o know_v so_o little_a of_o what_o the_o advocate_n allege_v to_o have_v pass_v in_o parliament_n viz._n that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o test_n that_o of_o necessity_n as_o i_o think_v he_o must_v know_v the_o contrary_a in_o as_o much_o as_o first_o this_o be_v obvious_a from_o the_o express_a tenor_n of_o the_o test_n which_o bind_v to_o own_o and_o profess_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o also_o to_o adhere_v thereto_o and_o never_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o change_n contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o say_a protestant_n religion_n &_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o to_o common_a sense_n appear_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a as_o can_v be_v contrive_v or_o desire_v but_o 2_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v express_o endeavour_v and_o carry_v in_o parliament_n that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o test_n and_o oath_n for_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v design_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o by_o a_o act_n for_o secure_v the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v prepare_v in_o the_o article_n but_o afterward_o throw_v out_o when_o this_o act_n for_o the_o test_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o the_o parliament_n some_o day_n after_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o other_o the_o
confession_n be_v design_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v again_o debate_v that_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n without_o condescend_v on_o a_o standard_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o new_a add_v and_o after_o the_o affirmative_a clause_n for_o own_v it_o and_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v insert_v upon_o a_o new_a motion_n the_o negative_a never_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o alteration_n contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o say_a protestant_n religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v also_o subjoin_v but_o not_o without_o a_o new_a debate_n and_o opposition_n make_v against_o the_o word_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n until_o at_o length_n he_o also_o yield_v all_o which_o it_o be_v hope_v be_v do_v for_o some_o purpose_n and_o if_o at_o that_o time_n any_o have_v doubt_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v certain_o be_v judge_v most_o ridiculous_a for_o it_o be_v by_o that_o addition_n conclude_v by_o all_o that_o the_o confession_n be_v to_o be_v swear_v and_o further_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n his_o vindication_n that_o when_o he_o write_v it_o he_o believe_v the_o confession_n be_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o for_o he_o take_v pain_n to_o justify_v it_o though_o calumnious_o enough_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v hasty_o compile_v in_o the_o short_a space_n of_o four_o day_n by_o some_o baron_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o reformation_n where_o by_o the_o by_o you_o see_v that_o he_o make_v no_o reckon_n of_o what_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o which_o the_o test_n refer_v express_o bear_v viz._n that_o that_o second_o ratification_n 1567._o which_o we_o only_o have_v record_v be_v no_o less_o than_o seven_o year_n after_o this_o confession_n be_v first_o exhibit_v and_o approven_v anno_fw-la 1560._o but_o moreover_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n who_o refuse_v the_o covenant_n be_v yet_o willing_a not_o only_o to_o subscribe_v but_o to_o swear_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o again_o to_o answer_v the_o bishop_n critik_a of_o four_o day_n be_v more_o than_o 70._o year_n after_o it_o be_v universal_o receive_v it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o the_o bishop_n find_v himself_o straighten_a how_o to_o answer_v objection_n he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o new_a gloss_n i_o shall_v not_o call_v it_o of_o orelans_n whereby_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v make_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o only_a as_o far_o as_o every_o man_n please_v to_o interpret_v &_o as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o any_o new_a principle_n of_o state_n but_o the_o parliament_n certain_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v ironical_o do_v intend_v by_o this_o test_n to_o swear_v &_o assert_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n whatever_o may_v be_v now_o pretend_v the_o earl_n can_v not_o also_o but_o very_o well_o remember_v what_o his_o highness_n have_v say_v to_o himself_o about_o the_o insert_v of_o the_o confession_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o advocate_n if_o ingenuous_a know_v all_o this_o for_o the_o thing_n be_v at_o that_o time_n mater_fw-la of_o common_a talk_n and_o indeed_o till_o paper_n object_v contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n betwixt_o the_o confession_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o test_n begin_v to_o be_v so_o numerous_a which_o be_v about_o the_o end_n of_o october_n that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n leave_v to_o answer_v they_o but_o by_o allege_v that_o in_o the_o test_n man_n do_v not_o swear_v to_o every_o article_n and_o proposition_n of_o the_o confession_n but_o only_o to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n therein_o contain_v this_o point_n be_v never_o doubt_v and_o whether_o this_o answer_n be_v true_a and_o a_o solid_a vindication_n consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o test_n or_o a_o circulate_v evasion_n enervate_v all_o its_o force_n let_v other_o judge_n but_o the_o advocate_n say_v when_o it_o be_v move_v in_o parliament_n to_o read_v the_o confession_n it_o be_v wave_v most_o true_a &_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o bishop_n for_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v notour_n they_o know_v it_o and_o it_o be_v already_o insert_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o read_n of_o it_o will_v have_v spend_v more_o time_n than_o be_v allow_v on_o examine_v the_o whole_a test._n it_o be_v likewise_o late_o after_o a_o long_a sederunt_fw-la and_o it_o be_v resolve_v to_o have_v the_o act_n pass_v that_o night_n &_o so_o it_o go_v on_o but_o it_o be_v likewise_o move_v to_o read_v the_o covenant_n see_v it_o be_v to_o be_v disclaim_v and_o this_o be_v flat_o refuse_v and_o will_v the_o advocate_n thence_o infer_v that_o by_o the_o test_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o abjure_v albeit_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o many_o in_o the_o parliament_n at_o that_o time_n have_v never_o read_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o to_o follow_v the_o advocat_n excursion_n and_o answer_v they_o more_o particular_o the_o motion_n for_o read_v the_o confession_n be_v make_v on_o this_o very_a occasion_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o test_n and_o swear_v to_o conclude_v enough_o against_o he_o for_o no_o body_n can_v be_v so_o effront_v as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v use_v in_o parliament_n as_o a_o argument_n not_o to_o read_v it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o but_o though_o it_o cost_v a_o debate_n it_o be_v plain_o agree_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o and_o therefore_o insert_v 2_o can_v any_o man_n doubt_v the_o confession_n be_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o when_o it_o be_v notour_n that_o severall_n who_o be_v member_n of_o parliament_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o office_n they_o enjoy_v be_v call_v to_o swear_v the_o test_n pretend_v with_o reason_n tenderness_n of_o a_o oath_n do_v before_o swear_v make_v a_o fashion_n at_o least_o of_o read_v and_o study_v the_o confession_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o how_o far_o they_o may_v swear_v it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o hundred_o i_o can_v attest_v themselves_o last_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o in_o the_o end_n of_o october_n the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n do_v quarrel_v saint_n r_o george_n lockhart_n for_o cause_v the_o confession_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o test_n &_o he_o answer_v that_o without_o it_o a_o turk_n may_v sign_v the_o test_n it_o be_v not_o then_o pretend_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o the_o confession_n be_v not_o to_o be_v swear_v to_o and_o therefore_o he_o at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o reply_n but_o this_o be_v a_o debate_n i_o confess_v not_o altogether_o necessary_a for_o my_o present_a task_n only_o thereby_o you_o may_v see_v ground_n enough_o for_o the_o earl_n to_o believe_v the_o confession_n be_v swear_v to_o and_o all_o that_o do_v swear_v before_o the_o council_n explanation_n have_v swear_v in_o that_o sense_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v all_o except_o the_o clergy_n be_v by_o the_o council_n act_n still_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a the_o earl_n may_v be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o see_v that_o many_o of_o the_o contradiction_n be_v allege_v to_o arise_v hence_o and_o the_o earl_n be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v yet_o less_o strange_a that_o the_o earl_n do_v scruple_n nor_o be_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o his_o modest_a explanation_n shall_v have_v a_o most_o benign_a acceptance_n the_o second_o pretence_n of_o aggravation_n be_v that_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o only_o bestow_v on_o the_o earl_n his_o land_n and_o jurisdiction_n fall_v into_o his_o majesty_n hand_n by_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o father_n but_o also_o pardon_v he_o the_o crime_n of_o leasing-making_a and_o misconstrue_v whereof_o he_o be_v find_v guilty_a by_o the_o parliament_n 1662._o and_o raise_v he_o to_o the_o title_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o earl_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n judicatory_n all_o which_o the_o earl_n as_o he_o have_v ever_o do_v still_o most_o thankful_o acknowledge_v but_o see_v the_o advocate_n have_v no_o warrant_n to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o majesty_n favour_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v now_o remember_v with_o a_o manifest_a design_n to_o raise_v dust_n and_o blind_a stranger_n and_o to_o add_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n ingratitude_n to_o the_o heap_n of_o groundless_a calumny_n cast_v upon_o he_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o answer_n a_o little_a more_o particular_o and_o refute_v this_o new_a tout_o as_o the_o scot_n proverb_n be_v in_o a_o old_a horn_n this_o old_a leasing-making_a be_v then_o now_o bring_v in_o serious_o after_o it_o have_v be_v treat_v in_o ridicule_n for_o 18_o year_n by_o the_o very_a actor_n who_o do_v never_o pretend_v
the_o case_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n or_o a_o exact_a and_o full_a account_n of_o his_o trial_n escape_v and_o sentence_n wherein_o be_v insert_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n injoin_v the_o test_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o old_a act_n of_o the_o king_n oath_n to_o be_v give_v at_o his_o coronation_n with_o several_a other_o old_a act_n make_v for_o establish_v the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o also_o several_a explication_n make_v of_o the_o test_n by_o the_o conform_a clergy_n with_o the_o secret_a council_n explanation_n thereof_o together_o with_o several_a paper_n of_o objection_n against_o the_o test_n all_o frame_v and_o emit_v by_o conformist_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n vindication_n of_o the_o test_n in_o answer_n thereto_o as_o likewise_o a_o relation_n of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o better_a clear_n of_o the_o say_a case_n whereunto_o be_v add_v a_o appendix_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o late_a pamphlet_n call_v a_o vindication_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v government_n and_o judicatories_n in_o scotland_n especial_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n process_n in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o earl_n trial_n print_v in_o the_o year_n m._n d._n c._n lxxxiii_o the_o publisher_n to_o the_o reader_n have_v receive_v the_o ensue_a narrative_n of_o the_o case_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n under_o the_o caution_n you_o may_v find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o not_o to_o hasten_v the_o publication_n but_o rather_o to_o wait_v for_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n it_o be_v like_a i_o have_v continue_v to_o comply_v as_o i_o have_v do_v hitherto_o with_o the_o earl_n inclination_n if_o not_o excite_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o a_o paper_n call_v a_o vindication_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v government_n and_o judicatories_n in_o scotland_n especial_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o late_a earl_n of_o argyle_n process_n print_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o reprint_v at_o london_n with_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o public_a allowance_n for_o albeit_o all_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n not_o only_o in_o scotland_n but_o also_o in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v hear_v this_o affair_n do_v at_o this_o day_n sufficient_o understand_v its_o rise_n procedure_v issue_n and_o tendency_n with_o all_o the_o just_a consideration_n that_o either_o oppress_a innocence_n abuse_a justice_n or_o impotent_a and_o ill_o contrive_v malice_n do_v deserve_v yet_o see_v these_o concern_v have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o subject_v their_o res_fw-la judicata_fw-la to_o a_o unexpected_a review_n and_o withal_o the_o equity_n to_o leave_v their_o advantage_n and_o sist_z themselves_o on_o even_a ground_n with_o a_o open_a defiance_n to_o all_o contradictor_n and_o fair_a submission_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n i_o think_v i_o can_v not_o be_v want_v to_o such_o a_o happy_a opportunity_n without_o disappoint_v so_o generous_a a_o offer_n desert_v my_o good_a friend_n the_o author_n of_o the_o mist_n and_o fail_v of_o the_o second_o and_o principal_a part_n of_o my_o trust_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v without_o further_a delay_n to_o give_v the_o follow_a sheet_n their_o long_a desire_a licence_n purpose_v to_o subjoin_v as_o a_o appendix_n any_o further_a animadversion_n that_o the_o abovementioned_a pamphlet_n may_v seem_v to_o deserve_v errata_fw-la pag._n 2._o l._n 48._o act_n r._n oath_n p._n 6._o l._n 39_o tursday_n r._n thursday_n p._n 8._o i._o 9_o pease_v r._n please_v l._n 20._o and_o r._n but._n p._n 40._o l._n 24._o prositive_a r._n positive_a p._n 41._o l._n 38._o 1667._o r._n 1567._o p._n 44._o l._n 61._o ther_n r_o the._n p._n 64._o l._n 6._o king_n r._n kingdom_n p._n 66._o l._n 48_o the_o earl_n hand_n r._n the_o earl_n of_o glencairn_n first_o chancellor_n after_o his_o majesty_n return_n his_o hand_n p._n 76._o l._n 2._o be_v not_o r._n as_o not_o p._n 82._o l._n 34._o yet_o r._n et_fw-la p._n 86._o l._n 3._o governor_n r._n deputy_n governor_n p._n 94._o l._n 3._o i_o have_v consider_v r._n i_o have_v not_o consider_v edinburgh_n 30._o may_v 1682._o sir_n the_o case_n of_o the_o late_a earl_n of_o argyl_n which_o even_o before_o the_o process_n lead_v against_o he_o you_o be_v earnest_a to_o know_v be_v at_o first_o i_o think_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o need_v not_o and_o grow_v afterward_o so_o exceed_o mysterious_a that_o i_o can_v not_o for_o some_o time_n give_v you_o so_o perfect_a one_fw-mi account_n of_o it_o as_o i_o wish_v but_o this_o time_n be_v still_o no_o less_o proper_a the_o exactness_n of_o mynarrative_a will_n i_o hope_v excuse_v all_o delay_n the_o design_n against_o he_o be_v now_o so_o clear_a and_o the_o ground_n found_v on_o so_o slender_a that_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unbiased_a person_n of_o his_o integrity_n there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o bare_o to_o represent_v matter_n of_o fact_n i_o shall_v think_v shame_n to_o spend_v so_o many_o word_n either_o on_o argument_n or_o relation_n be_v it_o not_o lest_o to_o stranger_n some_o mystery_n may_v still_o be_v suspect_v to_o remain_v conceal_v and_o therefore_o to_o make_v plain_a what_o they_o can_v hardly_o believe_v though_o we_o clear_o see_v it_o at_o his_o royal_a highness_n arrival_n in_o scotland_n the_o earl_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o until_o the_o meeting_n of_o our_o last_o parliament_n the_o world_n believe_v the_o earl_n be_v as_o much_o in_o his_o highness_n favour_n as_o any_o entrust_v in_o his_o majesty_n be_v affair_n in_o this_o kingdom_n when_o it_o be_v resolve_v and_o his_o majesty_n move_v to_o call_v the_o parliament_n the_o earl_n be_v in_o the_o country_n and_o at_o the_o open_n of_o it_o he_o appear_v as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o his_o majesty_n be_v and_o his_o highness_n service_n but_o it_o have_v not_o fat_a many_o day_n when_o a_o change_n be_v notice_v in_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o earl_n observe_v to_o decline_v in_o his_o highness_n favour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o earl_n be_v appoint_v one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o parliament_n and_o name_v by_o his_o highness_n to_o be_v one_o of_o a_o committee_n of_o the_o article_n for_o religion_n which_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o scot_n parliament_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v instruction_n to_o his_o commissioner_n at_o this_o time_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o committee_n there_o be_v one_fw-mi act_n prepare_v for_o secure_v the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o act_n do_v ratify_v the_o act_n approve_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o also_o the_o act_n contain_v the_o coronation_n oath_n appoint_v by_o several_a stand_a act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o our_o king_n &_o regent_n before_o their_o entry_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o government_n this_o act_n be_v draw_v somewhat_o less_o bind_v upon_o the_o successor_n as_o to_o his_o own_o profession_n but_o full_a as_o strict_o tie_v he_o to_o maintain_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o and_o to_o put_v the_o law_n concern_v it_o in_o execution_n and_o also_o appoint_v a_o further_a test_n beside_o the_o former_a to_o exclude_v papist_n from_o place_n of_o public_a trust_n and_o because_o the_o fine_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v act_v without_o take_v the_o test_n appear_v no_o better_a than_o discharge_v if_o fall_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o popish_a successor_n and_o some_o account_v any_o limitation_n worse_o than_o one_fw-mi exclusion_n and_o all_o be_v conâ—ent_a to_o put_v no_o limitation_n on_o the_o crown_n so_o it_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o such_o fine_n and_o forfaulture_n shall_v appertain_v the_o one_o half_a to_o the_o informer_n and_o the_o other_o half_o shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o pious_a use_n according_a to_o certain_a rule_n express_v in_o the_o act._n but_o this_o act_n be_v no_o wise_a please_v to_o some_o it_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o the_o committee_n discharge_v any_o more_o to_o meet_v and_o instead_o of_o this_o act_n there_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o the_o parliament_n at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o act_n of_o succession_n a_o short_a act_n ratify_v all_o former_a act_n make_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o print_a act_n of_o this_o parliament_n at_o the_o pass_n of_o this_o act_n the_o earl_n propose_v that_o these_o word_n and_o all_o act_n against_o popery_n may_v be_v add_v which_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o advocate_n and_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o unnecessary_a but_o the_o motion_n be_v second_v by_o sir_n george_n lockhart_n and_o the_o than_o precedent_n of_o the_o session_n now_o
he_o so_o also_o do_v we_o confess_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v sanctify_v and_o regenerate_v we_o without_o all_o respect_n of_o any_o merit_n proceed_v from_o we_o be_v it_o before_o or_o be_v it_o after_o our_o regeneration_n to_o speak_v this_o one_o thing_n yet_o in_o more_o plain_a word_n as_o we_o willing_o spoil_v ourselves_o of_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o own_o creation_n and_o redemption_n so_o do_v we_o also_o of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n for_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o think_v one_o good_a thought_n but_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v the_o work_n in_o we_o be_v only_o he_o that_o continue_v we_o in_o the_o same_o to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o undeserved_a grace_n xiii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a work_n we_o confess_v to_o be_v not_o our_o free_a will_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o true_a faith_n bring_v forth_o such_o work_n as_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o to_o walk_v in_o for_o this_o we_o most_o bold_o affirm_v that_o blasphemy_n it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christ_n abide_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o we_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o murderer_n oppressor_n cruel_a persecutor_n adulterer_n whoremonger_n filthy_a person_n idolater_n drunkard_n thief_n and_o all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n have_v neither_o true_a faith_n neither_o any_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o long_o as_o obstinate_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n for_o how_o soon_o that_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o god_n elect_v child_n receive_v by_o true_a faith_n take_v possession_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o man_n so_o soon_o do_v he_o regenerate_v and_o renew_v the_o same_o man_n so_o that_o he_o begin_v to_o hate_v that_o which_o before_o he_o love_v and_o begin_v to_o love_v that_o which_o before_o he_o hate_v and_o from_o thence_o come_v that_o continual_a battle_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o god_n child_n still_o the_o flesh_n and_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o its_o own_o corruption_n lust_n for_o thing_n pleasant_a and_o delectable_a unto_o itself_o and_o grudge_n in_o adversity_n be_v lift_v up_o in_o prosperity_n and_o at_o every_o moment_n be_v prone_a and_o ready_a to_o offend_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o give_v witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v we_o to_o resist_v filthy_a pleasure_n and_o to_o groan_v in_o god_n presence_n for_o deliverance_n from_o this_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n and_o final_o to_o triumph_v over_o sin_n that_o it_o reign_v not_o in_o our_o mortal_a body_n this_o battle_n have_v not_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v destitute_a of_o god_n spirit_n but_o do_v follow_v and_o obey_v sin_n with_o greediness_n and_o without_o repentance_n even_o as_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o corrupt_a lust_n do_v prick_v they_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o before_o be_v say_v do_v fight_n against_o sin_n do_v sob_n and_o mourn_v when_o they_o perceive_v themselves_o tempt_v in_o iniquity_n and_o if_o they_o fall_v they_o rise_v again_o with_o earnest_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n without_o who_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o fourteen_o what_o work_n be_v repute_v good_a before_o god_n we_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o man_n his_o holy_a law_n in_o which_o not_o only_o be_v forbid_v all_o such_o work_n as_o displease_v and_o offend_v his_o godly_a majesty_n but_o also_o be_v command_v all_o such_o as_o please_v he_o and_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v and_o these_o work_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o be_v do_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o other_o to_o the_o profit_n of_o our_o nighbour_n and_o both_o have_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n for_o their_o assurance_n to_o have_v one_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o honour_v he_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o trouble_n to_o reverence_v his_o holy_a name_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o to_o communicate_v with_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o table_n to_o honour_v father_n mother_n prince_n ruler_n and_o superior_a power_n to_o love_v they_o to_o support_v they_o yea_o to_o obey_v their_o charge_n not_o repugn_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o save_v the_o life_n of_o innocent_n ☜_o to_o repress_v tyranny_n to_o defend_v the_o oppress_v to_o keep_v our_o body_n clean_a and_o holy_a to_o live_v in_o soberness_n ☜_o and_o temperance_n to_o deal_v just_o with_o all_o man_n both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o final_o to_o repress_v all_o appetite_n of_o our_o neighbour_n hurt_v be_v the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o be_v most_o please_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n as_o those_o work_n that_o be_v command_v by_o himself_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v sin_n most_o odious_a which_o always_o displease_v he_o and_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n as_o not_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o alone_o when_o we_o have_v need_n nor_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o reverence_n to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v it_o to_o have_v or_o to_o worship_v idol_n to_o maintain_v &_o defend_v idolatry_n light_o to_o esteem_v the_o reverend_a name_n of_o god_n to_o profane_v abuse_n or_o contemn_v the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o disobey_v or_o resist_v any_o that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o authority_n awhile_o they_o pass_v not_o over_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o ☜_o office_n to_o murder_v or_o to_o consent_v thereto_o to_o bear_v hatred_n or_o to_o let_v innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v if_o we_o may_v withstand_v it_o and_o final_o the_o trangression_n of_o any_o other_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n we_o confess_v and_o affirm_v to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o which_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n be_v kindle_v against_o the_o proud_a unthankful_a world_n so_o that_o good_a work_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v those_o only_a that_o be_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o at_o god_n commandment_n who_o in_o his_o law_n have_v express_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o please_v he_o and_o evil_a work_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v not_o only_o those_o that_o express_o be_v do_v against_o god_n commandment_n but_o those_o also_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_v of_o god_n have_v no_o other_o ☜_o assurance_n but_o the_o invention_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n which_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v ever_o reject_v as_o by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o by_o our_o master_n christ_n jesus_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o word_n invain_n do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o precept_n of_o man_n xv._n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o man._n the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v most_o just_a most_o equal_a most_o holy_a and_o most_o perfect_a command_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o perfection_n be_v able_a to_o give_v life_n and_o able_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a felicity_n but_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_a so_o weak_a and_o so_o imperfect_a that_o we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n in_o perfection_n yea_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n even_o after_o we_o be_v regenerate_v we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o verity_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n jesus_n with_o his_o justice_n and_o satisfaction_n who_o be_v the_o end_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o law_n by_o who_o we_o be_v set_v at_o this_o liberty_n that_o the_o curse_n and_o malediction_n of_o god_n fall_v not_o upon_o we_o albeit_o we_o fulfil_v not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o point_n for_o god_n the_o father_n behold_v we_o in_o the_o body_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n accept_v our_o imperfect_a obedience_n as_o it_o be_v perfect_a and_o cover_v our_o work_n which_o be_v defile_v with_o many_o spot_n with_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o son_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o be_v so_o let_v at_o liberty_n that_o we_o owe_v no_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n for_o that_o before_o we_o have_v plain_o confess_v but_o this_o we_o affirm_v that_o no_o man_n in_o earth_n christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v have_v give_v give_v or_o shall_v give_v in_o work_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n which_o the_o law_n require_v but_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o
thing_n we_o must_v fall_v down_o and_o unfeigned_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o boast_v themselves_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o work_n or_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o work_n of_o supererogation_n boast_v themselves_o in_o that_o which_o be_v naught_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o damnable_a idolatry_n xvi_o of_o the_o kirk_n as_o we_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n so_o do_v we_o most_o constant_o believe_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n there_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v one_o kirk_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o company_n and_o multitude_n of_o man_n choose_v of_o god_n who_o right_o worship_n and_o embrace_v he_o by_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o same_o kirk_n which_o also_o ☞_o be_v the_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o kirk_n be_v catholic_n that_o be_v universal_a because_o it_o contain_v the_o elect_a of_o all_o age_n of_o all_o realm_n nation_n and_o tongue_n be_v they_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o be_v they_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v communion_n and_o society_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n through_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o communion_n not_o of_o profane_a person_n but_o of_o saint_n who_o as_o citizen_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n have_v the_o fruition_n of_o the_o most_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o wit_n of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n jesus_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n out_o of_o the_o which_o kirk_n there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n nor_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o therefore_o we_o utter_o abhor_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o that_o affirm_v that_o man_n which_o live_v according_a to_o equity_n and_o justice_n shall_v be_v save_v what_o religion_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v profess_v for_o as_o without_o christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n nor_o salvation_n so_o shall_v there_o none_o be_v participant_a thereof_o but_o such_o as_o the_o father_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n and_o they_o that_o in_o time_n come_v unto_o he_o avow_v his_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v into_o he_o we_o comprehend_v the_o child_n with_o the_o faithful_a parent_n this_o kirk_n be_v invisible_a know_v only_o to_o god_n who_o alone_o know_v who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o comprehend_v as_o well_o as_o say_z be_v the_o elect_a that_o be_v depart_v common_o call_v the_o kirk_n triumphant_a as_o those_o that_o yet_o live_v and_o fight_v against_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o shall_v live_v hereafter_o xvii_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o elect_a depart_a be_v in_o peace_n and_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n not_o that_o they_o sleep_v and_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a oblivion_n as_o some_o phantastic_o do_v affirm_v but_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o fear_n and_o torment_n and_o all_o temptation_n to_o which_o we_o and_o all_o god_n elect_n be_v subject_a in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o do_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk-militant_a as_o contrary_a wise_a the_o reprobate_a and_o unfaithful_a depart_v have_v anguish_n torment_n and_o pain_n that_o can_v be_v express_v so_o that_o neither_o be_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o in_o such_o sleep_n that_o they_o feel_v not_o their_o happiness_n nor_o torment_n as_o the_o parable_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o luke_n his_o word_n to_o the_o thief_n and_o these_o word_n of_o the_o soul_n cry_v under_o the_o altar_n o_o lord_n thou_o that_o be_v righteous_a and_o just_a how_o long_o shall_v thou_o not_o revenge_v our_o blood_n upon_o these_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o earth_n do_v declare_v xviii_o of_o the_o note_n by_o the_o which_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v discern_v from_o the_o false_a and_o who_o shall_v be_v judge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n because_o that_o satan_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v labour_v to_o deck_v his_o pestilent_a synagogue_n with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o have_v inflam_v the_o heart_n of_o cruel_a murderer_n to_o persecute_v trouble_n and_o molest_v the_o true_a kirk_n and_o member_n thereof_o as_o cain_n do_v abâ—l_n ishmael_n isaac_n esau_n jacob_n and_o the_o whole_a priesthood_n of_o the_o jew_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n most_o requisite_a that_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v discern_v from_o the_o filthy_a synagogue_n by_o clear_a and_o perfect_a note_n lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v receive_v and_o embrace_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o the_o note_n sign_n and_o assure_v token_n whereby_o the_o immaculate_a spouse_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v know_v from_o the_o horrible_a harlot_n the_o kirk_n malignant_a we_o affirm_v be_v neither_o antiquity_n title_n usurp_v lineal_a descent_n place_v appoint_v nor_o multitude_n of_o man_n approve_v one_fw-mi error_n cain_n in_o age_n and_o title_n be_v prefer_v to_o abel_n and_o seth_n jerusalem_n have_v prerogative_n above_o all_o place_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o also_o be_v the_o priest_n lineal_o descend_v from_o aaron_n and_o great_a number_n follow_v the_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o priest_n than_o unfeigned_o believe_v and_o approve_a christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o as_o we_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n will_v grant_v that_o any_o of_o the_o forename_a be_v the_o kirk_n of_o god_n the_o note_n therefore_o of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v confess_v and_o avow_v to_o be_v first_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v declare_v second_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n jesus_n which_o must_v be_v annex_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n to_o seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o in_o our_o heart_n last_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n upright_o minister_v as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v whereby_o vice_n be_v repress_v and_o virtue_n nourish_v wheresoever_o then_o these_o former_a note_n be_v see_v and_o of_o any_o time_n continue_v be_v ☜_o the_o number_n never_o so_o few_o about_o two_o or_o three_o there_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v the_o true_a kirk_n of_o christ_n who_o according_a unto_o his_o promise_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o not_o that_o universal_a of_o which_o we_o have_v before_o speak_v but_o particular_a such_o as_o be_v in_o corintbus_fw-la galatia_n ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n in_o which_o the_o ministry_n be_v plant_v by_o paul_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o name_v the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o such_o kirk_n we_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o realm_n of_o scotland_n professor_n of_o christ_n jesus_n profess_v ourselves_o to_o have_v in_o our_o city_n town_n and_o place_n reform_v for_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o our_o kirk_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a word_n of_o godto_n wit_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a &_o new_a testament_n in_o those_o book_n we_o mean_v which_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v repute_v canonical_a in_o the_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o express_v the_o interpretation_n whereof_o we_o confess_v neither_o appertain_v to_o private_a nor_o public_a person_n neither_o yet_o to_o any_o kirk_n for_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o prerogative_n personal_o and_o local_o which_o one_o have_v above_o another_o but_o appertain_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o which_o also_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o controversy_n then_o happen_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o any_o place_n or_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n or_o for_o the_o reformation_n of_o any_o abuse_n within_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o so_o much_o to_o look_v what_o man_n before_o we_o have_v say_v or_o do_v as_o unto_o that_o which_o the_o h._n ghost_n uniform_o speak_v within_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o unto_o that_o which_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o do_v and_o command_v to_o be_v do_v for_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n universal_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o unity_n be_v in_o nothing_o contrarious_a unto_o himself_o if_o then_o the_o interpretation_n determination_n or_o sentence_n of_o any_o doctor_n kirk_n or_o council_n repugn_v to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n write_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o true_a understanding_n &_o mean_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n although_o that_o count_n cil_n realm_n and_o nation_n have_v approve_v and_o
wonderful_a reason_v all_o man_n know_v that_o parliament_n neither_o be_v nor_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o in_o our_o present_a case_n hundred_o of_o loyal_a subject_n complain_v of_o contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n some_o way_n or_o other_o creep_v into_o this_o oath_n and_o even_o the_o council_n have_v yield_v so_o far_o to_o their_o exception_n as_o to_o make_v a_o alteration_n upon_o it_o for_o satisfy_v those_o scruple_n far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o earl_n say_v and_o such_o a_o alteration_n as_o i_o believe_v few_o dream_v of_o and_o i_o be_o certain_a none_o dare_v have_v attempt_v without_o their_o express_a command_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o the_o farl_n charitable_a and_o honest_a opinion_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o parliament_n good_a intention_n must_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o direct_a slander_n but_o the_o earl_n say_v that_o every_o man_n must_v explain_v it_o for_o himself_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n he_o must_v if_o the_o test_n be_v either_o in_o itself_o or_o in_o his_o apprehension_n ambiguous_a otherwise_o how_o can_v he_o swear_v in_o judgement_n but_o this_o the_o advocate_n will_v have_v to_o be_v a_o man_n own_o sense_n and_o thereupon_o run_v out_o that_o hereby_o this_o law_n and_o oath_n and_o all_o law_n and_o oath_n be_v render_v useless_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o further_o the_o legislative_a power_n be_v take_v from_o the_o imposer_n and_o settle_v in_o the_o taker_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o treasonable_a presumption_n but_o first_o although_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o strain_v or_o mistake_v the_o expression_n yet_o the_o earl_n do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o man_n must_v take_v the_o test_n in_o his_o own_o sense_n ii_o the_o council_n have_v now_o explain_v the_o test_n for_o the_o clergy_n may_v not_o then_o the_o earl_n before_o their_o explanation_n be_v devise_v say_v by_o the_o council_n allowance_n which_o he_o have_v that_o he_o may_v explain_v it_o for_o himself_o for_o if_o a_o ambiguous_a proposition_n the_o test_n for_o example_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o itself_o two_o different_a way_n must_v not_o the_o taker_n reconcile_v it_o as_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n he_o think_v it_o do_v best_o agree_v with_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o with_o the_o sense_n he_o conceive_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o parliament_n that_o form_v it_o especial_o before_o the_o parliament_n emitt_v their_o own_o explanation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o just_a to_o do_v it_o so_o then_o in_o any_o other_o man_n sense_n which_o he_o think_v agreesless_a with_o the_o word_n abeit_v they_o may_v be_v think_v by_o other_o to_o be_v reconciliable_a another_o way_n iii_o all_o this_o look_n like_v design_v mistake_n and_o trap_n for_o shall_v any_o man_n swear_v unless_o he_o understand_v and_o where_o a_o oath_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v ambiguous_a can_v any_o man_n understand_v unless_o in_o want_n of_o the_o imposer_n help_v he_o explain_v it_o for_o himself_o iv._o be_v ever_o a_o man_n explain_v a_o oath_n for_o himself_o before_o take_v it_o far_o less_o his_o bare_a say_n that_o he_o must_v explain_v it_o before_o he_o take_v it_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o overturning_a of_o all_o law_n and_o oath_n and_o the_o usurp_a of_o the_o legislative_a power_n and_o make_v of_o new_a law_n certain_o to_o offer_v to_o answer_v such_o thing_n be_v to_o disparage_v common_a reason_n and_o last_o this_o be_v strange_a doctrine_n from_o the_o advocate_n who_o himself_o in_o council_n do_v allow_v not_o only_o the_o earl_n his_o explanation_n but_o that_o explanation_n to_o the_o clergy_n contrary_a as_o appear_v by_o their_o scruple_n to_o what_o they_o that_o take_v it_o think_v either_o the_o parliament_n design_n or_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o test_n can_v bear_v and_o certain_o different_a from_o the_o sense_n many_o have_v already_o take_v it_o in_o and_o wherein_o other_o be_v command_v to_o take_v it_o and_o whatever_o the_o advocate_n may_v cavil_v to_o ensnare_v the_o earl_n sure_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o by_o his_o explain_v this_o oath_n he_o himself_o have_v take_v on_o he_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o the_o parliament_n far_o less_o though_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v it_o will_v any_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v or_o can_v thereby_o make_v all_o law_n or_o oath_n useless_a by_o this_o you_o see_v what_o strange_a stuff_n he_o plead_v which_o deserve_v no_o answer_n but_o say_v the_o advocate_n the_o earl_n affirm_v he_o take_v the_o test_n only_o as_o far_o as_o it_o consist_v with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n by_o which_o he_o most_o malicious_o insinuat_v that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o both_o but_o first_o this_o only_o be_v not_o the_o earl_n but_o the_o advocat_n addition_n 2_o lie_v i_o will_v sober_o ask_v the_o advocate_n or_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o test_n as_o it_o includ_v the_o confession_n in_o general_n and_o consequent_o all_o contain_v in_o it_o be_v not_o either_o real_o or_o at_o least_o may_v not_o have_v be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o else_o what_o be_v the_o use_n or_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n explanation_n wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o man_n do_v not_o swear_v to_o every_o proposition_n of_o the_o confession_n but_o only_o to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n therein_o contain_v and_o if_o it_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a or_o apprehend_v to_o be_v so_o how_o can_v the_o earl_n or_o any_o honest_a man_n swear_v it_o in_o other_o term_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n but_o three_o if_o parliament_n be_v fallible_a and_o this_o oath_n as_o be_v ambiguous_a need_v the_o council_n explanation_n to_o clear_v it_o from_o inconsistency_n must_v the_o earl_n word_n when_o he_o be_v to_o swear_v that_o he_o take_v it_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a be_v in_o this_o case_n understand_v as_o speak_v malicious_o and_o with_o a_o criminal_a intent_n when_o all_o sense_n reason_n and_o religion_n make_v this_o caution_n his_o duty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o criminal_a for_o one_o go_v to_o swear_v to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n of_o inconsistency_n in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_o more_o criminal_a in_o other_o plain_o to_o confess_v and_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v inconsistency_n in_o it_o after_o they_o have_v swallow_v it_o in_o gross_a without_o any_o explanation_n whatsoever_o but_o say_v the_o advocate_n the_o earl_n have_v invent_v a_o new_a way_n whereby_o no_o man_n be_v at_o all_o bind_v to_o the_o test_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v bind_v if_o he_o will_v obey_v only_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_o even_o for_o the_o advocate_n though_o hesometimes_o attempt_v indeed_o more_o than_o he_o and_o all_o the_o world_n with_o he_o can_v do_v to_o tell_v how_o a_o man_n can_v obey_v far_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n viz._n the_o free_a tender_a of_o a_o oath_n all_o discreet_a man_n will_v judge_v the_o earl_n offer_n both_o frank_a and_o oblige_a then_o he_o ask_v to_o what_o the_o earl_n be_v bind_v if_o he_o be_v bind_v no_o further_o than_o he_o himself_o can_v obey_v manifest_a confusion_n and_o never_o either_o speak_v by_o the_o earl_n nor_o at_o all_o pertinent_a to_o his_o case_n beside_o he_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v or_o so_o far_o as_o the_o test_n be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n a_o strange_a doubt_v or_o yet_o i_o dare_v say_v import_v as_o much_o as_o his_o majesty_n expect_v of_o any_o and_o more_o than_o the_o advocate_n will_v ever_o perform_v but_o say_v the_o advocate_n who_o can_v determine_v to_o what_o the_o earl_n be_v bind_v which_o say_v plain_o that_o either_o the_o test_n agree_v with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o nothing_o or_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v nothing_o both_o which_o the_o earl_n think_v far_o from_o truth_n but_o the_o advocat_n reason_v reflect_v far_o more_o on_o the_o council_n explanation_n where_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v that_o the_o confession_n be_v not_o swear_v to_o in_o the_o test_n but_o only_o the_o protestant_a religion_n contain_v in_o the_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n indefinite_o be_v that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o now_o pray_v be_v it_o not_o much_o worse_a for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v that_o by_o take_v the_o test_n he_o swear_v only_o to_o the_o confession_n as_o it_o contain_v or_o agree_v with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o set_v the_o protestant_a religion_n at_o variance_n with_o its_o own_o confession_n and_o so_o to_o
for_o a_o honest_a expression_n of_o a_o commendable_a tenderness_n without_o any_o imputation_n of_o reproach_n against_o either_o king_n or_o parliament_n how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v his_o part_n clear_a and_o innocent_a when_o albeit_o so_o many_o think_v the_o contradiction_n to_o be_v undeniable_a yet_o such_o be_v his_o well_o temper_a respect_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o his_o majesty_n authority_n that_o before_o and_o not_o after_o the_o take_z of_o this_o oath_n to_o clear_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o many_o exception_n and_o scruple_n raise_v of_o all_o ambiguity_n in_o swear_v he_o first_o apply_v himself_o for_o a_o satisfy_a explanation_n to_o the_o parliament_n the_o prime_a imposer_n their_o true_a intention_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o then_o gather_v it_o very_o rational_o from_o the_o oath_n consistency_n with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o parliament_n aim_v and_o scope_n and_o so_o assert_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n truth_n and_o honour_n he_o place_v the_o relief_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o his_o take_v the_o test_n with_o this_o explanation_n and_o in_o declare_v its_o congruity_n with_o his_o oath_n and_o duty_n of_o allegiance_n the_o three_o head_n of_o the_o earl_n additional_a defence_n be_v the_o further_o clear_v and_o improve_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o exculpation_n above_o adduce_v and_o repel_v which_o be_v first_o that_o before_o the_o earl_n do_v offer_v his_o explanation_n to_o the_o council_n a_o great_a many_o paper_n be_v spread_v abroad_o by_o some_o of_o the_o orthodox_n clergy_n charge_v the_o test_n with_o contradiction_n &_o inconsistency_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v a_o paper_n pen_v by_o a_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o present_v and_o read_v in_o council_n and_o by_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v print_v which_o do_v contain_v the_o same_o and_o far_o more_o important_a thing_n than_o any_o can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o earl_n explanation_n and_o consequent_o far_o more_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o his_o majesty_n advocat_n accusation_n 3_o that_o the_o explanation_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v indict_v be_v public_o by_o himself_o declare_v in_o council_n and_o by_o the_o council_n allow_v so_o that_o the_o oath_n be_v administrat_fw-la to_o he_o and_o he_o receive_v to_o sit_v in_o council_n and_o vote_n by_o his_o highness_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n with_o and_o under_o this_o express_a qualification_n but_o to_o all_o urge_v for_o the_o earl_n exculpation_n the_o advocate_n make_v one_o short_a answer_n viz._n that_o if_o the_o earl_n paper_n do_v infer_v the_o crime_n charge_v on_o it_o a_o thousand_o the_o like_a offence_n can_v excuse_v it_o and_o his_o majesty_n be_v free_a to_o pursue_v the_o offender_n when_o and_o in_o what_o order_n he_o think_v fit_a which_o answer_n do_v indeed_o leave_v the_o council_n and_o all_o concern_v in_o his_o majesty_n mercy_n but_o that_o it_o do_v no_o way_n satisfy_v the_o earl_n plea_n be_v manifest_a for_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o exculpation_n viz._n that_o before_o the_o earl_n do_v offer_v his_o explanation_n a_o great_a many_o paper_n write_v by_o the_o orthodox_n clergy_n and_o other_o be_v abroad_o charge_v the_o test_n with_o contradiction_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o allege_v by_o the_o earl_n mere_o to_o justify_v his_o explanation_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o like_a paper_n and_o so_o to_o provide_v for_o a_o escape_n in_o the_o crowd_n but_o the_o earl_n have_v most_o rational_o plead_v that_o his_o explanation_n be_v give_v in_o by_o he_o after_o these_o many_o scruple_n and_o objection_n raise_v by_o other_o be_v abroad_o it_o be_v a_o good_a plea_n from_o a_o most_o pregnant_a circumstance_n clear_v both_o the_o design_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n from_o the_o soul_n aspersion_n of_o reproach_v and_o deprave_v throw_v upon_o they_o see_v the_o word_n speak_v by_o he_o under_o the_o motive_n of_o such_o a_o circumstance_n by_o all_o fair_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n instead_o of_o be_v judge_v misconstrue_v and_o deprave_v can_v only_o be_v understand_v as_o a_o seasonable_a assert_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o parliament_n intention_n and_o the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o earl_n conscience_n which_o argument_n be_v in_o reason_n unanswerable_a it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o advocat_n return_n to_o the_o first_o ground_n be_v neither_o sufficient_a nor_o pertinent_a and_o that_o therefore_o the_o exculpation_n be_v unjust_o repel_v but_o next_o the_o second_o ground_n of_o exculpation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o advocate_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o understand_v for_o the_o earl_n argument_n be_v that_o word_n allow_v &_o approven_v by_o the_o council_n can_v never_o fall_v under_o the_o accusation_n either_o of_o leasing-making_a or_o slander_v his_o majesly_n proceed_n or_o deprave_a law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o and_o grant_v by_o the_o advocate_n where_o he_o say_v that_o a_o explanation_n though_o reflect_v on_o the_o king_n and_o government_n which_o the_o earl_n be_v not_o yet_o if_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n be_v to_o be_v sustain_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o council_n have_v allow_v the_o word_n contain_v in_o this_o explanation_n controvert_v both_o in_o themselves_o and_o also_o in_o their_o equivalent_a and_o far_o more_o important_a expression_n as_o for_o instance_n not_o only_o by_o accept_v the_o earl_n explanation_n as_o shall_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o next_o place_n but_o by_o give_v warrant_n for_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n his_o vindication_n wherein_o first_o for_o obviate_a the_o contradiction_n object_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n he_o positive_o assert_n that_o by_o the_o test_n man_n do_v not_o swear_v to_o own_o every_o article_n of_o that_o confession_n and_o yet_o the_o test_n bind_v express_o to_o believe_v that_o confession_n to_o be_v found_v on_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o never_o to_o consent_v to_o any_o alteration_n contrary_a thereto_o or_o inconsistent_a therewith_o so_o that_o he_o give_v both_o the_o test_n and_o the_o parliament_n the_o lye_n and_o then_o for_o remove_v another_o scruple_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o test_n man_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o from_o regular_a endeavour_n to_o rectify_v or_o better_v the_o establish_a government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v clear_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o not_o so_o well_o caution_v with_o that_o which_o in_o the_o earl_n case_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o treason_n from_o which_o it_o unquestionable_o follow_v that_o the_o earl_n word_n have_v be_v allow_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o council_n can_v never_o in_o law_n or_o reason_n be_v thereafter_o make_v a_o ground_n of_o accusation_n by_o any_o much_o less_o by_o themselves_o now_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o the_o advocate_n in_o all_o his_o plea_n do_v so_o much_o as_o notice_n far_o less_o answer_n this_o defence_n or_o what_o his_o tell_v we_o a_o thousand_o offence_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v not_o excuse_v one_o either_o do_v or_o can_v signify_v see_v this_o argument_n for_o the_o farle_z instead_o of_o plead_v excuse_n do_v justify_v the_o matter_n and_o for_o ever_o purge_v all_o shadow_n of_o offence_n or_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n which_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o apparent_a when_o you_o shall_v add_v to_o this_o the_o three_o ground_n of_o the_o earl_n exculpation_n viz._n that_o the_o explanation_n whereupon_o the_o earl_n be_v indict_v be_v public_o by_o himself_o declare_v in_o council_n and_o by_o the_o council_n allow_v and_o accept_v in_o so_o much_o as_o after_o he_o have_v give_v his_o explanation_n as_o the_o sense_n wherein_o he_o be_v free_a to_o swear_v the_o test_n the_o oath_n be_v thereupon_o administrat_fw-la to_o he_o and_o he_o receive_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o a_o counsellor_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o this_o allowance_n and_o acceptance_n the_o earl_n explanation_n become_v the_o council_n as_o much_o as_o if_o after_o the_o earl_n pronounce_v the_o word_n they_o have_v verbatim_o repeat_v they_o and_o tell_v he_o they_o be_v satisfy_v he_o shall_v swear_v the_o test_n in_o these_o term_n and_o whether_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a exoneration_n to_o the_o earl_n let_v all_o man_n judge_v the_o advocate_n make_v a_o noise_n that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o oath_n require_v the_o taker_n ought_v to_o swear_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o none_o doubt_v and_o then_o run_v out_o that_o the_o earl_n in_o place_n of_o take_v it_o in_o the_o imposer_n sense_n do_v unwarrantable_o intend_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o elude_a and_o frustrate_v of_o the_o
needless_a be_v find_v guilty_a &_o condemn_v of_o high_a treason_n which_o be_v as_o full_a a_o concession_n in_o my_o opinion_n as_o can_v have_v be_v desire_v ay_o but_o say_v our_o author_n the_o former_a argument_n still_o recur_v viz._n he_o that_o will_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o as_o to_o any_o thing_n reserve_v a_o power_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n which_o must_v at_o least_o be_v interpret_v of_o unlawful_a thing_n for_o lawful_a thing_n need_v no_o exception_n but_o not_o to_o notice_n our_o author_n christian_a charity_n and_o far_o more_o observable_a justice_n that_o because_o lawful_a thing_n need_v not_o be_v reserve_v though_o in_o all_o case_n dubious_a it_o be_v certain_o the_o more_o tender_a part_n to_o reserve_v they_o will_v therefore_o have_v the_o earl_n reservation_n to_o be_v of_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o treasonable_a the_o earl_n reservation_n be_v most_o express_o of_o thing_n lawful_a in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o only_o refuse_v to_o bind_v up_o himself_o in_o his_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n as_o to_z thing_n advantageous_a to_o church_n and_o state_n not_o repugnant_a to_o religion_n and_o loyalty_n which_o be_v a_o full_a and_o cumulative_a expression_n of_o their_o lawfulness_n and_o as_o to_o what_o our_o author_n subjoin_v of_o the_o earl_n put_v limitation_n on_o his_o allegiance_n in_o so_o far_o as_o what_o he_o say_v be_v intelligible_a it_o be_v already_o answer_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o earl_n word_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o limitation_n be_v a_o design_v and_o ample_a extension_n in_o the_o next_o place_n our_o author_n come_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o earl_n qualification_n take_v off_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o his_o oath_n either_o as_o to_o rise_v in_o arm_n or_o any_o other_o unlawful_a thing_n for._n 1._o say_v he_o he_o take_v the_o oath_n only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o self_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o that_o if_o he_o think_v the_o protestant_a religion_n shall_v require_v rise_v in_o arm_n he_o be_v not_o tie_v but._n 1._o i_o have_v tell_v you_o how_o false_a it_o be_v that_o the_o earl_n resolve_v the_o force_n of_o his_o oath_n upon_o his_o own_o think_n which_o here_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v 2_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a how_o our_o author_n shall_v judge_v that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n may_v not_o make_v as_o certain_a a_o qualification_n in_o the_o earl_n explanation_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o council_n where_o yet_o in_o lieu_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o standard_n appoint_v by_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v make_v the_o only_a bar_n against_o popery_n 3_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a conceit_n it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o earl_n by_o offer_v to_o take_v the_o test_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o self_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n do_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n when_o by_o a_o article_n of_o the_o test_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v take_v off_o nor_o elude_v by_o any_o part_n of_o the_o earl_n explanation_n he_o be_v to_o swear_v liquid_o and_o distinct_o not_o to_o rise_v in_o arm_n 2_o say_v our_o author_n the_o earl_n oath_n only_o tie_v he_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v which_o may_v leave_v he_o yet_o bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n but_o i_o have_v already_o clear_v how_o the_o earl_n do_v only_o profess_v his_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v without_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n any_o restriction_n of_o his_o oath_n and_o that_o to_o wrest_v they_o as_o if_o design_v for_o that_o end_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o wilful_a error_n 3_o say_v he_o the_o earl_n take_v it_o only_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o self_n and_o god_n and_o the_o earl_n only_o know_v how_o far_o that_o be_v a_o noble_a testimony_n to_o the_o test_n and_o as_o plain_a a_o declaration_n that_o our_o author_n neither_o know_v nor_o caâ—es_v to_o know_v how_o far_o it_o be_v consistent_a but_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o earl_n do_v certain_o use_v this_o expression_n to_o vindicate_v the_o test_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n from_o other_o man_n exception_n and_o scruple_n and_o that_o no_o man_n in_o reason_n either_o aught_o to_o take_v it_o or_o can_v be_v bind_v by_o it_o otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o add_v any_o thing_n and_o last_o our_o author_n repeat_v the_o danger_n of_o limitation_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o after_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n we_o have_v see_v produce_v by_o they_o and_o that_o parliament_n have_v condemn_v they_o as_o treason_n we_o shall_v still_o be_v secure_a and_o unconcerned_a all_o the_o world_n may_v laugh_v at_o our_o ruin_n but_o see_v it_o be_v 1._o most_o ridiculous_a to_o call_v a_o manifest_a extension_n a_o undue_a limitation_n 2_o most_o false_a that_o ever_o the_o parliament_n condemn_v any_o limitation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o earl_n reservation_n or_o that_o ever_o a_o deed_n qualify_v in_o the_o earl_n term_n be_v or_o can_v be_v think_v dangerous_a far_o less_o rebellious_a 3_o most_o certain_a that_o nothing_o in_o all_o time_n have_v so_o much_o ruin_v government_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o unjust_a jealousy_n and_o pretend_v legal_a but_o real_o violent_a proceed_n of_o its_o minister_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v our_o author_n with_o any_o further_a remark_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o discourse_n he_o think_v fit_a to_o instigate_v judge_n to_o severity_n and_o to_o guard_v they_o against_o insolent_a pity_n as_o he_o call_v it_o which_o true_o after_o what_o all_o man_n have_v see_v of_o their_o frank_a procedure_n against_o the_o earl_n appear_v to_o i_o at_o first_o read_v a_o very_a superfluous_a caution_n but_o my_o surprise_n be_v only_o from_o the_o want_n of_o our_o author_n foresight_n and_o be_v soon_o entire_o discuss_v for_o just_a as_o i_o be_o write_v there_o be_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n his_o majesty_n gracious_a proclamation_n for_o compleet_v no_o doubt_n the_o selicity_n of_o our_o author_n be_v happy_a kingdom_n by_o order_v the_o prosecution_n of_o all_o rebel_n and_o their_o resetter_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o execution_n whereof_o now_o after_o the_o government_n have_v for_o several_a year_n connive_v at_o many_o hundred_o of_o these_o rebel_n and_o outlaw_n and_o thereby_o render_v the_o people_n secure_a and_o careless_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o majesty_n peaceable_a subject_n may_v be_v prosecute_v and_o punish_v as_o traitor_n and_o above_o forty_o thousand_o beside_o make_v liable_a to_o fine_v and_o imprisonment_n at_o the_o council_n pleasure_n a_o work_n which_o i_o confess_v require_v the_o high_a measure_n of_o severity_n that_o our_o author_n can_v prompt_v to_o &_o do_v indeed_o leave_v the_o far_o better_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o all_o refuge_n or_o relief_n save_v in_o his_o majesty_n clemency_n but_o where_o i_o also_o hope_v they_o shall_v seasonable_o and_o comfortable_o find_v it_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o author_n be_v many_o sly_a and_o mischievous_a insinuation_n to_o the_o contrair_a he_o wish_n the_o earl_n have_v come_v in_o will_n as_o if_o forsooth_o he_o have_v prove_v he_o to_o be_v guilty_a and_o as_o false_o insinuat_v this_o to_o be_v usual_a that_o he_o may_v represent_v he_o not_o only_o as_o criminal_a but_o a_o contemner_n of_o his_o majesty_n mercy_n he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o admire_v that_o this_o author_n and_o these_o of_o his_o way_n see_v not_o this_o paper_n to_o be_v treason_n since_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v treason_n to_o oppose_v the_o succession_n and_o to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v alter_v by_o a_o parliament_n which_o yet_o the_o scotch_a parliament_n think_v to_o be_v treason_n nor_o in_o the_o last_o age_n think_v they_o it_o treason_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o call_v parliament_n without_o he_o so_o that_o say_v our_o author_n the_o fault_n be_v only_o in_o the_o deprave_a intellectual_n of_o such_o as_o have_v by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o hate_v authority_n breed_v in_o themselves_o a_o hatred_n of_o every_o person_n and_o thing_n that_o can_v maintain_v it_o but_o not_o to_o stay_v here_o to_o discuss_v all_o the_o calumny_n and_o envy_n wrap_v up_o in_o this_o passage_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o our_o author_n will_v have_v it_o a_o transcendent_a wonder_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o mist_n shall_v say_v the_o succession_n can_v be_v alter_v by_o a_o parliament_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o that_o person_n live_v under_o a_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n declare_v it_o treason_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_n 2_o he_o say_v the_o scotch_a parliament_n think_v it_o to_o be_v treason_n to_o oppose_v the_o succession_n and_o to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v alter_v by_o parliament_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o scotch_a parliament_n judge_v it_o proper_a for_o they_o to_o declare_v and_o confirm_v the_o succession_n and_o law_n and_o reason_n say_v that_o constituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la sunt_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la facultatis_fw-la but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o protest_v for_o myself_o without_o offer_v to_o anticipate_v the_o better_a judgement_n of_o other_o as_o our_o author_n visible_o do_v that_o be_v i_o as_o clear_v for_o the_o succession_n as_o his_o royal_a highness_n as_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o old_a statut_fw-la and_o late_a proceed_n of_o the_o english_a parliament_n about_o it_o as_o our_o author_n as_o zealous_a for_o the_o honour_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o last_o scotch_a parliament_n as_o his_o majesty_n advocate_n as_o enrage_v against_o former_a practice_n as_o the_o great_a torry_n in_o britain_n and_o yet_o more_o tender_a and_o respective_a of_o authority_n then_o my_o own_o heart_n i_o can_v not_o have_v imagine_v that_o either_o misinterpreting_a defame_v deprave_v or_o treason_n shall_v have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o earl_n word_n and_o be_o very_o apprehensive_a that_o the_o judgement_n so_o give_v against_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o great_a bar_n to_o the_o succession_n and_o reflection_n on_o scotch_a parliament_n and_o judge_n than_o all_o that_o our_o author_n have_v labour_v to_o squeeze_v out_o of_o they_o copy_n of_o his_o majesty_n letter_n order_v the_o pass_n of_o his_o two_o former_a signature_n for_o the_o earl_n office_n and_o jurisdiction_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o fifteen_o day_n of_o january_n 1669_o year_n his_o majesty_n letter_n under-written_a direct_a to_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n of_o his_o treasury_n and_o exchequer_n be_v present_v and_o read_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v record_v whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v sic_fw-la suprascribitur_fw-la charles_n r._n right_o trusty_a and_o right_a well_o belove_v cousin_n and_o councillor_n and_o right_a trusty_a and_o well_o belove_a councillor_n we_o greet_v you_o well_o we_o do_v upon_o the_o fyfteenth_fw-mi day_n of_o october_n 1667_o sign_n a_o signature_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n and_o another_o short_o after_o for_o the_o land_n of_o knoydart_n the_o signature_n we_o be_v inform_v be_v not_o past_a and_o in_o august_n last_o our_o secretary_n acquaint_v we_o with_o a_o letter_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o our_o advocate_n bear_v date_n the_o thirteen_o day_n of_o august_n 1668_o year_n together_o with_o a_o information_n contain_v thirteen_o reason_n against_o some_o heritable_a office_n comprehend_v in_o the_o say_a signature_n we_o be_v also_o acquaint_v with_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n answer_n all_o which_o we_o have_v take_v into_o our_o consideration_n and_o although_o we_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o our_o advocate_n in_o his_o do_v of_o his_o duty_n in_o represent_v to_o we_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o our_o service_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o also_o with_o his_o fiaelity_n and_o diligence_n in_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o place_n yet_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v our_o gracious_a pleasure_n that_o the_o say_a signature_n with_o these_o office_n be_v past_o our_o exchequer_n and_o that_o in_o the_o term_n express_v in_o our_o letter_n sign_v by_o we_o soon_o after_o the_o signature_n any_o thing_n in_o our_o instruction_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o for_o all_o which_o this_o shall_v be_v your_o warrant_v and_o so_o we_o bid_v you_o farewell_o give_v at_o our_o court_n at_o whiteâ—al_n the_o seven_o day_n of_o january_n 166_o 9_o 8_o and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o 20_o year_n by_o his_o majesty_n command_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la lawderdale_n extractum_fw-la de_fw-la libris_fw-la actorum_fw-la scacarii_fw-la per_fw-la i_o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la tho._n murray_n clericus_fw-la reg._n finis_fw-la ☜_o ☞_o ☞_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☞_o ☜_o ☜_o ☞_o ☞_o ☜_o ☜_o ☞_o ☞_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☞_o ☞_o ☞_o ☞_o ☞_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o ☜_o