conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v this_o urge_a service_n we_o have_v this_o long_a time_n past_a wink_v at_o some_o former_a alteration_n be_v put_v in_o hope_n that_o no_o further_a novation_n shall_v follow_v but_o now_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o our_o just_a fear_n to_o see_v ourselves_o deprive_v of_o that_o liberty_n in_o serve_v god_n which_o ever_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o place_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v constrain_v to_o embrace_v another_o which_o have_v neither_o be_v agitate_a nor_o receive_v either_o by_o general_a assembly_n or_o parliament_n in_o such_o extremity_n we_o be_v most_o humble_o to_o supplicate_v your_o lordship_n to_o consider_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o that_o this_o business_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n as_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o needless_a noise_n of_o simple_a woman_n but_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a desire_n of_o all_o our_o heart_n for_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o either_o estate_n or_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v humble_o crave_v that_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o time_n to_o advise_v and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v find_v out_o some_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o innovation_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o enjoy_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n reform_v in_o this_o land_n and_o authorise_v by_o his_o majesty_n who_o may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o your_o lordship_n answer_n their_o petition_n to_o the_o council_n follow_v my_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n unto_o your_o lordship_n humble_o show_v we_o nobleman_n baron_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v in_o humble_a and_o quiet_a manner_n attend_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n against_o the_o service_n book_n impose_v upon_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o show_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o upon_o the_o introduction_n thereof_o must_v ensue_v we_o be_v without_o any_o know_a desert_n far_o by_o our_o expectation_n surprise_v and_o charge_v by_o public_a proclamation_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o town_n within_o twenty_o four_o hour_n thereafter_o under_o pain_n of_o rebellion_n by_o which_o peremptory_a and_o unusual_a charge_n our_o fear_n of_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o strict_a course_n of_o proceed_v be_v augment_v and_o course_n of_o our_o supplication_n interrupt_v wherefore_o we_o be_v constrain_v out_o of_o the_o deep_a grief_n of_o our_o heart_n humble_o to_o remonstrate_v that_o whereas_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v draw_v up_o and_o set_v forth_o and_o cause_v to_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o set_v forth_o and_o enjoin_v upon_o the_o subject_n two_o book_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o call_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n not_o only_o be_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o divers_a superstition_n idolatry_n and_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n but_o also_o the_o service_n book_n of_o england_n be_v abuse_v especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o communion_n by_o addition_n subtraction_n interchange_v of_o word_n and_o sentence_n falsify_v of_o title_n and_o misplace_v of_o collect_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o romish_a mass_n be_v in_o the_o more_o substantial_a point_n make_v up_o therein_o as_o we_o offer_v to_o instruct_v in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a quite_o contrary_a unto_o and_o for_o reverse_v the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o the_o popery_n bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n in_o the_o other_o book_n call_v canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o have_v ordain_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o worship_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n whereof_o heretofore_o and_o now_o we_o most_o just_o complain_v do_v contain_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v corrupt_v superstitious_a or_o unlawful_a in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n or_o archbishop_n of_o the_o province_n after_o his_o repentance_n and_o public_a revocation_n of_o this_o his_o wicked_a error_n beside_o one_o hundred_o canon_n more_o many_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o revive_n and_o foster_a of_o abolish_v superstition_n and_o error_n and_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n open_v a_o door_n for_o what_o further_a invention_n of_o religion_n they_o please_v to_o make_v and_o stop_v the_o way_n which_o law_n before_o do_v allow_v unto_o we_o for_o suppress_v of_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o ordain_v that_o where_o in_o any_o of_o the_o canon_n there_o be_v no_o penalty_n express_o set_v down_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v arbitrary_a as_o the_o bishop_n shall_v think_v fit_a all_o which_o canon_n be_v never_o see_v nor_o allow_v in_o any_o general_n assembly_n but_o be_v impose_v contrary_a to_o order_v of_o law_n appoint_v in_o this_o realm_n for_o establish_v constitution_n ecclesiastical_a unto_o which_o two_o book_n the_o foresay_a prelate_n have_v under_o trust_n procure_v his_o majesty_n royal_a hand_n and_o letter_n patent_n for_o press_v the_o same_o upon_o his_o loyal_a subject_n and_o be_v the_o contriver_n and_o deviser_n of_o the_o same_o as_o do_v clear_o appear_v by_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o have_v begin_v to_o urge_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o same_o not_o only_o by_o injunction_n give_v in_o provincial_n assembly_n but_o also_o by_o open_a proclamation_n and_o charge_n of_o horning_n whereby_o we_o be_v drive_v in_o such_o strait_n as_o we_o must_v either_o by_o process_n of_o excommunication_n and_o horning_n suffer_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o fortune_n or_o else_o by_o breach_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o true_a religion_n fall_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o unto_o we_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o death_n wherefore_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o these_o their_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a to_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n hispious_a intention_n who_o out_o of_o his_o zeal_n and_o princely_a care_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n establish_v in_o this_o his_o ancient_a kingdom_n have_v ratify_v the_o same_o in_o his_o highness_n parliament_n 1633_o and_o so_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v high_o wrong_v by_o the_o say_a prelate_n who_o have_v so_o far_o abuse_v their_o credit_n with_o so_o good_a a_o king_n as_o thus_o to_o ensnare_v his_o subject_n rend_v our_o church_n undermine_v religion_n in_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n move_v discontent_a between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o discord_n between_o subject_n and_o subject_a contrary_a to_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n we_o out_o of_o bind_v duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n and_o native_a country_n complain_v of_o the_o foresay_a prelate_n humble_o crave_v that_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v put_v to_o trial_n and_o these_o our_o party_n take_v order_n with_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v any_o more_o as_o judge_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o decide_v according_a to_o justice_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v to_o you_o a_o matter_n of_o high_a importance_n than_o you_o will_v condescend_v unto_o before_o his_o majesty_n be_v acquaint_v therewith_o then_o we_o humble_o supplicate_v that_o this_o our_o grievance_n and_o complaint_n may_v be_v full_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o gracious_a sovereignty_n and_o justice_n these_o wrong_n may_v be_v redress_v and_o we_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o enjoy_v the_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v reform_v in_o this_o land_n in_o this_o petition_n it_o be_v worthy_a the_o observe_n that_o they_o complain_v of_o the_o mangle_n of_o the_o english_a service_n book_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_v offer_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o wrong_v of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n here_o in_o this_o kingdom_n whereas_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o ordinary_a discourse_n they_o do_v usual_o inveigh_v against_o the_o service_n book_n here_o for_o be_v stuff_v with_o superstition_n and_o popery_n and_o that_o the_o first_o reformer_n
will_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o call_v a_o parliament_n for_o those_o good_a end_n but_o that_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v conceive_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n thereby_o to_o cast_v off_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n for_o maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o being_n most_o willing_a to_o remove_v that_o as_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n therefore_o and_o for_o clear_v of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o imputation_n we_o do_v now_o in_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v and_o sorry_a that_o any_o good_a man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n shall_v so_o conceive_v of_o our_o do_v and_o that_o we_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o faâ—re_v from_o any_o thought_n of_o withdraw_a ourselves_o from_o our_o dutiful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n government_n which_o by_o the_o descent_n and_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o 107_o king_n be_v most_o cheerful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n that_o we_o never_o have_v nor_o have_v any_o intention_n or_o desire_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o king_n greatness_n and_o authority_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o acknowledge_v our_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n have_v solemn_o swear_v not_o only_o our_o mutual_a concurrence_n and_o assistance_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n free_a from_o that_o and_o all_o other_o imputation_n of_o that_o kind_n most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o grace_n to_o esteem_v that_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n to_o have_v be_v intend_v and_o to_o be_v the_o large_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o that_o hindrance_n be_v remove_v must_v still_o supplicate_v that_o your_o grace_n will_v be_v please_v to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o will_v undoubted_o redress_v all_o our_o evil_n settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o procure_v that_o chearfulnesse_n of_o obedience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v to_o his_o majesty_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o offer_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o best_a endeavour_n for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o do_v this_o petition_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o explication_n as_o shall_v give_v either_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n any_o satisfaction_n no_o for_o it_o contain_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o shake_v off_o their_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v give_v way_n to_o all_o their_o course_n which_o by_o this_o petition_n they_o justify_v so_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o will_v continue_v obedient_a subject_n if_o we_o will_v part_v from_o our_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o they_o will_v obey_v if_o we_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o command_v but_o where_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o to_o these_o word_n of_o their_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o mutual_a maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v have_v be_v add_v except_o the_o king_n and_o his_o successor_n that_o be_v refuse_v though_o even_o that_o can_v have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n unless_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n have_v make_v sedition_n and_o punishable_a with_o death_n upon_o notice_n give_v by_o our_o commissioner_n of_o his_o intend_a departure_n the_o debatement_n at_o their_o table_n grow_v very_o hot_a and_o fiery_a upon_o this_o point_n whether_o they_o shall_v present_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n and_o fall_v upon_o the_o violent_a course_n intend_v by_o they_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v grant_v some_o short_a time_n for_o his_o journey_n his_o stay_n with_o we_o his_o return_n to_o they_o again_o with_o our_o final_a answer_n and_o last_o resolution_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promise_v that_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o and_o continue_v all_o thing_n in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la until_o his_o return_n this_o last_o be_v agree_v unto_o though_o not_o without_o much_o contrariety_n of_o voice_n and_o so_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n come_v and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o this_o their_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o they_o will_v expect_v our_o answer_n and_o his_o return_n upon_o the_o five_o of_o august_n next_o at_o the_o further_a until_o which_o time_n they_o will_v break_v up_o their_o great_a meeting_n contain_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o by_o that_o day_n he_o do_v either_o not_o return_v or_o not_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o we_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o expect_v than_o they_o will_v hold_v themselves_o free_a and_o go_v on_o to_o prosecute_v the_o course_n which_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o us._n after_o our_o commissioner_n have_v at_o greenwich_n make_v we_o full_o acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o insolence_n we_o speedy_o dispatch_v he_o with_o new_a instruction_n and_o command_v he_o to_o return_v so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v back_o in_o scotland_n by_o the_o five_o of_o august_n and_o give_v he_o order_n for_o the_o indict_v both_o of_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o a_o parliament_n but_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v full_o satisfy_v by_o all_o information_n which_o he_o can_v convenient_o receive_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n with_o which_o perhaps_o many_o be_v not_o acquaint_v none_o have_v be_v keep_v for_o divers_a year_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v require_v good_a deliberation_n to_o agree_v both_o upon_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o for_o their_o person_n but_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o of_o what_o thing_n be_v usual_o treat_v and_o handle_v there_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o return_v into_o scotland_n but_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o much_o worse_a case_n and_o in_o a_o far_o great_a combustion_n than_o he_o leave_v they_o for_o he_o find_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faction_n be_v afraid_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v back_o with_o he_o some_o satisfactory_a accommodation_n which_o our_o subject_n may_v like_v well_o but_o they_o themselves_o resolve_v to_o reject_v have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n assure_v their_o follower_n that_o they_o may_v compass_v their_o end_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o themselves_o desire_v nay_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o untrue_a viz._n that_o our_o commissioner_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o especial_o with_o their_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o late_a explication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o use_v that_o inducement_n for_o a_o argument_n whereby_o they_o persuade_v many_o of_o all_o sort_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o stand_v out_o against_o their_o covenant_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o this_o short_a time_n of_o his_o absence_n from_o they_o and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdene_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o print_v that_o our_o commissioner_n rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o covenant_n according_a to_o their_o explication_n of_o it_o with_o which_o their_o notorious_a calumny_n he_o find_v himself_o so_o high_o injure_v in_o a_o point_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v his_o loyalty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o
these_o eight_o article_n compose_v and_o command_v by_o their_o table_n in_o the_o second_o article_n they_o set_v down_o to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o set_a form_n of_o a_o commission_n to_o be_v make_v to_o their_o commissioner_n which_o be_v never_o do_v before_o and_o at_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o several_a commission_n be_v read_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o commission_n be_v the_o same_o verbatim_o except_o a_o very_a few_o from_o some_o presbytery_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o table_n and_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o assembly_n than_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n shall_v continue_v it_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o will_v have_v the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o commission_n to_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o pretend_a and_o complain_v of_o innovation_n be_v corruption_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n within_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o that_o realm_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prejudge_v and_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o assembly_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o viz._n whether_o these_o thing_n complain_v of_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n introduce_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v in_o the_o three_o article_n they_o appoint_v layman_n to_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n which_o have_v not_o be_v do_v for_o above_o forty_o year_n before_o nay_o and_o these_o layman_n to_o be_v equal_a in_o number_n with_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o book_n of_o discipline_n allege_v by_o they_o which_o do_v then_o order_n that_o the_o minister_n shall_v always_o exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o lay_v elder_n so_o that_o before_o this_o time_n they_o never_o be_v equal_a in_o number_n nay_o that_o these_o layman_n shall_v have_v voice_n not_o only_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o own_o lay_v elder_a but_o which_o be_v insufferable_a shall_v have_v suffrage_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o three_o minister_n commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v be_v never_o hear_v nor_o practise_v in_o that_o church_n before_o in_o the_o very_a first_o and_o strict_a time_n of_o reformation_n nor_o ever_o since_o in_o the_o four_o article_n they_o order_v a_o notable_a trick_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n whereby_o they_o be_v ascertain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n in_o any_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v any_o power_n but_o such_o as_o do_v undoubted_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a course_n for_o they_o appoint_v and_o according_o it_o be_v practise_v that_o every_o man_n suspect_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a judgement_n from_o they_o shall_v present_o be_v process_n and_o bring_v under_o the_o scandal_n of_o erroneous_a life_n or_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n according_a to_o which_o article_n there_o be_v very_o few_o minister_n in_o the_o kingdom_n who_o have_v not_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n but_o they_o be_v present_o suspend_v by_o their_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v voice_n to_o do_v it_o or_o at_o the_o least_o put_v under_o process_n by_o some_o one_o or_o other_o which_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deny_v a_o original_a process_n against_o any_o man_n who_o he_o will_v implead_v but_o yet_o this_o article_n leave_v no_o evasion_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o order_v that_o the_o rest_n who_o give_v not_o voice_n shall_v protest_v against_o the_o election_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o they_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o process_n he_o there_o and_o lay_v he_o aside_o until_o his_o process_n shall_v be_v discuss_v which_o they_o do_v put_v in_o practice_n upon_o some_o minister_n who_o do_v not_o concur_v in_o judgement_n with_o they_o at_o the_o first_o sit_v down_o of_o the_o assembly_n the_o six_o article_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o church_n then_o in_o force_n and_o till_o then_o practise_v the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v constant_o one_o as_o be_v most_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o all_o presbyterial_a action_n the_o seven_o article_n give_v order_n for_o practise_v the_o above_o mention_v equivocation_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v their_o election_n before_o they_o receive_v our_o answer_n and_o that_o they_o repair_v to_o edinburgh_n immediate_o after_o their_o election_n that_o all_o the_o commissioner_n elect_v may_v consult_v before_o hand_n upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v or_o do_v at_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o then_o to_o receive_v direction_n from_o their_o table_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o at_o the_o assembly_n and_o indeed_o to_o preconveene_n and_o hold_v the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n before_o their_o meeting_n at_o glasgow_n these_o be_v their_o public_a instruction_n which_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o avow_v and_o send_v abroad_o from_o their_o table_n as_o it_o be_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o whether_o if_o we_o our_o commissioner_n or_o council_n have_v send_v any_o such_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n they_o will_v not_o have_v exclaim_v against_o they_o as_o unsufferable_a prelimitation_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o prejudging_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o realm_n we_o do_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o these_o public_a instruction_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o private_a one_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o communicate_v to_o all_o their_o party_n but_o only_o to_o some_o one_o laic_a and_o one_o minister_n their_o special_a confident_n in_o every_o presbytery_n of_o which_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o afterward_o in_o their_o due_a place_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o the_o disorderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o covenanter_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n our_o commissioner_n the_o day_n after_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o return_n viz._n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o assemble_v our_o council_n at_o our_o palace_n of_o holy-rood-house_n and_o there_o first_o deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o letter_n from_o we_o as_o follow_v apud_fw-la holy-rood-house_n septemb_n 22._o 1638._o the_o which_o day_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n produce_v and_o exhibit_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o privy_a council_n the_o two_o missive_n underwritten_a sign_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n which_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n they_o have_v ordain_v and_o ordain_v the_o same_o to_o be_v insert_v and_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o secret_a council_n therein_o to_o remain_v ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v charles_n r._n right_o trusty_a etc._n etc._n be_v certain_o inform_v that_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v much_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o that_o these_o distraction_n have_v be_v occasion_v upon_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o popery_n and_o not_o without_o some_o suspicion_n as_o if_o we_o ourself_o be_v incline_v that_o way_n upon_o occasion_n whereof_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v of_o late_o subscribe_v a_o band_n or_o covenant_n for_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o law_n already_o establish_v and_o for_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o other_o in_o defence_n thereof_o but_o the_o same_o not_o be_v warrant_v by_o royal_a authority_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o our_o dear_a father_n time_n must_v needs_o of_o itself_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o much_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o ancient_a form_n and_o custom_n of_o government_n keep_v within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n wherefore_o we_o out_o of_o our_o inborn_a love_n to_o our_o say_a native_a country_n and_o for_o obviate_a these_o conceive_a fear_n and_o satisfy_v of_o you_o and_o all_o our_o love_a people_n have_v think_v good_a to_o ordain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n subjoin_v thereto_o of_o the_o date_n at_o edinburgh_n
if_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a of_o whatsoever_o quality_n title_n or_o degree_n have_v or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n presume_v to_o do_v any_o such_o act_n or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o such_o exemption_n or_o power_n that_o they_o shall_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o make_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatories_n competent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o for_o the_o free_a entry_n of_o minister_n that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administrate_n unto_o they_o than_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o to_o give_v our_o subject_n full_a assurance_n that_o we_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v of_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o our_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o our_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o enjoin_v and_o authorise_v like_v as_o we_o by_o these_o present_n do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n judges_z and_o magistrate_n to_o burgh_n and_o land_n and_o all_o our_o oâ—her_n subject_n whatsoever_o to_o subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v at_o first_o by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o their_o general_a band_n of_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n person_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n we_o do_v require_v the_o lord_n of_o council_n to_o take_v such_o course_n anent_o the_o foresay_a confession_n and_o general_a band_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subscribe_v and_o renew_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n and_o because_o we_o will_v not_o leave_v in_o our_o subject_n mind_v the_o least_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n of_o our_o royal_a intention_n and_o real_a resolution_n we_o have_v give_v warrant_v to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o twenty_o first_o day_n of_o november_n in_o this_o present_a year_n 1638._o and_o thereafter_o a_o parliament_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o fifteen_o day_n of_o may_n anno_fw-la 1639._o for_o settle_v a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a have_v be_v occasion_v through_o the_o conceive_a fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o disloyalty_n or_o disaffection_n to_o sovereignty_n we_o be_v gracious_o please_v absolute_o to_o forget_v what_o be_v past_a and_o free_o to_o forgive_v all_o by-gones_a to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v acquiesce_v to_o this_o our_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o shall_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o in_o our_o next_o ensue_a parliament_n and_o that_o this_o assembly_n may_v have_v the_o better_a success_n and_o more_o happy_a conclusion_n our_o will_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a fast_o proclaim_v and_o keep_v by_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n a_o fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o beg_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o that_o assembly_n and_o a_o peaceable_a end_n to_o the_o distraction_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n with_o the_o aversion_n of_o god_n heavy_a judgement_n from_o both_o and_o our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o this_o fast_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n as_o have_v be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o any_o time_n heretofore_o upon_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a occasion_n our_o will_n be_v herefore_o and_o we_o charge_v you_o straight_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o the_o head_n burrow_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v at_o our_o court_n of_o oatland_n the_o nine_o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la after_o this_o declaration_n be_v proclaim_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o command_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n as_o also_o the_o band_n annex_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o religion_n now_o establish_v and_o of_o our_o person_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o subscription_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o they_o both_o do_v here_o follow_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n subscribe_v at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n umwhile_o dear_a father_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o the_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o now_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n by_o the_o right_n noble_a marquesse_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n lord_n even_o and_o evendail_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n undersubscribe_v and_o that_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o date_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n date_v in_o march_n 1580._o and_o of_o the_o band_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o we_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o underwritten_a protest_v that_o after_o long_a and_o due_a examination_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n be_v now_o thorough_o resolve_v in_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n and_o constant_o affirm_v before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o this_o only_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n and_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o more_o particular_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v open_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o realm_n both_o in_o burgh_n and_o land_n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o willing_o agree_v in_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o point_n as_o unto_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n and_o verity_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o write_a word_n and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o particular_a head_n even_o as_o they_o be_v now_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirke_n of_o scotland_n but_o in_o special_a we_o detest_v and_o refuse_v the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n upon_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kirk_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n all_o his_o tyrannous_a law_n make_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n against_o our_o christian_a liberty_n his_o erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o write_a word_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n the_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a evangel_n his_o corrupt_a doctrine_n concern_v original_a sin_n our_o natural_a
people_n between_o two_o opinion_n and_o their_o not_o answer_v a_o word_n when_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o you_o and_o again_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o mat._n 15.18_o rom._n 1.18_o revel_v 2.14.20_o and_o 3.15_o and_o therefore_o to_o keep_v silence_n or_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o corruption_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n sacrament_n worship_n or_o discipline_n in_o a_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n convene_v for_o that_o end_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o deny_v his_o spirit_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o wrath_n against_o our_o proceed_n and_o may_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o prejudice_n for_o collusion_n and_o for_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n 2._o this_o predetermination_n be_v against_o our_o supplication_n and_o protestation_n wherein_o we_o have_v show_v ourselves_o so_o earnest_a for_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n contrary_a to_o every_o limitation_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o far_o prejudging_a the_o liberty_n thereof_o be_v against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n registrate_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1567._o declare_v that_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v for_o good_a policy_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o kirk_n and_o for_o to_o change_v such_o thing_n as_o man_n have_v devise_v when_o they_o rather_o foster_v superstition_n then_o edify_v the_o church_fw-mi use_v the_o same_o and_o be_v against_o our_o late_a confession_n wherein_o we_o have_v promise_v to_o forbear_v all_o novation_n till_o they_o be_v try_v which_o oblige_v we_o to_o forbear_v now_o and_o to_o try_v they_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o labour_n to_o recover_v the_o former_a purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o this_o limitation_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a our_o liberty_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v the_o principal_a of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n serve_v to_o that_o end_n 3._o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n which_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n be_v convene_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi whatsoever_o may_v conduce_v for_o these_o good_a end_n in_o wisdom_n and_o modesty_n shall_v be_v propon_v examine_v and_o determine_v without_o prelimitation_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o as_o far_o as_o the_o assembly_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o in_o the_o member_n to_o be_v use_v the_o necessary_a end_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o supreme_a law_n which_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v as_o far_o hinder_v and_o pre-judged_n this_o limitation_n be_v against_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi which_o book_n 2._o chap._n 7._o declare_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o her_o liberty_n that_o the_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o abrogate_v and_o abolish_v all_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o be_v find_v noisome_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o time_n or_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o people_n and_o against_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n like_a as_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n 1610._o declare_v for_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v yearly_o general_a assembly_n and_o what_o order_n can_v be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o assembly_n indict_v after_o so_o long_a intermission_n and_o so_o many_o gross_a corruption_n be_v limit_v and_o that_o more_o than_o ever_o any_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v when_o it_o be_v yearly_o observe_v 5._o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o parl._n 11._o act_n 40._o k._n james_n 6._o anent_o the_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a form_n of_o all_o parliament_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v or_o command_v to_o be_v do_v which_o may_v direct_o or_o indirect_o prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o free_a voice_n or_o reason_v of_o the_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v it_o be_v also_o appoint_v in_o parl._n 6._o act_n 92._o k._n james_n 6._o that_o the_o lord_n of_o counsel_n and_o session_n proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v in_o the_o contrary_a and_o general_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a in_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o k._n james_n 6._o parl._n 1_o k._n charles_n for_o if_o it_o be_v careful_o provide_v by_o diverse_a act_n of_o parliament_n especial_o parl._n 12._o act_n 148._o k._n james_n 6._o that_o there_o be_v no_o forstalling_a or_o regrate_v of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o natural_a life_n what_o shall_v be_v think_v of_o this_o spiritual_a for_o stall_n and_o regrate_v which_o tend_v to_o the_o famish_v or_o poison_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o generation_n afterward_o 6._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o protestation_n proceed_n and_o complaint_n against_o the_o late_a innovation_n and_o it_o may_v be_v account_v a_o innovation_n and_o usurpation_n as_o gross_a &_o dangerous_a to_o we_o and_o the_o posterity_n and_o as_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n as_o any_o complain_v upon_o by_o we_o to_o admit_v limitation_n and_o secret_a or_o open_a determination_n which_o belong_v to_o no_o person_n or_o judicatorie_a but_o to_o a_o assembly_n or_o to_o consent_v to_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o silence_n the_o same_o predetermination_n it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o ourselves_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_v how_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o father_n before_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o our_o predecessor_n before_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o the_o reformation_n and_o afterward_o will_v have_v take_v such_o deal_n that_o this_o proclamation_n command_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n already_o establish_v to_o subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v before_o in_o the_o year_n 1580_o and_o afterward_o and_o require_v the_o lord_n of_o privy_a council_n to_o take_v such_o course_n anent_o the_o same_o and_o the_o general_a band_n of_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n person_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subscribe_v and_o renew_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n which_o can_v now_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o for_o although_o of_o late_o we_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a that_o ourselves_o and_o other_o his_o majesty_n subject_n have_v be_v command_v by_o authority_n to_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o general_a confession_n of_o faith_n against_o popish_a error_n and_o superstition_n and_o now_o will_v be_v glad_a that_o all_o other_o shall_v join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o late_a covenant_n &_o confession_n descend_v more_o special_o to_o the_o novation_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o for_o these_o end_n to_o the_o mutual_a defence_n every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o now_o after_o so_o necessary_a and_o so_o solemn_a a_o specification_n return_v to_o the_o general_a for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o no_o mean_n have_v be_v leave_v unassayed_a against_o our_o late_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n so_o solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v for_o first_o we_o be_v press_v with_o the_o render_n and_o rescind_v of_o our_o covenant_n next_o a_o alteration_n in_o some_o substantial_a point_n be_v urge_v 3._o a_o declaration_n be_v motion_v which_o tend_v to_o the_o enervation_n thereof_o and_o now_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n that_o we_o be_v put_v to_o a_o new_a trial_n and_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v use_v more_o subtle_a than_o the_o former_a that_o by_o this_o new_a subscription_n our_o late_a covenant_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v quite_o absorb_v and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n that_o where_o it_o be_v intend_v &_o
of_o your_o sovereign_n gracious_a promise_n let_v this_o paper_n which_o i_o deliver_v to_o the_o clerk_n to_o be_v read_v witness_v it_o to_o you_o all_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v choose_v but_o receive_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n and_o dutiful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n piety_n goodness_n and_o clemency_n unless_o all_o religion_n and_o goodness_n be_v quite_o banish_v out_o of_o this_o land_n here_o the_o clerk_n public_o read_v the_o paper_n which_o follow_v the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o many_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n have_v apprehend_v that_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o inbringing_a of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v intend_v have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o annull_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o all_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v the_o king_n majesty_n as_o he_o conceive_v for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o subject_n establish_v the_o high_a commission_n that_o thereby_o justice_n may_v be_v minister_v and_o the_o fault_n and_o error_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v make_v liable_a thereto_o take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v with_o the_o more_o conveniency_n and_o less_o trouble_n to_o the_o people_n but_o find_v his_o gracious_a intention_n therein_o to_o be_v mistake_v have_v be_v please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v he_o do_v discharge_v the_o same_o and_o all_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o and_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perthes_n assembly_n have_v breed_v distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o to_o his_o royal_a consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o country_n have_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_a article_n but_o also_o discharge_v all_o and_o whosoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o have_v free_v all_o his_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o content_v that_o the_o assembly_n take_v the_o same_o so_o far_o into_o their_o consideration_n as_o to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o next_o parliament_n there_o to_o be_v ratify_v as_o the_o estate_n shall_v find_v fit_v and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v that_o oath_n have_v be_v administer_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v by_o i_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o any_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n then_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o careful_a his_o majesty_n be_v that_o no_o corruption_n or_o innovation_n shall_v creep_v into_o this_o church_n neither_o yet_o any_o scandal_n vice_n or_o fault_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o censurable_a or_o punishable_a by_o the_o assembly_n go_v unpunished_a his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o declare_v by_o i_o and_o assure_v all_o his_o good_a people_n that_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v so_o oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o none_o of_o our_o good_a subject_n may_v have_v cause_n of_o grievance_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o prelate_n his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v answerable_a and_o according_o from_o time_n to_o time_n censurable_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o to_o give_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a people_n full_a assurance_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v true_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o intention_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o same_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o good_a subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n former_o sign_v by_o our_o dear_a father_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o now_o likewise_o require_v all_o those_o of_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n will_n that_o this_o be_v insert_v and_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n to_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o his_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o subscribitur_fw-la hamiltoun_n after_o the_o read_n whereof_o our_o commissioner_n go_v on_o and_o add_v i_o have_v you_o see_v subscribe_v that_o paper_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o make_v his_o majesty_n religion_n grace_n goodness_n and_o the_o zeal_n which_o he_o have_v to_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n know_v to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n i_o do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v enter_v into_o your_o ordinary_a book_n of_o assembly_n but_o with_o this_o provision_n that_o this_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o act_n of_o register_n this_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n shall_v be_v no_o approbation_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n or_o of_o any_o other_o act_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v in_o it_o but_o that_o all_o protestation_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o assembly_n in_o all_o other_o act_n and_o proceed_n thereof_o shall_v stand_v in_o full_a force_n and_o effect_v and_o of_o the_o delivery_n of_o this_o paper_n contain_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a offer_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o of_o my_o require_v it_o to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o same_o as_o also_o of_o my_o protestation_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o all_o other_o act_n i_o take_v public_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n his_o register_n and_o require_v he_o to_o make_v a_o act_n thereof_o which_o be_v do_v the_o moderator_n in_o a_o short_a speech_n acknowledge_v our_o special_a goodness_n in_o grant_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o paper_n promise_v it_o shall_v be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n and_o desire_v to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o business_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o our_o commissioner_n tell_v they_o he_o must_v go_v on_o with_o they_o no_o more_o for_o now_o the_o sad_a part_n be_v behind_o viz._n that_o since_o they_o have_v bring_v lay-elder_n to_o give_v voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n a_o thing_n not_o practise_v before_o or_o at_o least_o dis-used_n so_o long_o that_o no_o man_n present_a have_v see_v it_o the_o minister_n sit_v here_o as_o commissioner_n be_v choose_v by_o lay-elder_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o in_o this_o church_n all_o the_o person_n have_v voice_n here_o be_v before_o the_o election_n design_v by_o the_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n all_o other_o by_o their_o express_a direction_n bar_v these_o few_o commissioner_n send_v hither_o but_o not_o choose_v according_a to_o their_o designation_n be_v by_o their_o cavil_v make_v for_o that_o purpose_n set_v aside_o and_o not_o admit_v to_o have_v voice_n the_o bishop_n cite_v hither_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o very_a same_o person_n who_o have_v pre-judged_n and_o condemn_v they_o at_o their_o table_n he_o attest_v heaven_n and_o earth_n whether_o this_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v any_o way_n a_o free_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o this_o assembly_n can_v not_o have_v that_o happy_a issue_n which_o we_o hearty_o wish_v and_o why_o the_o bishop_n can_v receive_v no_o censure_n from_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o their_o sinister_a proceed_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n expect_v justice_n
do_v discharge_v and_o inhibit_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o pretend_a commissioner_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n of_o all_o further_a meeting_n and_o conveen_v treat_v and_o conclude_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n declare_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o that_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o do_v in_o any_o pretend_a meeting_n thereafter_o to_o be_v null_a of_o no_o strength_n force_n nor_o effect_n with_o all_o that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o prohibit_v and_o discharge_v all_o our_o have_v to_o give_v obedience_n thereto_o and_o declare_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o free_a and_o exempt_a from_o the_o same_o and_o of_o all_o hazard_n that_o may_v ensue_v for_o not_o obey_v thereof_o and_o for_o this_o effect_n we_o command_v and_o charge_v all_o the_o foresaid_n pretend_v commissioner_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n to_o depart_v forth_o of_o this_o city_n of_o glasgow_n within_o the_o space_n of_o xxiiii_o hour_n after_o the_o publication_n hereof_o and_o to_o repair_v home_o to_o their_o own_o house_n or_o that_o they_o go_v about_o their_o own_o private_a affair_n in_o a_o quiet_a manner_n with_o special_a provision_n always_o that_o the_o foresay_a declaration_n give_v in_o under_o our_o commissioner_n hand_n with_o all_o therein_o contain_v shall_v notwithstanding_o hereof_o stand_v full_a firm_a and_o sure_a to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n in_o all_o time_n come_v for_o the_o full_a assurance_n to_o they_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o command_v and_o charge_n that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o glasgow_n and_o other_o place_n needful_a wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v under_o our_o signet_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o fourteen_o year_n 1638._o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la hamiltoun_n traquaire_n roxburgh_n murray_n linlithgow_n perth_n kingorne_n tullibardin_n hadingtoun_n galloway_n annandaill_n lauderdaill_o kinnoull_n dumfreis_n southesk_n belheaven_n angus_n dalyell_n j._n hay_o w._n elphinstoun_n ja._n carmichael_n j._n hamiltoun_n this_o proclamation_n be_v very_o solemn_o make_v with_o sound_n of_o trumpet_n and_o by_o herald_n with_o coat_n of_o our_o arm_n on_o their_o back_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o glascow_n be_v receive_v with_o a_o protestation_n read_v in_o the_o same_o place_n by_o johnston_n the_o then_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n assist_v by_o the_o lord_n areskyn_n and_o divers_a other_o young_z noblemen_z and_o gentleman_n the_o paper_n which_o johnston_n read_v be_v not_o as_o it_o seem_v that_o very_a protestation_n which_o they_o print_v for_o he_o read_v something_o out_o of_o a_o paper_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o offer_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o protestation_n to_o he_o who_o read_v our_o proclamation_n which_o paper_n the_o clerk_n of_o our_o council_n offer_v to_o receive_v johnston_n refuse_v to_o deliver_v it_o say_v he_o must_v stay_v until_o it_o be_v write_v by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o who_o at_o glascow_n protest_v against_o our_o proclamation_n do_v protest_v and_o desire_v their_o protestation_n to_o be_v receive_v before_o it_o be_v pen_v as_o it_o be_v now_o print_v and_o before_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o send_v to_o they_o in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v adhere_v to_o it_o or_o not_o but_o a_o protestation_n against_o it_o they_o have_v since_o print_v which_o here_o now_o we_o do_v subjoyne_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v how_o groundless_a and_o unwarrantable_a it_o be_v the_o protestation_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n make_v in_o the_o high_a kirk_n and_o at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o glasgow_n novemb_n 28._o and_o 29._o an._n 1638._o we_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n burghe_n and_o university_n now_o convene_v in_o a_o full_a and_o free_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o monarch_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o subscriber_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v it_o know_v that_o where_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n of_o all_o degree_n consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o many_o and_o great_a innovation_n and_o corruption_n late_o by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n intrude_v into_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n which_o have_v be_v before_o in_o great_a purity_n to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n establish_v among_o we_o be_v move_v to_o present_v many_o earnest_a desire_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n for_o grant_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a legal_a and_o ready_a mean_a to_o try_v these_o innovation_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o corruption_n and_o settle_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n it_o please_v his_o gracious_a majesty_n out_o of_o his_o royal_a bounty_n to_o direct_v unto_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_z marques_z of_o hammiltoun_n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n who_o by_o many_o petition_n and_o frequent_a conference_n be_v full_o inform_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judicatorie_a which_o have_v power_n to_o remedy_v those_o evil_n be_v please_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o voyage_n to_o england_n for_o present_v the_o pitiful_a condition_n of_o our_o church_n to_o to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n his_o grace_n return_v again_o in_o august_n last_o with_o power_n to_o indict_v a_o assembly_n but_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o prelimitation_n as_o do_v both_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o can_v no_o way_n cure_v the_o present_a disease_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v make_v so_o clear_o apparent_a to_o his_o grace_n that_o for_o satisfy_v the_o reasonable_a desire_n of_o the_o subject_n groan_v under_o the_o weariness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o longsome_a attendance_n he_o be_v again_o please_v to_o undertake_v another_o journey_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o promise_v to_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n without_o any_o prelimitation_n either_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o proceed_v so_o that_o if_o any_o question_n shall_v arise_v concern_v these_o particular_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v cognosce_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a and_o according_o by_o warrant_n from_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n return_v to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o september_n last_o cause_v indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o november_n instant_a to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o all_o good_a subject_n and_o christian_a heart_n who_o thereby_o do_v expect_v the_o perfect_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o long_a expectation_n and_o the_o final_a remedy_n of_o their_o press_a grievance_n but_o these_o hope_n be_v soon_o blast_v for_o albeit_o the_o assembly_n do_v meet_v and_o begin_v at_o the_o appoint_a day_n and_o have_v hitherto_o continue_v still_o assist_v with_o his_o grace_n personal_a presence_n yet_o his_o grace_n have_v never_o allow_v any_o freedom_n to_o the_o assembly_n competent_a to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n but_o have_v labour_v to_o restrain_v the_o same_o by_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o act_n make_v therein_o and_o against_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o by_o such_o member_n as_o by_o all_o law_n reason_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o church_n be_v ever_o admit_v in_o our_o free_a assembly_n and_o by_o deny_v his_o approbation_n to_o the_o thing_n propon_v and_o conclude_v though_o most_o clear_a customable_a and_o uncontravert_v and_o now_o since_o his_o grace_n after_o the_o present_n and_o read_v of_o his_o own_o commission_n from_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n and_o after_o his_o see_v all_o our_o commission_n from_o presbytery_n and_o burghe_n produce_v and_o examine_v and_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v of_o all_o the_o member_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n do_v now_o to_o our_o great_a grief_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o occasion_n offer_v by_o we_o unexpected_o depart_v and_o discharge_v any_o further_a meeting_n or_o proceed_v in_o
therefore_o take_v to_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v just_o punish_v we_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o national_a covenant_n make_v with_o god_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o we_o think_v fit_a to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o he_o again_o by_o renew_v the_o same_o covenant_n and_o so_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o christian._n divine_a commandment_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o our_o religious_a progenitour_n warrant_v by_o act_n of_o council_n we_o again_o renew_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o loyalty_n to_o our_o sovereign_n and_o mutual_a union_n among_o ourselves_o in_o that_o cause_n which_o confession_n with_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n blessing_n from_o heaven_n be_v solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o necessary_a explanation_n and_o application_n for_o exclude_v the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n introduce_v in_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o year_n 1580._o that_o so_o our_o oath_n to_o god_n may_v be_v clear_a for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n then_o profess_v and_o establish_v and_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o time_n the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o our_o resolution_n and_o do_v have_v be_v wonderful_a and_o since_o that_o time_n god_n powerful_a hand_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o business_n have_v evident_o appear_v for_o after_o some_o time_n upon_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o groan_n and_o supplication_n our_o gracious_a sovereign_n be_v please_v to_o send_v into_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a lord_n james_n marquis_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v our_o heavy_a grievance_n who_o after_o many_o voyage_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o long_a conference_n and_o treat_v with_o we_o needless_a to_o be_v relate_v in_o this_o place_n do_v in_o end_n by_o commandment_n from_o his_o majesty_n indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o twenty_o one_o of_o november_n last_o and_o proclaim_v a_o parliament_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o fifteen_o of_o may_n next_o to_o come_v for_o settle_v a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o further_o to_o give_v full_a assurance_n to_o the_o subject_n that_o his_o majesty_n do_v never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o his_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o royal_a intention_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n his_o majesty_n do_v enjoin_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o all_o other_o subject_n whatsoever_o to_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n former_o subscribe_v by_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o anno_fw-la 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o again_o subscribe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o anno_fw-la 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o a_o band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o of_o other_o in_o that_o cause_n as_o the_o proclamation_n of_o indiction_n be_v date_v at_o oatland_n the_o 9_o of_o september_n publish_v at_o the_o mercat_n cross_v of_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o the_o say_a month_n more_o full_o proport_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o which_o proclamation_n these_o who_o be_v attend_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o expect_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a desire_n as_o out_o of_o bind_a duty_n they_o do_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n so_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o do_v protest_v that_o they_o who_o have_v by_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o confession_n condescend_v more_o special_o to_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n can_v not_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o specification_n return_v to_o a_o implicit_a and_o more_o general_a confession_n enjoin_v conform_a to_o a_o mandat_fw-la apparent_o discrepant_a from_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n and_o want_v both_o explication_n and_o application_n and_o do_v most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n that_o they_o will_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o former_a reason_n press_v upon_o the_o subject_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o forbear_v their_o own_o subscribe_v of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n may_v result_v upon_o their_o subscribe_v thereof_o in_o a_o ambiguous_a sense_n but_o their_o lordship_n not_o have_v subscribe_v that_o confession_n contain_v our_o former_a explanation_n and_o be_v require_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o present_v to_o they_o without_o our_o explanation_n with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n now_o present_o profess_v and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n lest_o these_o word_n now_o present_o repeat_v in_o this_o year_n 1638._o shall_v infer_v any_o approbation_n of_o these_o innovation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n 1580._o whereof_o many_o do_v just_o complain_v after_o deliberation_n for_o remove_v of_o this_o scruple_n and_o prejudice_n and_o clear_v of_o their_o own_o meaning_n they_o cause_v make_v a_o act_n of_o council_n that_o their_o swear_n and_o subscribe_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o date_n the_o second_o of_o march_n 1580._o according_a as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n whereupon_o they_o rest_v satisfy_v be_v confident_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n then_o indict_v will_v remove_v any_o doubt_n and_o differ_v which_o may_v arise_v anent_o the_o meaning_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o clear_v what_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o yet_o some_o have_v subscribe_v that_o covenant_n in_o different_a sense_n other_o forbear_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o as_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o genuine_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n upon_o who_o interpretation_n as_o of_o the_o only_a competent_a judge_n they_o may_v acquiesce_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v which_o now_o after_o accurate_a trial_n of_o the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n be_v full_o clear_v and_o explain_v in_o this_o last_o general_a assembly_n by_o god_n mercy_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n of_o indiction_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n as_o the_o act_n make_v thereupon_o do_v proport_n whereby_o episcopal_a government_n among_o many_o other_o innovation_n be_v find_v upon_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o publish_v in_o name_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n a_o declaration_n tend_v to_o dissuade_v his_o majesty_n subject_n from_o receive_v the_o explanation_n of_o the_o confession_n make_v by_o this_o assembly_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o confession_n subscribe_v by_o the_o council_n do_v no_o way_n exclude_v episcopal_a government_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o establish_v by_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n the_o nine_o of_o september_n last_o notwithstanding_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o assembly_n which_o as_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o mother_n kirk_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o reverence_v by_o all_o her_o child_n and_o act_n of_o council_n whereof_o the_o word_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o they_o can_v admit_v any_o mental_a reservation_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o such_o of_o the_o councillor_n then_o present_a and_o subscriber_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v touch_v to_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o oath_n to_o god_n preponder_v with_o they_o above_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n and_o fear_n this_o declaration_n contain_v five_o argument_n with_o a_o boundle_n of_o act_n of_o parliament_n quot_v and_o draw_v up_o by_o some_o person_n who_o we_o know_v not_o but_o see_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o
see_v prejudice_n of_o authority_n and_o lawful_a monarchical_a government_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a by_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o of_o they_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n some_o long_a since_o banish_v for_o open_a and_o avow_v teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o of_o they_o suspend_v and_o some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o of_o they_o rebel_n and_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o of_o they_o confine_v and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o by_o this_o and_o other_o their_o underhand_o work_v and_o private_a information_n and_o persuasion_n have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o partiality_n and_o so_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a judge_n of_o what_o concern_v episcopacy_n and_o all_o be_v albeit_o it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o the_o peremptory_a and_o illegal_a procedure_v of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o order_n of_o law_n and_o without_o due_a form_n of_o process_n thrust_v out_o moderatour_n lawful_o establish_v and_o place_v other_o who_o they_o find_v most_o inclinable_a to_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n associate_n to_o themselves_o for_o choose_v of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n a_o laick-eld_a out_o of_o each_o parish_n who_o be_v in_o most_o place_n equal_a if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o ministry_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o shall_v be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n as_o also_o of_o a_o laick-eld_a which_o in_o time_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o import_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n and_o churchman_n be_v more_o direct_v therein_o by_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a table_n then_o by_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a instruction_n send_v from_o they_o far_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o country_n and_o lowable_a custom_n of_o this_o church_n some_o whereof_o be_v produce_v and_o exhibit_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o public_o read_v one_o whereof_o direct_v to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n of_o each_o presbytery_n do_v among_o many_o other_o odd_a passage_n require_v diligence_n lest_o say_v they_o by_o our_o own_o silliness_n and_o treachery_n we_o lose_v so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n of_o our_o liberty_n both_o christian_n and_o civil_a a_o strange_a phrase_n to_o proceed_v from_o dutiful_a or_o loyal_a heart_a subject_n the_o other_o to_o the_o moderatour_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n under_o the_o title_n of_o private_a instruction_n august_n 27._o first_o contain_v that_o these_o private_a instruction_n shall_v be_v discover_v to_o none_o but_o to_o brethren_n well_o affect_v to_o the_o cause_n second_o order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o none_o be_v choose_v rule_v elder_n but_o covenanter_n and_o those_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o business_n three_o that_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o well_o affect_v the_o roll_a elder_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n and_o speak_v to_o particular_o for_o that_o effect_n four_a that_o they_o be_v careful_a that_o no_o chappelman_n chapterman_n or_o minister_n justice_n of_o peace_n be_v choose_v although_o covenanter_n except_o they_o have_v public_o renounce_v or_o declare_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o their_o place_n five_o that_o the_o roll_a elder_n come_v from_o every_o church_n in_o equal_a number_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n oppose_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o opposition_n sixthly_a that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n cause_n conveen_v before_o he_o the_o roll_a elder_a of_o every_o kirk_n choose_v before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o election_n and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o their_o oath_n that_o they_o give_v vote_n to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v name_v already_o at_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n seventhly_a that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o nobleman_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v choose_v and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o there_o be_v choose_v a_o baron_n or_o one_o of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o he_o only_o a_o covenanter_n eighthly_a that_o the_o able_a man_n in_o every_o presbytery_n be_v provide_v to_o dispute_v de_fw-fr potestate_fw-la supremi_fw-la magistratus_fw-la in_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la praesertim_fw-la in_o convocandis_fw-la conciliis_fw-la etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a what_o prelimitation_n indirect_a and_o partial_a course_n and_o dangerous_a proposition_n have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o preparation_n and_o election_n to_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n by_o which_o unlawful_a do_n although_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o have_v discharge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n yet_o we_o be_v please_v patient_o to_o attend_v the_o same_o still_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o assistance_n of_o some_o well_o affect_a subject_n who_o be_v to_o be_v there_o and_o by_o their_o own_o see_v the_o real_a performance_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o proclamation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o return_v to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o subject_n but_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o their_o turbulent_a disposition_n do_v increase_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o repair_n to_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n with_o great_a troop_n and_o band_n of_o man_n all_o boddin_fw-mi in_o fear_n of_o war_n with_o gun_n &_o pistolet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 16._o day_n of_o novemb_n last_o and_o also_o by_o the_o peremptory_a refuse_v to_o the_o assessor_n authorize_v by_o we_o although_o few_o in_o number_n then_o our_o dear_a father_n be_v in_o use_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o vote_v in_o this_o assembly_n as_o former_o they_o have_v do_v in_o all_o other_o open_o aver_v that_o we_o nor_o our_o commissioner_n have_v no_o further_a power_n there_o then_o the_o mean_a commissioner_n of_o their_o number_n &_o by_o their_o partial_a and_o unjust_a refuse_v &_o not_o suffer_v to_o be_v read_v the_o reason_n &_o argument_n give_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n &_o their_o adherent_n to_o our_o commissioner_n why_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o try_v and_o admit_v of_o the_o commissioner_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v though_o in_o our_o name_n they_o be_v earnest_o require_v thereto_o by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o commissioner_n by_o warrant_n from_o we_o give_v in_o under_o his_o hand_n a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n bear_v likeways_o our_o pleasure_n of_o the_o registration_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n for_o all_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n as_o do_v clear_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n itself_o whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o many_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n have_v apprehend_v that_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o inbr_n of_o superstition_n have_v be_v intend_v have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o either_o of_o they_o and_o annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v or_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v the_o king_n majesty_n as_o he_o conceive_v for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o subject_n establish_v the_o high_a commission_n that_o thereby_o justice_n may_v be_v administrate_n and_o the_o fault_n and_o error_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v make_v liable_a thereto_o take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v with_o the_o more_o conveniency_n and_o less_o trouble_n to_o the_o people_n but_o find_v his_o gracious_a intention_n therein_o to_o be_v mistake_v have_v be_v please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o same_o and_o all_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o and_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v
sundry_a nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n magistrate_n and_o all_o other_o our_o have_v who_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v any_o minister_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a conference_n and_o speech_n or_o in_o their_o sermon_n to_o approve_v and_o allow_v the_o say_v unlawful_a assembly_n rail_v and_o utter_v any_o speech_n against_o our_o royal_a commandment_n or_o proceed_n of_o we_o or_o our_o council_n for_o punish_v or_o suppress_v such_o enormity_n that_o they_o make_v relation_n and_o report_n thereof_o to_o our_o council_n and_o furnish_v probation_n to_o the_o effect_n the_o same_o may_v be_v according_o punish_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o we_o thereupon_o certify_v they_o who_o shall_v hear_v and_o conceal_v the_o say_v speech_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v as_o allower_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v according_o be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v therefore_o without_o favour_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n we_o likewise_o straight_o charge_v and_o command_v all_o judge_n whatsoever_o within_o this_o realm_n clerk_n and_o writer_n not_o to_o grant_v or_o pass_v any_o bill_n summons_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o execution_n whatsoever_o upon_o any_o act_n or_o deed_n proceed_v from_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n and_o all_o keeper_n of_o the_o signet_n from_o signet_v thereof_o and_o that_o under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o because_o we_o give_v order_n and_o warrant_v to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o make_v open_a declaration_n not_o only_o of_o our_o sense_n but_o even_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o by_o which_o it_o may_v clear_o appear_v that_o as_o we_o never_o intend_v thereby_o to_o exclude_v episcopacy_n so_o by_o no_o right_a construction_n can_v it_o be_v otherways_o interpret_v as_o be_v more_o nor_o evident_a by_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o many_o more_o which_o for_o brevity_n the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v so_o clear_a be_v omit_v herefore_o we_o do_v not_o only_o prohibit_v and_o discharge_v all_o our_o subject_n from_o subscribe_v any_o band_n or_o give_v any_o writ_n subscription_n or_o oath_n to_o or_o upon_o any_o act_n or_o deed_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a assembly_n but_o also_o do_v require_v they_o not_o to_o subscribe_v nor_o swear_v the_o say_a confession_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o manifest_o emit_v by_o our_o commissioner_n under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o that_o none_o of_o our_o good_a subject_n who_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o bind_v obedience_n to_o we_o shall_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o say_a pretend_a assembly_n or_o any_o of_o the_o pretend_a act_n constitution_n warrant_n or_o direction_n proceed_v therefrom_o may_v have_v just_a ground_n of_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o harm_n by_o do_v thereof_o we_o do_v by_o these_o promise_n and_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n oblige_v ourselves_o by_o all_o the_o royal_a authority_n and_o power_n wherewith_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o person_n fortune_n and_o good_n against_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v dare_v or_o presume_v to_o call_v in_o question_n trouble_n or_o any_o way_n molest_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o therefore_o and_o our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o charge_v you_o strait_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o edinburgh_n and_o other_o place_n needful_a wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v from_o our_o court_n at_o whitehall_n the_o eight_o day_n of_o december_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o fourteen_o year_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la this_o our_o proclamation_n publish_v only_o to_o make_v our_o people_n acquaint_v with_o our_o gracious_a proceed_n at_o glasgow_n which_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o leader_n have_v either_o be_v conceal_v from_o they_o or_o misreport_v to_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o all_o our_o former_a gracious_a proffer_n with_o a_o very_a undutiful_a windy_a and_o bluster_a protestation_n so_o full_a of_o word_n but_o withal_o so_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o sense_n as_o we_o be_v once_o resolve_v not_o to_o have_v insert_v it_o here_o neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o necessary_a it_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v stuff_v with_o the_o idle_a and_o superfluous_a repetition_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o former_a protestation_n especial_o their_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o glasgow_n with_o which_o indeed_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o verbatim_o yet_o because_o we_o know_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v out_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o assure_v their_o follower_n that_o it_o be_v omit_v because_o of_o the_o unanswerable_a pregnancy_n of_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o it_o here_o you_o shall_v have_v it_o but_o without_o any_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o to_o their_o former_a protestation_n have_v be_v give_v there_o be_v very_o little_a in_o it_o which_o be_v new_a and_o so_o not_o answer_v before_o or_o what_o be_v in_o it_o new_a be_v either_o very_a false_a or_o very_o impertinent_a both_o which_o falsity_n and_o impertinency_n shall_v only_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o margin_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o reader_n will_v easy_o find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o worthy_a of_o any_o large_a answer_n the_o protestation_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n make_v at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o 18._o of_o december_n 1638._o we_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n burghe_n and_o it_o university_n now_o convene_v and_o yet_o sit_v in_o a_o full_a and_o free_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o monarch_n of_o his_o own_o kirk_n and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o subscriber_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v it_o know_v that_o where_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n of_o all_o degree_n consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o many_o and_o great_a innovation_n and_o corruption_n late_o by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n introduce_v into_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o have_v be_v before_o in_o great_a purity_n to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n establish_v among_o we_o be_v move_v to_o present_v many_o earnest_a desire_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n for_o grant_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a legal_a and_o ready_a mean_a to_o try_v these_o innovation_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o corruption_n and_o settle_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n it_o please_v his_o gracious_a majesty_n out_o of_o his_o royal_a bounty_n to_o direct_v unto_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n who_o by_o many_o petition_n and_o frequent_a conference_n be_v full_o inform_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judicatorie_a which_o have_v power_n to_o remedy_v those_o evil_n be_v please_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o voyage_n to_o england_n for_o present_v the_o pitiful_a condition_n of_o our_o kirk_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n his_o grace_n return_v again_o in_o august_n last_o with_o power_n to_o indict_v a_o assembly_n but_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o false_a prelimitation_n as_o do_v both_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o can_v no_o way_n cure_v the_o present_a disease_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o be_v make_v so_o clear_o apparent_a to_o his_o possible_a grace_n that_o for_o satisfy_v the_o reasonable_a desire_n of_o the_o subject_n groan_v under_o the_o weariness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o longsome_a attendance_n he_o be_v again_o please_v to_o undertake_v another_o journey_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o promise_v to_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n without_o any_o prelimitation_n either_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o proceed_v so_o that_o if_o any_o question_n shall_v arise_v concern_v these_o particular_n whereof_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v elder_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o the_o examination_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o present_a
a_o large_a declaration_n concern_v the_o late_a tumult_n in_o scotland_n from_o their_o first_o original_n together_o with_o a_o particular_a deduction_n of_o the_o seditious_a practice_n of_o the_o prime_a leader_n of_o the_o covenanter_n collect_v out_o of_o their_o own_o foul_a act_n and_o write_n by_o which_o it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o pretend_v by_o those_o leader_n but_o nothing_o less_o intend_v by_o they_o by_o the_o king_n london_n print_v by_o robert_z young_z his_o majesty_n printer_n for_o scotland_n anno_fw-la dom._n m.dc.xxxix_o by_o the_o king_n though_o by_o our_o many_o proclamation_n and_o declaration_n some_o whereof_o be_v print_v and_o other_o be_v make_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n by_o our_o high_a commissioner_n the_o lord_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o late_a employment_n in_o scotland_n it_o do_v full_o appear_v to_o all_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v not_o distaste_v with_o justice_n and_o government_n what_o our_o religious_a care_n princely_a clemency_n and_o unparalleled_a patience_n have_v be_v for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a and_o native_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o for_o the_o compose_n of_o that_o state_n so_o much_o of_o late_o discompose_v and_o disjoint_v by_o the_o seditious_a practice_n of_o divers_a impatient_a of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n yet_o for_o the_o further_o and_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o our_o true_a heart_a and_o loyal_a subject_n in_o all_o our_o kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o our_o justice_n and_o piety_n in_o our_o late_a proceed_n to_o all_o abroad_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o with_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o religion_n reform_v we_o have_v think_v good_a by_o way_n of_o a_o historical_a deduction_n to_o set_v down_o the_o true_a passage_n of_o all_o this_o business_n that_o the_o world_n may_v as_o it_o be_v under_o one_o view_n and_o aspect_n behold_v our_o gracious_a and_o clement_a comportment_n towards_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o the_o deprave_a and_o froward_a deportment_n of_o many_o of_o they_o towards_o we_o their_o liege_n lord_n and_o sovereign_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v go_v along_o by_o the_o thread_n of_o this_o our_o unquestionable_a narration_n will_v rest_v full_o satisfy_v in_o these_o three_o point_n first_o that_o the_o first_o contriver_n and_o since_o pursuer_n of_o their_o late_a wicked_a covenant_n or_o pretend_v holy_a league_n a_o name_n which_o all_o good_a man_n do_v abhor_v in_o they_o of_o france_n though_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o other_o sedition_n they_o do_v and_o do_v pretend_v religion_n yet_o nothing_o be_v or_o be_v less_o intend_v by_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o we_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o their_o desire_n express_v in_o any_o of_o their_o petition_n remonstrance_n or_o declaration_n yet_o their_o persist_v in_o their_o tumultuous_a and_o rebellious_a course_n do_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n their_o weariness_n of_o be_v govern_v by_o we_o and_o our_o law_n by_o our_o council_n and_o other_o officer_n put_v in_o authority_n by_o and_o under_o we_o and_o a_o itch_a humour_n of_o have_v that_o our_o kingdom_n govern_v by_o a_o table_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v consist_v of_o person_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n a_o plot_n of_o which_o they_o be_v very_o fond_a be_v a_o abortion_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o which_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o monstrous_a birth_n as_o the_o like_a have_v not_o yet_o be_v bear_v or_o breed_v in_o any_o kingdom_n jewish_n christian_a or_o pagan_a second_o that_o our_o promise_n express_v in_o our_o several_a proclamation_n and_o declaration_n to_o our_o people_n be_v not_o as_o the_o wicked_a contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n have_v ever_o go_v about_o to_o make_v our_o subject_n believe_v only_o verbal_a but_o sincere_a and_o real_a and_o such_o as_o we_o do_v profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o just_a and_o true_a prince_n we_o do_v resolve_v to_o make_v good_a to_o all_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n as_o hold_v it_o beneath_o the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o just_a king_n that_o the_o unjust_a action_n of_o his_o subject_n shall_v occasion_v in_o their_o sovereign_n the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o breach_n of_o promise_n make_v by_o he_o to_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o shall_v conduce_v to_o the_o settle_n of_o religion_n and_o peace_n three_o that_o these_o man_n who_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v the_o only_a reformer_n of_o religion_n have_v take_v such_o a_o course_n to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o religion_n reform_v by_o the_o scandal_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n which_o so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o have_v go_v about_o to_o cast_v upon_o it_o that_o if_o the_o conclave_n of_o rome_n the_o several_a college_n or_o congregation_n perpetual_o sit_v at_o rome_n for_o contrive_v and_o effect_v the_o mean_n of_o reduce_v to_o the_o roman_a obedience_n all_o those_o kingdom_n and_o province_n which_o have_v just_o depart_v from_o they_o nay_o and_o if_o with_o both_o these_o all_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o the_o most_o special_o combine_v and_o swear_v enemy_n to_o our_o profession_n be_v all_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o have_v all_o their_o wit_n and_o device_n concentrate_v into_o one_o conclusion_n and_o resolution_n they_o can_v hardly_o have_v fall_v upon_o such_o a_o way_n as_o these_o pretend_a reformer_n have_v fall_v upon_o for_o turn_v all_o man_n out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n or_o have_v settle_v upon_o such_o course_n which_o can_v bespeak_v no_o other_o event_n but_o the_o undoubted_a overthrow_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o that_o kingdom_n unless_o god_n himself_o from_o heaven_n which_o we_o hope_v shall_v have_v all_o their_o cobweb_n contexture_n in_o derision_n for_o by_o their_o particular_a proceed_n true_o set_v down_o in_o this_o our_o narration_n it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o their_o maxim_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o jesuit_n their_o preacher_n sermon_n have_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o very_a phrase_n and_o stile_n of_o becanus_n scippius_fw-la and_o eudaemon_n johannes_n their_o poor_a argument_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v in_o their_o seditious_a pamphlet_n print_v or_o write_v be_v take_v almost_o verbatim_o out_o of_o bellarmine_n and_o suarez_n as_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o our_o royal_a father_n his_o monitorie_a preface_n to_o all_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n and_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o in_o the_o book_n write_v by_o other_o in_o defence_n of_o they_o both_o in_o all_o which_o these_o argument_n be_v full_o answer_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o have_v use_v to_o induce_v a_o credit_n of_o their_o conclusion_n with_o their_o proselyte_n be_v pure_o and_o mere_o jesuitical_a fable_n false_a report_n false_a prophecy_n pretend_a inspiration_n and_o divination_n of_o the_o weak_a sex_n as_o if_o now_o herod_n and_o pilate_n be_v once_o again_o reconcile_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n now_o if_o these_o three_o particular_n by_o this_o historical_a relation_n shall_v undoubted_o appear_v to_o the_o unprejudicate_a reader_n whether_o our_o subject_n or_o foreigner_n than_o we_o shall_v little_o doubt_v to_o gain_v from_o they_o their_o assent_n to_o these_o our_o two_o just_a desire_n first_o that_o these_o proceed_n of_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n who_o though_o they_o will_v be_v account_v the_o pure_a protestant_n yet_o by_o their_o wicked_a protestation_n you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o froward_a and_o perverse_a protester_n that_o ever_o do_v contest_v with_o their_o sovereign_n and_o his_o law_n may_v not_o induce_v a_o undeserved_a scandal_n upon_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v for_o since_o their_o conclusion_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o several_a reform_a church_n in_o their_o particular_a article_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o helvetian_a french_a belgic_a polonian_a argentine_n palatine_n genevian_n our_o english_a and_o irish_a nay_o and_o their_o own_o scotish_n positive_a confession_n print_v among_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o beside_o the_o augustane_n and_o all_o other_o particular_a protestant_a confession_n of_o the_o lutheran_n and_o all_o the_o weapon_n wherewith_o they_o now_o fight_v against_o these_o protestant_a conclusion_n be_v steal_v or_o borrow_v not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o roman_a for_o many_o of_o the_o romanist_n fight_v with_o we_o against_o they_o but_o out_o of_o the_o most_o rigid_a jesuit_n magazine_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o in_o this_o quarrel_n be_v account_v
of_o tithe_n of_o that_o kingdom_n begin_v to_o take_v three_o thing_n into_o our_o serious_a consideration_n first_o the_o wretched_a estate_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o want_v of_o maintenance_n next_o the_o hard_a usage_n and_o great_a oppression_n of_o all_o the_o laity_n that_o pay_v tithe_n from_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o three_o a_o very_a important_a point_n of_o state_n vizt_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o such_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o subject_n as_o all_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o payer_n of_o tithe_n who_o be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v have_v their_o dependence_n upon_o the_o nobility_n or_o other_o laicke_a patron_n the_o one_o for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o maintenance_n the_o other_o not_o only_o for_o fear_n of_o have_v their_o corn_n lose_v or_o endanger_v for_o not_o carry_v they_o in_o due_a season_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o power_n of_o these_o owner_n of_o the_o tithe_n which_o power_n they_o be_v sure_o they_o will_v exercise_v upon_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n displease_v they_o or_o not_o adhere_v to_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n good_a or_o bad_a but_o likewise_o because_o these_o lord_n owner_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o also_o of_o abbey_n land_n be_v likewise_o for_o the_o most_o part_n superior_n to_o those_o who_o pay_v they_o but_o be_v so_o altogether_o to_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o abbey_n land_n of_o they_o by_o way_n of_o vassalidge_n and_o so_o by_o their_o very_a tenor_n be_v to_o perform_v all_o service_n and_o attendance_n to_o these_o lord_n their_o superior_n whensoever_o they_o shall_v require_v it_o of_o they_o which_o important_a consideration_n move_v we_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o learnede_a lawyer_n there_o to_o grant_v out_o a_o commission_n under_o our_o great_a seal_n for_o that_o kingdom_n not_o to_o a_o few_o but_o to_o divers_a hundred_o and_o those_o of_o the_o prime_n of_o all_o estate_n and_o degree_n out_o of_o which_o number_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o erection_n and_o laicke_a patron_n be_v not_o omit_v for_o relieve_v if_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n both_o the_o minister_n and_o owner_n of_o corn_n as_o also_o for_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n the_o point_n of_o superiority_n and_o dependence_n these_o commissioner_n after_o their_o sit_v in_o great_a frequency_n some_o year_n and_o after_o full_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n interest_v and_o mature_a deliberation_n do_v set_v a_o rate_n of_o the_o value_n of_o the_o tithe_n order_v that_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v several_o purchase_v they_o at_o so_o many_o year_n purchase_v as_o be_v then_o agree_v upon_o by_o all_o both_o buyer_n and_o seller_n take_v the_o same_o course_n for_o the_o rate_v of_o superiority_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o abbey_n land_n which_o be_v likewise_o accord_v unto_o by_o all_o party_n and_o order_v that_o every_o minister_n mean_n shall_v be_v augment_v in_o such_o a_o certain_a proportion_n set_v down_o and_o accord_v unto_o as_o the_o incumbent_n shall_v not_o be_v enforce_v any_o more_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o patron_n with_o the_o conclusion_n and_o determination_n of_o this_o commission_n call_v the_o commission_n of_o surrender_n of_o superiority_n and_o tithe_n the_o owner_n of_o land_n and_o the_o minister_n be_v indeed_o so_o real_o satisfy_v that_o the_o former_a with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v we_o for_o their_o deliverer_n from_o a_o intolerable_a bondage_n under_o which_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n have_v grievous_o groan_v the_o latter_a with_o infinite_a expression_n of_o joy_n and_o gratitude_n do_v celebrate_v we_o as_o the_o very_a father_n and_o founder_n of_o their_o several_a church_n we_o give_v our_o royal_a assent_n to_o all_o agree_v upon_o in_o that_o commission_n being_n glad_a that_o our_o subject_n be_v relieve_v the_o maintenance_n of_o our_o clergy_n improve_v and_o both_o our_o clergy_n and_o laity_n free_v from_o a_o dangerous_a dependence_n upon_o subject_n and_o for_o that_o freedom_n oblige_v to_o a_o thankful_a hearty_a and_o loyal_a dependence_n upon_o we_o to_o who_o alone_o by_o all_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v due_a the_o nobility_n and_o other_o lay_v patron_n seem_v herewith_o likewise_o full_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o point_n of_o profit_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rate_n of_o purchase_v in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n for_o their_o tithe_n they_o be_v satisfy_v to_o the_o uttermost_a farthing_n but_o they_o fret_v private_o among_o themselves_o for_o be_v rob_v as_o they_o conceive_v of_o the_o clientele_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o of_o that_o power_n command_n and_o superiority_n over_o they_o which_o by_o that_o tie_n of_o tithe_n they_o have_v enjoy_v yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v religion_n itself_o a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o this_o their_o discontent_n for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o every_o man_n his_o gather_n of_o his_o own_o tithe_n or_o the_o augmentation_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n can_v be_v a_o affront_a or_o weaken_v of_o religion_n they_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o former_a fetch_n and_o not_o without_o betray_v much_o heart-burn_n give_v it_o out_o that_o this_o commission_n which_o indeed_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o humble_a importunity_n both_o of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n be_v procure_v only_o by_o the_o bishop_n who_o mean_v no_o good_a to_o religion_n and_o so_o from_o a_o unnecessary_a jealousy_n of_o their_o person_n and_o power_n they_o begin_v to_o pretend_v and_o suborn_v a_o necessary_a jealousy_n of_o religion_n itself_o a_o three_o betray_v of_o their_o factious_a humour_n appear_v clear_o at_o our_o last_o be_v in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o immediate_o after_o our_o departure_n from_o thence_o for_o some_o six_o year_n ago_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o visit_v that_o our_o native_a kingdom_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o cheer_v and_o comfort_v our_o subject_n there_o with_o our_o presence_n and_o honour_v they_o with_o our_o personal_a coronation_n all_o which_o they_o do_v most_o humble_o and_o hearty_o solicit_v we_o for_o by_o their_o earnest_n and_o affectionate_a supplication_n we_o undertake_v a_o journey_n to_o they_o and_o according_a to_o our_o expectation_n be_v most_o joyful_o receive_v by_o they_o but_o immediate_o before_o and_o at_o the_o sit_v down_o of_o our_o parliament_n there_o we_o quick_o find_v that_o the_o very_a same_o person_n who_o since_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o and_o still_o continue_v the_o stickler_n for_o their_o now_o pretend_a covenant_n begin_v to_o have_v secret_a meeting_n and_o in_o their_o private_a consultation_n do_v vent_v their_o dislike_n of_o our_o innocent_a revocation_n and_o our_o most_o beneficial_a commission_n of_o surrenders_n but_o know_v that_o these_o two_o can_v gain_v they_o no_o party_n than_o they_o begin_v to_o suggest_v great_a fear_n that_o many_o and_o dangerous_a innovation_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n not_o that_o they_o themselves_o think_v so_o but_o because_o they_o know_v that_o either_o that_o or_o nothing_o will_v soil_n with_o suspicious_a jealousy_n or_o interrupt_v and_o relax_v the_o present_a joy_n and_o contentment_n which_o do_v overflowe_v in_o our_o subject_n heart_n and_o appear_v in_o their_o hearty_a expression_n for_o our_o presence_n among_o they_o but_o we_o ready_o confute_v all_o these_o suspicious_a surmise_n for_o except_o a_o act_n which_o give_v we_o power_n to_o appoint_v such_o vesture_n for_o churchman_n which_o we_o shall_v hold_v to_o be_v most_o decent_a nothing_o concern_v religion_n be_v either_o propound_v or_o pass_v in_o that_o parliament_n but_o that_o which_o every_o king_n do_v usual_o in_o that_o and_o all_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n pass_v at_o their_o first_o parliament_n viz._n a_o act_n of_o ratification_n of_o all_o other_o act_v heretofore_o make_v and_o then_o stand_v in_o force_n concern_v the_o religion_n present_o profess_v and_o establish_v and_o concern_v the_o church_n her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n which_o act_n be_v a_o act_n of_o course_n though_o it_o pass_v by_o most_o voice_n yet_o be_v it_o disassent_v from_o to_o our_o great_a admiration_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v now_o the_o principal_a pillar_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o make_v all_o man_n than_o begin_v to_o suspect_v that_o sure_a there_o be_v some_o great_a distemper_n of_o heat_n at_o the_o heart_n when_o it_o boil_a so_o over_o at_o their_o lip_n by_o their_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a deny_v of_o assent_n to_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o religion_n and_o church_n already_o establish_v this_o first_o act_n pass_v more_o for_o
and_o nineteen_o of_o february_n have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a nevertheless_o find_v that_o disorder_n have_v daily_o so_o increase_v that_o a_o powerful_a rather_o then_o persuasive_a way_n may_v have_v be_v just_o expect_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o out_o of_o our_o innative_a indulgence_n to_o our_o people_n grieve_v to_o see_v they_o run_v themselves_o so_o headlong_o into_o ruin_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o try_v if_o by_o a_o fair_a way_n we_o can_v reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o fault_n rather_o than_o to_o let_v they_o perish_v in_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o once_o for_o all_o we_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o declare_v and_o hereby_o to_o assure_v all_o our_o good_a people_n that_o we_o neither_o be_v be_v nor_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n ever_o shall_v be_v stain_v with_o popish_a superstition_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_a be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a protestant_a christian_n religion_n already_o profess_v within_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o for_o far_a clear_n of_o scruple_n we_o do_v hereby_o assure_v all_o man_n that_o we_o will_v neither_o now_o nor_o hereafter_o press_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o foresay_a canon_n and_o service_n book_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v all_o our_o love_a subject_n that_o we_o neither_o intend_v innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n have_v give_v order_n to_o discharge_v all_o act_n of_o council_n make_v thereanent_a and_o for_o the_o high_a commission_n we_o shall_v so_o rectify_v it_o with_o the_o help_n of_o advice_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o impugn_v the_o law_n nor_o be_v a_o just_a grievance_n to_o our_o loyal_a subject_n and_o what_o be_v far_o fit_v to_o be_v agitate_v in_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n for_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o peaceable_a government_n of_o the_o same_o in_o establish_v of_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v shall_v likewise_o be_v take_v into_o our_o royal_a consideration_n in_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v indict_v and_o call_v with_o our_o best_a conveniency_n and_o we_o hereby_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o our_o true_a meaning_n and_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n either_o in_o religion_n or_o law_n but_o careful_o to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n already_o profess_v and_o establish_v and_o no_o way_n to_o suffer_v our_o law_n to_o be_v infringe_v and_o although_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o dis-affected_n person_n who_o will_v strive_v to_o possess_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a subject_n that_o this_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v yet_o we_o do_v expect_v that_o the_o behaviour_n of_o all_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n will_v be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v testimony_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o how_o sensible_a they_o be_v of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n that_o thus_o pass_v over_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o by_o their_o future_a carriage_n make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v only_o fear_v of_o innovation_n that_o have_v cause_v the_o disorder_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a within_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o mislead_v to_o misconstrue_v we_o or_o our_o action_n but_o rest_v hearty_o satisfy_v with_o our_o pious_a and_o real_a intention_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherefore_o we_o require_v and_o hearty_o wish_v all_o our_o good_a people_n careful_o to_o advert_v to_o these_o dangerous_a suggestion_n and_o not_o to_o permit_v themselves_o blind_o under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v lead_v in_o disobedience_n and_o draw_v on_o infinite_o to_o our_o grief_n their_o own_o ruin_n which_o we_o have_v and_o still_o shall_v strive_v to_o save_v they_o from_o so_o long_o as_o we_o see_v not_o royal_a authority_n shake_v off_o and_o most_o unwilling_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o for_o reclaim_v of_o disobedient_a people_n our_o will_n be_v herefore_o and_o we_o charge_v you_o straight_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v to_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o our_o burgh_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o all_o other_o place_n needful_a and_o there_o by_o open_a proclamation_n make_v publication_n hereof_o to_o all_o and_o sundry_a our_o good_a subject_n where_o through_o none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o the_o which_o to_o do_v we_o commit_v to_o you_o conjunct_o and_o several_o our_o full_a power_n by_o these_o our_o letter_n deliver_v the_o same_o by_o you_o due_o execute_v and_o endorse_v again_o to_o the_o bearer_n give_v at_o our_o court_n of_o greenwich_n the_o twenty_o eight_o day_n of_o june_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o thirteen_o year_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la no_o soon_o be_v it_o end_v but_o this_o their_o ensue_a protestation_n against_o it_o begin_v and_o be_v public_o read_v which_o here_o according_a to_o their_o print_a copy_n we_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v reprint_v the_o protestation_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burrows_n minister_n and_o commons_o etc._n etc._n we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o that_o whereas_o we_o the_o king_n majesty_n true_a and_o loyal_a subject_n who_o have_v ever_o esteem_v it_o our_o great_a happiness_n to_o live_v under_o a_o religious_a and_o righteous_a king_n and_o our_o great_a glory_n to_o testify_v our_o best_a affection_n to_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n have_v be_v in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n from_o this_o his_o native_a kingdom_n heavy_o press_v for_o a_o long_a time_n past_a and_o especial_o of_o late_a with_o diverse_a innovation_n which_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v urge_v do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o king_n honour_n and_o of_o our_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o extremity_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v betwixt_o the_o rock_n of_o excommunication_n and_o the_o high_a pain_n of_o rebellion_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o desperate_a danger_n of_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n on_o the_o other_o but_o to_o represent_v our_o case_n and_o present_v our_o supplication_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n that_o be_v equal_o ponder_v by_o they_o they_o may_v either_o be_v answer_v by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o recommendation_n may_v ascend_v to_o his_o majesty_n own_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o humble_a manner_n we_o do_v to_o this_o effect_n supplicate_v their_o lordsh_fw-mi we_o be_v most_o willing_a for_o the_o modest_a follow_v of_o our_o supplication_n to_o obey_v their_o direction_n in_o choose_v commissioner_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o supplicant_n who_o flock_v together_o from_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v careful_a to_o order_v ourselves_o in_o all_o christian_n and_o quiet_a carriage_n and_o against_o the_o tediousness_n of_o many_o and_o long_a delay_n do_v wait_v for_o a_o long_a time_n with_o very_o great_a patience_n till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v please_v to_o receive_v our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o bill_n and_o conceive_v they_o to_o contain_v weighty_a matter_n than_o can_v by_o themselves_o be_v determine_v they_o do_v promise_n and_o undertake_v to_o represent_v and_o recommend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n unto_o his_o majesty_n royal_a consideration_n and_o to_o report_v his_o majesty_n answer_n while_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v their_o mind_n waken_v and_o their_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n worthy_a of_o his_o majesty_n pious_a and_o equitable_a disposition_n in_o the_o month_n of_o february_n last_o incontinent_a a_o rumour_n fly_v through_o the_o country_n and_o fill_v all_o ear_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n secret_a council_n be_v command_v to_o make_v such_o a_o proclamation_n concern_v the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o peaceable_a meeting_n of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n in_o time_n come_v as_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o have_v be_v procure_v by_o the_o secret_a work_n and_o malignant_a misinformation_n of_o our_o adversary_n seek_v for_o their_o own_o private_a end_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o our_o legal_a proceed_n and_o to_o escape_v their_o own_o due_a censure_n and_o
januarie_n 28._o 1580._o and_o sign_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o to_o that_o effect_n have_v give_v order_n to_o our_o commissioner_n with_o advice_n of_o our_o council_n to_o set_v down_o and_o settle_v some_o solid_a course_n whereby_o the_o same_o may_v be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o council_n judge_n magistrate_n of_o burroughes_n and_o all_o other_o our_o people_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o ourself_o we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o the_o reform_a religion_n now_o establish_v and_o against_o the_o roman_a so_o we_o purpose_v by_o god_n grace_n both_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n what_o we_o have_v think_v further_a fit_v to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o time_n concern_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o subject_n petition_n you_o shall_v receive_v our_o full_a pleasure_n therein_o from_o our_o commissioner_n and_o that_o this_o our_o declaration_n concern_v ourself_o and_o our_o pious_a intention_n for_o settle_v the_o reform_a religion_n within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n may_v appear_v to_o posterity_n our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o these_o present_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n oatland_n septem_fw-la 9_o 1638._o this_o our_o letter_n be_v receive_v by_o our_o council_n with_o all_o submissive_a joyful_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n our_o commissioner_n make_v they_o further_o acquaint_v with_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o the_o appease_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o same_o be_v fill_v with_o excessive_a joy_n as_o make_v full_a account_n that_o now_o malice_n itself_o can_v not_o find_v the_o least_o pretence_n of_o keep_v our_o people_n from_o be_v satisfy_v all_o thing_n which_o ever_o yet_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o trouble_v they_o have_v desire_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o some_o of_o our_o counsellor_n who_o be_v not_o only_o covenanter_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o their_o covenant_n have_v make_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a covenant_a lord_n acquaint_v with_o the_o unexpected_a excess_n of_o our_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n these_o lord_n make_v full_a account_n that_o their_o reign_n be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o expiration_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v understand_v our_o grace_n and_o favour_n bestir_v themselves_o with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o disperse_v rumour_n among_o they_o that_o the_o news_n bring_v home_o by_o our_o commissioner_n import_v our_o answer_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o we_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o if_o they_o now_o do_v not_o resist_v all_o they_o have_v do_v be_v quite_o undo_v and_o lose_v after_o which_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o come_v down_o first_o to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o then_o to_o our_o council_n request_v they_o or_o indeed_o rather_o require_v they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o require_v it_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o other_o by_o any_o authority_n from_o we_o threaten_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v repent_v it_o and_o that_o a_o present_a rupture_n will_v follow_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n hear_v they_o twice_o full_o but_o find_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n as_o see_v it_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n in_o these_o lord_n to_o have_v it_o conceal_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o resolve_v and_o impart_v unto_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n their_o resolution_n that_o they_o will_v publish_v it_o that_o day_n be_v saturday_n the_o lord_n covenanter_n do_v then_o seem_v to_o abate_v something_o of_o their_o request_n or_o rather_o demand_n and_o desire_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o delay_v the_o publish_n of_o our_o declaration_n only_o until_o the_o monday_n follow_v before_o which_o time_n if_o they_o can_v not_o show_v good_a reason_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o it_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o publication_n thereof_o which_o motion_n of_o they_o want_v not_o second_v from_o some_o of_o our_o council_n there_o present_a who_o be_v indeed_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o but_o our_o commissioner_n and_o counsellor_n well_o and_o wise_o foresee_v that_o this_o delay_n be_v desire_v first_o that_o these_o lord_n covenanter_n may_v have_v time_n to_o pen_n and_o prepare_v a_o protestation_n against_o this_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n with_o the_o content_n whereof_o some_o of_o our_o councillor_n hearty_a covenanter_n have_v make_v they_o acquaint_v which_o protestation_n can_v not_o be_v provide_v nor_o pen_v in_o the_o space_n of_o so_o few_o hour_n second_o that_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o next_o day_n be_v sunday_n their_o minister_n in_o all_o the_o pulpit_n of_o edinburgh_n by_o their_o subornation_n shall_v so_o conjure_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o people_n against_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o and_o ready_o lay_v again_o three_o that_o they_o may_v have_v time_n to_o dispatch_v messenger_n &_o post_n abroad_o with_o copy_n of_o their_o protestation_n in_o all_o burrough_n where_o our_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v before_o or_o as_o soon_o as_o our_o declaration_n can_v be_v send_v to_o those_o place_n for_o these_o important_a consideration_n our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n do_v declare_v unto_o these_o lord_n after_o full_a hear_n of_o they_o that_o consider_v the_o invaliditie_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a our_o gracious_a declaration_n shall_v be_v publish_v that_o day_n at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o so_o according_o our_a declaration_n that_o day_n be_v proclaim_v as_o here_o it_o follow_v charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n messenger_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o our_o kingdom_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o conceive_a fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n to_o free_a all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o any_o intention_n in_o we_o to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o religion_n or_o law_n and_o to_o satisfy_v not_o only_o their_o desire_n but_o even_o their_o doubt_n we_o have_v discharge_v and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o by_o these_o present_n annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v or_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v and_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v breed_v great_a distraction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o our_o consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n do_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_n article_n but_o also_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o discharge_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o do_v hereby_o free_a all_o our_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o government_n disperse_v and_o surmise_a throughout_o this_o our_o kingdom_n that_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v exercise_v such_o illimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n and_o have_v hold_v themselves_o exime_v from_o censure_n and_o punishment_n to_o which_o other_o our_o subject_n be_v liable_a we_o do_v by_o these_o present_v declare_v that_o
which_o we_o can_v now_o subscribe_v this_o confession_n lest_o we_o lose_v the_o band_n to_o wickedness_n seem_v to_o repent_v of_o our_o former_a resolution_n and_o promise_n and_o choose_v to_o have_v our_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n profess_v and_o swear_v that_o we_o know_v god_n but_o in_o our_o work_n deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a 14._o since_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o general_a band_n be_v now_o change_v &_o some_o line_n express_v at_o length_n the_o papist_n and_o their_o adherent_n to_o be_v the_o party_n from_o who_o the_o danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v threaten_v be_v leave_v out_o and_o no_o designation_n make_v of_o the_o party_n from_o who_o the_o danger_n be_v now_o threaten_a we_o be_v make_v either_o to_o think_v that_o our_o subscription_n at_o this_o time_n be_v unnecessary_a or_o to_o suspect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v supplicate_v and_o enter_v in_o covenant_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o party_n especial_o since_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n have_v in_o the_o act_n september_n 22._o ratify_v the_o proclamation_n find_v themselves_o bind_v to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n that_o all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n may_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n since_o also_o we_o have_v be_v although_o undeserved_o challenge_v of_o disorder_n distraction_n and_o danger_n to_o religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o since_o in_o the_o foresay_a act_n and_o in_o the_o missive_n direct_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o lord_n of_o council_n offer_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o his_o majesty_n in_o repress_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v hereafter_o press_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v express_v in_o a_o generality_n be_v by_o many_o apply_v to_o we_o and_o interpret_v of_o our_o adhere_n to_o our_o covenant_n we_o shall_v therefore_o by_o our_o subscription_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v now_o conceive_v both_o do_v direct_o against_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o condemn_v ourselves_o wherein_o we_o be_v innocent_a and_o shall_v consent_v to_o our_o own_o hurt_n to_o the_o suppress_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o to_o the_o repress_v mutual_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o former_a solemn_a oath_n and_o subscription_n 15._o the_o subscribe_v of_o this_o confession_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n who_o by_o their_o place_n and_o high_a employment_n be_v public_a peacemaker_n and_o by_o other_o who_o have_v not_o subscribe_v the_o late_a confession_n will_v make_v the_o breach_n wide_o and_o the_o lamentable_a division_n of_o this_o kirk_n more_o desperate_a than_o ever_o before_o some_o have_v swear_v to_o labour_n by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o former_a liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o other_o maintain_v that_o for_o purity_n which_o be_v already_o establish_v some_o believe_a and_o profess_v that_o the_o evil_n supplicate_v against_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o maintain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o corruption_n although_o for_o the_o present_a discharge_v by_o authority_n not_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o beside_o this_o many_o division_n and_o subdivision_n will_v ensue_v to_o the_o dulefull_a rent_v of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o wrath_n and_o many_o judgement_n of_o god_n often_o threaten_v by_o his_o faithful_a servant_n which_o all_o the_o godly_a aught_o to_o labour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v 16._o we_o represent_v also_o to_o the_o honourable_a lord_n of_o privy_a council_n to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o use_v of_o sacrament_n be_v swear_v and_o the_o contrary_n abjure_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o oath_n there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o man_n conception_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n nor_o to_o any_o private_a interpretation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o late_a covenant_n subscribe_v by_o we_o and_o seal_v from_o heaven_n we_o from_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n our_o native_a country_n ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n lest_o our_o silence_n import_v a_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o a_o stop_n of_o our_o mouth_n from_o necessary_a supplication_n for_o thing_n yet_o to_o be_v obtain_v from_o his_o majesty_n just_a and_o gracious_a disposition_n be_v constrain_v to_o declare_v and_o protest_v first_o that_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o or_o our_o needless_a fear_n but_o to_o the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n of_o religion_n which_o against_o the_o act_n and_o order_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v be_v press_v upon_o we_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n who_o although_o under_o great_a thraldom_n be_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o quietness_n labour_v in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n second_o we_o protest_v that_o all_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o arise_v concern_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n whether_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o proceed_v be_v remit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o assembly_n itself_o as_o the_o only_a proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o we_o be_v authorize_v with_o lawful_a commission_n as_o at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o the_o kirk_n shall_v require_v so_o in_o this_o exigence_n to_o assemble_v ourselves_o at_o the_o diet_n appoint_v notwithstanding_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o be_v assemble_v against_o all_o qualification_n and_o predetermination_n or_o presupposal_n to_o propone_v treat_v reason_n vote_n and_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o lawful_a assembly_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n pertain_v to_o the_o assembly_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a of_o religion_n three_o since_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v no_o warrant_n for_o their_o office_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o it_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o any_o have_v place_n and_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v not_o authorize_v with_o lawful_a commission_n and_o see_v both_o in_o common_a equity_n and_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o proclamation_n they_o be_v make_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o assembly_n we_o protest_v that_o they_o be_v not_o present_a as_o have_v place_n or_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n but_o as_o rei_fw-la to_o compeer_n for_o underlie_a trial_n and_o censure_n upon_o the_o general_a complaint_n already_o make_v and_o the_o particular_a accusation_n to_o be_v give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o that_o the_o warning_n give_v by_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o this_o our_o protestation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a citation_n to_o they_o to_o compeer_n before_o the_o assembly_n for_o their_o trial_n and_o censure_n in_o life_n office_n and_o benefice_n four_o we_o solemn_o protest_v that_o we_o do_v constant_o adhere_v to_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v and_o approven_v with_o rare_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n from_o heaven_n of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n both_o of_o pastor_n and_o people_n through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o we_o stand_v to_o all_o part_n and_o clause_n thereof_o and_o particular_o to_o the_o explanation_n and_o application_n contain_v both_o our_o abjuration_n of_o and_o our_o union_n against_o the_o particular_a evil_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n a_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n at_o this_o time_n especial_o crave_v at_o our_o hand_n five_o we_o also_o protest_v that_o none_o of_o we_o who_o have_v subscribe_v and_o do_v adhere_v to_o our_o subscription_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n be_v charge_v or_o urge_v either_o to_o procure_v the_o subscription_n of_o other_o or_o to_o subscribe_v ourselves_o unto_o any_o other_o confession_n or_o covenant_n contain_v any_o derogation_n thereunto_o especial_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o proclamation_n without_o the_o necessary_a explanation_n and_o
sway_n of_o these_o lay-elder_n insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o time_n which_o our_o commissioner_n stay_v in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n to_o hear_v a_o minister_n speak_v for_o there_o be_v one_o earl_n and_o one_o lord_n who_o speak_v far_o more_o than_o all_o the_o minister_n except_o the_o moderator_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n every_o thing_n which_o be_v put_v to_o voice_n be_v so_o clear_o discern_v to_o have_v be_v resolve_v among_o themselves_o before_o by_o a_o palpable_a pre-agreement_n that_o it_o be_v very_o tedious_a to_o the_o auditor_n to_o hear_v the_o list_n of_o the_o assembly_n call_v when_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o be_v know_v to_o they_o all_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o voice_n who_o be_v first_o call_v which_o make_v some_o present_a to_o envy_v no_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o one_o who_o fortune_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v first_o call_v his_o name_n be_v set_v down_o first_o in_o the_o list_n his_o name_n be_v master_n alexander_n carse_n minister_n of_o polwart_n one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunce_n for_o if_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n shall_v come_v out_o in_o latin_a and_o be_v think_v worth_a any_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o withal_o it_o shall_v be_v express_v that_o the_o list_v of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v call_v to_o the_o pass_v of_o every_o act_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v ever_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o first_o there_o be_v never_o a_o father_n nor_o bishop_n who_o name_n be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o greek_a or_o latin_a counsel_n so_o famous_a as_o this_o man_n shall_v now_o be_v for_o he_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o unparalleled_a judgement_n both_o for_o soundness_n and_o profoundness_n from_o who_o judgement_n not_o one_o of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n except_o one_o and_o that_o but_o once_o do_v ever_o swerve_v in_o the_o least_o particular_a for_o as_o he_o begin_v all_o the_o rest_n do_v constant_o follow_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v what_o hope_n can_v be_v conceive_v of_o any_o good_a either_o for_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n from_o a_o assembly_n thus_o miserable_o constitute_v and_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o dissolve_v it_o as_o know_v that_o it_o will_v make_v that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n ridiculous_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n especial_o to_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v both_o grieve_v and_o scandalize_v all_o the_o other_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v our_o justice_n to_o be_v universal_o traduce_v if_o we_o shall_v have_v suffer_v the_o bishop_n our_o subject_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v their_o calling_n their_o reputation_n and_o fortune_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o their_o swear_a enemy_n thus_o prepapare_v against_o they_o after_o our_o commissioner_n departure_n from_o glasgow_n they_o still_o continue_v their_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o our_o dissolve_v it_o by_o proclamation_n under_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o then_o immediate_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n who_o indeed_o all_o this_o while_n have_v be_v the_o heart_n of_o their_o covenant_n begin_v to_o declare_v himself_o open_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o for_o he_o present_o adjoin_v himself_o to_o they_o sit_v continual_o with_o they_o in_o the_o assembly_n although_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v suffrage_n there_o but_o sit_v only_o as_o their_o chief_a director_n and_o countenancer_n and_o indeed_o like_o our_o commissioner_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o after_o we_o have_v dissolve_v the_o assembly_n they_o will_v observe_v any_o great_a moderation_n in_o their_o proceed_n then_o they_o have_v do_v before_o nor_o do_v they_o indeed_o for_o all_o thing_n pass_v in_o a_o huddle_v confusion_n nothing_o argue_v public_o but_o every_o particular_a refer_v to_o some_o few_o committee_n who_o be_v the_o most_o rigide_v they_o can_v pick_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a pack_n what_o they_o resolve_v on_o be_v propound_v present_o to_o the_o assembly_n swallow_v down_o without_o further_a discuss_n mr_n alexander_n carse_n be_v call_v up_o what_o he_o say_v first_o all_o the_o rest_n say_v the_o same_o in_o one_o hour_n they_o declare_v six_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v null_n and_o void_a though_o two_o of_o they_o be_v then_o and_o be_v still_o in_o force_n by_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o divers_a act_n of_o the_o other_o four_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o parliament_n in_o another_o hour_n they_o condemn_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o a_o few_o minister_n all_o the_o arminian_n tenet_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o under_o that_o name_n many_o thing_n receive_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n a_o strange_a way_n to_o condemn_v the_o arminian_n tenet_n without_o define_v what_o those_o tenet_n be_v in_o another_o hour_n they_o deprive_v the_o archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n and_o brechen_fw-ge and_o so_o at_o other_o time_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n many_o of_o who_o they_o likewise_o excommunicate_v where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o print_a act_n of_o this_o their_o now_o after_o our_o dissolve_v of_o it_o pretend_v assembly_n the_o act_n of_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o bishop_n bear_v no_o such_o odious_a crime_n as_o they_o have_v make_v our_o people_n believe_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o that_o infamous_a libel_n which_o they_o cause_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o pulpit_n against_o they_o for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o have_v cause_v one_o of_o their_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n to_o be_v here_o insert_v whereby_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o witness_n be_v examine_v nor_o offer_v to_o be_v produce_v against_o they_o for_o any_o one_o of_o those_o fearful_a crime_n with_o which_o they_o be_v slander_v in_o the_o libel_n but_o be_v only_o depose_v for_o their_o obedience_n to_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o mr_n john_n guthrie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o murray_n mr_n john_n grahame_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o orknay_n mr_n james_n fair_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o lismoir_n mr_n neil_n campbell_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o isle_n the_o general_a assembly_n have_v hear_v the_o libel_n and_o complaint_n give_v in_o against_o the_o foresaid_n pretend_v bishop_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o sundry_a presbytery_n within_o their_o diocese_n and_o by_o the_o said_n presbytery_n refer_v to_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v try_v the_o saidâ—_n pretend_a bishop_n be_v lawful_o cite_v oftentimes_o call_v and_o not_o compear_v proceed_v to_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o complaint_n and_o libel_n against_o they_o and_o find_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o caution_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n anno_fw-la 1600._o for_o restrict_v of_o the_o minister_n voter_fw-mi in_o parliament_n from_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o be_v set_v down_o with_o certification_n of_o deposition_n infamy_n and_o excommunication_n and_o especial_o for_o receive_v consecration_n to_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n condemn_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o foundament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o usurp_a power_n and_o power_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n press_v the_o church_fw-mi with_o novation_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o refusal_n to_o underlye_v the_o trial_n of_o the_o reign_a slander_n of_o sundry_a other_o gross_a transgression_n and_o offence_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n therefore_o the_o assembly_n move_v with_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o purge_v of_o this_o church_fw-mi ordain_v the_o say_n pretend_v bishop_n to_o be_v depose_v and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v depose_v they_o not_o only_o of_o the_o office_n of_o commissionarie_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n council_n or_o convention_n in_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o also_o of_o all_o function_n whether_o of_o pretend_a episcopal_a or_o ministerial_a call_n and_o likewise_o in_o case_n they_o acknowledge_v not_o this_o assembly_n reverence_v not_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o sentence_n and_o make_v not_o their_o repentance_n conform_v to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o this_o assembly_n ordain_v they_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o these_o who_o christ_n command_v to_o be_v hold_v by_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a as_o ethnic_n and_o publican_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v pronounce_v upon_o their_o refusal_n in_o the_o kirk_n appoint_v by_o any_o of_o these_o who_o be_v particular_o name_v to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o try_v their_o repentance_n or_o impenitency_n
commissioner_n whereby_o his_o grace_n indevour_v to_o evince_v his_o conclusion_n that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o abjure_v by_o the_o council_n nor_o the_o covenant_n 1580._o which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o act_n of_o council_n and_o all_o reason_n that_o we_o be_v confident_a the_o same_o will_v make_v no_o impression_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o well_o affect_a christian_a as_o shall_v be_v evident_a by_o our_o follow_a answer_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n consideration_n after_o he_o have_v first_o expend_v these_o general_n declaration_n 1._o this_o declaration_n be_v only_o make_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n it_o and_o not_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n who_o shall_v be_v fit_a interpreter_n of_o their_o own_o act_n and_o who_o act_n shall_v be_v the_o ample_a expression_n of_o their_o meaning_n else_o act_n of_o council_n by_o possibility_n of_o admit_v the_o variable_a commentary_n of_o intention_n will_v loss_n all_o force_n &_o vigour_n in_o themselves_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o councillor_n have_v not_o only_o actual_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o religion_n &_o discipline_n establish_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o when_o episcopacy_n be_v condemn_v but_o likewise_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o because_o they_o have_v distinguish_v and_o oppose_v between_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v 1638._o mention_v in_o the_o proclamation_n and_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o mention_v in_o their_o act_n and_o by_o that_o opposition_n of_o now_o and_o then_o they_o reject_v the_o one_o and_o swear_v the_o other_o otherwise_o they_o need_v no_o declaration_n which_o notwithstanding_o accompany_v their_o subscription_n and_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o commissioner_n in_o the_o second_o line_n to_o be_v a_o act_n explain_v the_o confession_n for_o obedience_n whereof_o all_o those_o who_o have_v subscribe_v that_o covenant_n have_v do_v the_o same_o 2._o albeit_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o conceive_v any_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n now_o profess_v from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o wherewith_o his_o majesty_n can_v hardly_o be_v acquaint_v without_o peruse_v the_o record_n of_o assembly_n yet_o his_o majesty_n real_a intention_n be_v to_o maintain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o because_o his_o royal_a design_n by_o that_o commandment_n be_v to_o maintain_v true_a christian_a religion_n in_o purity_n whereunto_o episcopacy_n by_o this_o kirk_n be_v ever_o judge_v and_o condemn_v as_o prejudicial_a and_o to_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n complain_v of_o bygone_a innovation_n and_o apprehend_v great_a change_n which_o end_n be_v only_o obtain_v by_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o no_o wise_a by_o maintain_v the_o religion_n now_o present_o profess_v because_o the_o corruption_n now_o present_o receive_v in_o this_o kirk_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o just_a complaint_n as_o be_v god_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o foresay_a confession_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o 3._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o oath_n tender_v by_o the_o first_o framer_n of_o the_o confession_n they_o the_o whole_a kirk_n who_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v and_o explain_v the_o same_o and_o oath_n require_v to_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n the_o king_n majesty_n who_o as_o custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o a_o true_a apprehend_v son_n of_o the_o kirk_n aught_o to_o receive_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v subject_v to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o just_a and_o pious_a disposition_n will_v never_o take_v away_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o holy_a national_a oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n father_n of_o bless_a memory_n 1580._o and_o now_o late_o renew_v again_o &_o solemn_o swear_v by_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o intention_n repugnant_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o even_o as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o council_n do_v never_o import_v that_o his_o majesty_n be_v frame_v or_o administer_a any_o new_a confession_n or_o oath_n but_o only_o enjoin_v to_o renew_v the_o old_a confession_n 1580._o and_o therefore_o unquestionable_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o time_n four_o if_o there_o be_v any_o real_a opposition_n betwixt_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o the_o act_n of_o explanation_n make_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o council_n misinterpretation_n yet_o the_o last_o must_v be_v observe_v and_o prefer_v before_o the_o first_o because_o the_o first_o be_v his_o private_a will_n the_o second_o his_o public_a and_o judicial_a will_n et_fw-la posterior_n derogat_fw-la priori_fw-la publica_fw-la privatae_fw-la and_o albeit_o we_o do_v not_o now_o express_v that_o the_o council_n do_v subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o obedience_n to_o a_o mandat_fw-la where_o there_o be_v any_o contrariety_n repugnancy_n or_o ambiguity_n betwixt_o the_o mandat_fw-la and_o the_o confession_n itself_o which_o be_v command_v yet_o the_o council_n make_v a_o act_n that_o they_o do_v subscribe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v profess_v 1580._o and_o declare_v public_o that_o this_o be_v their_o own_o meaning_n both_o they_o and_o such_o of_o his_o majesty_n liedge_n who_o do_v subscribe_v in_o obedience_n of_o their_o charge_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v râ—m_fw-la juratam_fw-la and_o the_o real_a matter_n of_o the_o oath_n more_o than_o the_o mind_n and_o mandat_fw-la of_o the_o prescriver_n especial_o see_v it_o be_v no_o new_a confession_n but_o the_o renew_a confession_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o can_v be_v declare_v nor_o interpret_v by_o any_o but_o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o now_o upon_o unanswerable_a reason_n have_v clear_o find_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v then_o abolish_v and_o abjure_v it_o follow_v by_o good_a consequence_n that_o the_o council_n do_v both_o virtual_o and_o very_o swear_v yea_o intend_v to_o swear_v the_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v find_v by_o that_o confession_n 1580._o and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n then_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a government_n in_o this_o kirk_n of_o human_a invention_n want_v warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o this_o kirk_n so_o that_o any_o declaration_n in_o the_o contrare_fw-la hereof_o be_v protestatio_fw-la contraria_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o can_v be_v forceable_a to_o brangle_v the_o resolution_n of_o any_o judicious_a well_o affect_a christian_a if_o he_o will_v patient_o read_v and_o ponder_v without_o preoccupation_n these_o follow_a answer_n to_o the_o five_o reason_n insert_v in_o that_o declaration_n the_o first_o aleadge_v reason_n be_v this_o that_o his_o majesty_n can_v not_o command_v a_o oath_n absolute_o unlawful_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o swear_v against_o any_o thing_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n if_o the_o same_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o repeal_v by_o posteriour_a law_n reason_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o the_o king_n majesty_n by_o command_v his_o subject_n to_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n for_o maintane_v the_o doctrine_n &_o discipline_n profess_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o have_v command_v they_o to_o abjure_v whatsoever_o be_v find_v by_o the_o competent_a judge_n to_o be_v introduce_v since_o that_o time_n repugnant_a thereto_o albeit_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o time_n it_o be_v countenance_v with_o some_o law_n interveen_v second_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n and_o other_o subject_n have_v subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v 1580._o not_o only_o without_o any_o restriction_n of_o it_o to_o the_o present_a law_n but_o in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o what_o be_v present_o establish_v by_o return_v from_o the_o present_a corruption_n in_o the_o profession_n tanquam_fw-la termino_fw-la a_o quo_fw-la to_o the_o profession_n 1580._o tamquam_fw-la terminum_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la which_o a_o contrary_a great_a part_n of_o counsellor_n and_o other_o subject_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v their_o meaning_n three_o episcopacy_n be_v find_v by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o many_o assembly_n to_o be_v a_o office_n unwarrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a thereto_o so_o that_o the_o abjuration_n thereof_o in_o this_o kirk_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessare_fw-la four_o episcopacy_n be_v never_o false_a restore_v by_o any_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n nor_o these_o assembly_n wherein_o it_o be_v condemn_v repeal_v without_o the_o which_o the_o same_o can_v not_o
breed_v distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o his_o royal_a consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o country_n have_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_n article_n but_o also_o discharge_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o have_v free_v all_o his_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o contrary_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o content_v that_o the_o assembly_n take_v the_o same_o so_o far_o to_o their_o consideration_n as_o to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o next_o parliament_n there_o to_o be_v ratify_v as_o the_o estate_n shall_v find_v fit_v and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v that_o oath_n have_v be_v administrate_n different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v by_o i_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o any_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o careful_a his_o majesty_n be_v that_o no_o corruption_n nor_o innovation_n shall_v creep_v into_o this_o church_n neither_o yet_o any_o scandal_n vice_n or_o fault_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o censurable_a or_o punishable_a by_o the_o assembly_n go_v along_o unpunished_a his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o declare_v by_o i_o and_o assure_v all_o his_o good_a people_n that_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v so_o oft_o and_o all_o be_v oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o none_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v have_v cause_n of_o grievance_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o prelate_n his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v answerable_a and_o according_o from_o time_n to_o time_n censurable_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o to_o give_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a people_n full_a assurance_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v true_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o intention_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o same_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o good_a subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n former_o sign_v by_o his_o dear_a father_n in_o ann_n 1580._o and_o now_o also_o require_v all_o these_o of_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n will_n that_o this_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n to_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o his_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o declaration_n be_v by_o our_o special_a command_n and_o direction_n give_v in_o and_o subscribe_v by_o our_o commissioner_n upon_o protestation_n make_v by_o he_o that_o his_o assent_v to_o the_o registration_n hereof_o shall_v be_v no_o approbation_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o act_n or_o deed_n do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v therein_o and_o find_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n no_o way_n to_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o contentment_n except_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o overthrow_v all_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o to_o abrogate_v our_o public_a law_n stand_v in_o vigour_n by_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n bygone_a and_o to_o alter_v the_o fundamental_a government_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n contrary_a to_o express_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o meeting_n may_v have_v produce_v other_o the_o like_o dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n we_o be_v force_v for_o preven_v thereof_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n abovementioned_a and_o divers_a other_o import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n to_o dissolve_v and_o break_v up_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n and_o to_o discharge_v they_o of_o all_o far_a meeting_n treat_v and_o conclude_v any_o thing_n therein_o and_o yet_o in_o that_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a way_n as_o our_o commissioner_n before_o his_o remove_n desire_v their_o pretend_a moderator_n for_o that_o time_n to_o have_v say_v prayer_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o day_n session_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v have_v time_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o his_o refuse_v to_o assist_v or_o be_v any_o long_o present_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n &_o of_o the_o cause_n move_v we_o to_o the_o dissolve_v thereof_o and_o notwithstanding_o his_o earnest_n urge_v the_o same_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o return_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o hear_v their_o answer_n in_o place_n of_o all_o other_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o so_o reasonable_a and_o moderate_a desire_n it_o be_v refuse_v and_o meet_v with_o a_o protestation_n of_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a strain_n thereby_o presume_v to_o cyte_v and_o call_v our_o council_n in_o question_n for_o their_o dutiful_a assistance_n and_o obedience_n to_o we_o and_o our_o commissioner_n and_o find_v their_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o increase_v we_o be_v constrain_v to_o discharge_v they_o of_o new_a again_o the_o next_o day_n thereafter_o by_o public_a proclamation_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o albeit_o that_o their_o contumacy_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o former_a time_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o move_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o least_o point_n or_o article_n of_o that_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v by_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n under_o our_o commissioner_n hand_n all_o which_o be_v public_o read_v and_o by_o our_o commissioner_n require_v to_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n therein_o to_o remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o our_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o our_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o perceive_v likewise_o that_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n they_o go_v still_o on_o to_o convene_v meet_v and_o to_o make_v illegal_a and_o unwarrantable_a act_n we_o have_v conceive_v it_o fit_v to_o forewarn_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o danger_n that_o they_o may_v incur_v by_o be_v ensnare_v by_o these_o their_o unlawful_a procedure_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v not_o only_o liberate_v and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o pretend_a act_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n or_o committee_n direct_v therefrom_o but_o do_v also_o free_v they_o from_o all_o pain_n and_o censure_v which_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v discharge_v and_o prohibit_v all_o our_o subject_n that_o they_o nor_o none_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v nor_o give_v obedience_n to_o any_o pretend_a act_n nor_o constitution_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a meeting_n under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o we_o command_v charge_n and_o inhibit_v all_o presbytery_n session_n of_o kirkes_n minister_n within_o this_o realm_n that_o none_o of_o they_o presume_v nor_o take_v upon_o hand_n private_o nor_o public_o in_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n nor_o in_o their_o conference_n sermon_n nor_o no_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o authorise_v approve_v justify_v or_o allow_v the_o say_v unlawful_a meeting_n or_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n neither_o yet_o to_o make_v any_o act_n thereupon_o nor_o to_o do_v any_o other_o thing_n private_a or_o public_a which_o may_v seem_v to_o countenance_v the_o say_v unlawful_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v repute_n hold_v and_o esteem_v and_o pursue_v as_o guilty_a of_o their_o unlawful_a meeting_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v therefore_o with_o all_o rigour_n and_o siclike_o we_o command_v all_o and_o
not_o as_o our_o friend_n but_o as_o our_o foe_n not_o protestant_n but_o the_o most_o rigid_a of_o papist_n jesuit_n and_o so_o be_v without_o in_o this_o point_n not_o bring_v any_o scandal_n upon_o we_o who_o be_v within_o especial_o consider_v that_o though_o these_o man_n have_v go_v about_o to_o wound_v the_o reform_a religion_n through_o our_o side_n and_o by_o oppose_v we_o who_o god_n have_v honour_v with_o this_o special_a favour_n for_o no_o less_o we_o account_v it_o of_o be_v the_o chief_a prince_n who_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o the_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o it_o though_o we_o say_v these_o man_n have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o weaken_v this_o our_o religion_n by_o strike_v at_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o principal_a prop_n and_o stay_v of_o it_o upon_o earth_n under_o god_n yet_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v full_o resolve_v to_o wipe_v away_o that_o aspersion_n and_o remove_v that_o scandal_n from_o our_o profession_n and_o religion_n by_o our_o constant_a not_o only_a adherence_n to_o it_o but_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o uttermost_a of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o our_o hand_n notwithstanding_o all_o those_o scandal_n which_o these_o man_n by_o their_o wicked_a practice_n and_o worse_a position_n have_v lay_v upon_o it_o second_o we_o hope_v that_o all_o man_n will_v do_v we_o so_o much_o right_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o course_n we_o shall_v hereafter_o take_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o repress_v the_o insolence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o subject_n as_o do_v oppose_v it_o and_o we_o in_o the_o just_a and_o undoubted_a right_n of_o our_o regality_n while_o they_o pretend_v religion_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o way_n of_o a_o war_n but_o by_o way_n of_o a_o prince_n the_o father_n of_o his_o country_n his_o chastise_v his_o unruly_a child_n which_o be_v never_o in_o anger_n but_o in_o love_n and_o for_o their_o good_a and_o if_o by_o their_o stubbornness_n they_o shall_v force_v we_o to_o a_o severity_n unpleasing_a to_o we_o and_o unwelcome_a to_o they_o we_o call_v he_o by_o who_o we_o reign_v to_o witness_v and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o world_n to_o record_v that_o they_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n do_v unsheathe_v our_o just_a sword_n which_o we_o can_v but_o use_v as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o will_v betray_v that_o trust_n which_o the_o king_n of_o king_n have_v repose_v in_o we_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n among_o all_o his_o people_n who_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o that_o for_o their_o resist_v he_o and_o we_o his_o anoint_v servant_n and_o their_o sovereign_n he_o will_v have_v some_o of_o their_o bad_a blood_n shed_v we_o shall_v ever_o make_v account_n that_o that_o blood_n be_v let_v out_o of_o our_o own_o vein_n nor_o shall_v we_o draw_v any_o drop_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o case_n than_o a_o faithful_a physician_n will_v and_o must_v do_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n that_o religion_n be_v only_o pretend_a and_o use_v by_o they_o as_o a_o cloak_n to_o palliate_v their_o intend_a rebellion_n be_v demonstrative_a by_o this_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o this_o sedition_n be_v sow_v by_o the_o plotter_n of_o their_o covenant_n make_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o grievance_n or_o pretend_a innovation_n in_o religion_n complain_v of_o by_o they_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o among_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o some_o year_n after_o our_o come_n to_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o advice_n both_o of_o some_o of_o our_o principal_a councillor_n and_o officer_n of_o state_n there_o as_o also_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o learnede_a advocate_n and_o counsellor_n at_o law_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o many_o of_o our_o royal_a progenitor_n of_o happy_a memory_n king_n and_o queen_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n we_o do_v make_v a_o legal_a revocation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v pass_v away_o in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o crown_n especial_o by_o some_o of_o our_o late_a royal_a progenitor_n in_o their_o minority_n a_o course_n warrant_v by_o the_o law_n and_o many_o year_n practice_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n with_o this_o course_n some_o of_o the_o principal_a contriver_n of_o this_o their_o present_a covenant_n find_v themselves_o much_o aggrieve_v and_o much_o of_o their_o estate_n bring_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o danger_n of_o our_o law_n which_o make_v they_o present_o begin_v to_o grumble_v and_o repine_v and_o private_o as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v and_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o work_v underhand_o in_o our_o subject_n mind_n a_o distaste_n of_o our_o government_n which_o we_o make_v account_v we_o have_v quick_o rectify_v by_o show_v to_o all_o our_o subject_n interest_v in_o that_o revocation_n our_o gracious_a clemency_n in_o wave_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o our_o law_n give_v we_o in_o many_o of_o their_o estate_n so_o that_o after_o we_o have_v make_v it_o apparent_a to_o our_o subject_n how_o obnoxious_a many_o of_o they_o and_o their_o estate_n be_v unto_o we_o and_o our_o law_n we_o likewise_o do_v make_v as_o apparent_a unto_o they_o our_o singular_a grace_n and_o goodness_n by_o remit_v not_o only_o the_o rigour_n but_o even_o the_o equity_n of_o our_o law_n insomuch_o that_o none_o of_o all_o our_o subject_n can_v then_o or_o can_v now_o say_v that_o they_o be_v damnify_v in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n by_o that_o our_o revocation_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o ensue_v upon_o it_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o principal_a present_a malcontent_n do_v then_o begin_v to_o persuade_v with_o such_o as_o they_o think_v they_o may_v be_v bold_a with_o a_o disaffection_n to_o our_o government_n and_o not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v easy_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o the_o old_a and_o usual_a pretence_n of_o discontent_n viz._n religion_n by_o a_o strain_a and_o farre-fetched_n inference_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o lay_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o procure_v that_o harmless_a revocation_n by_o which_o no_o man_n suffer_v upon_o the_o present_a prelate_n who_o in_o this_o be_v as_o innocent_a as_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v only_o because_o they_o hope_v that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o churchman_n or_o religious_a person_n shall_v in_o the_o point_n of_o faction_n have_v that_o operation_n with_o their_o follower_n which_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n or_o religion_n itself_o may_v have_v have_v if_o they_o can_v have_v see_v how_o to_o have_v persuade_v they_o that_o by_o this_o revocation_n either_o of_o they_o have_v be_v endanger_v a_o second_o symptom_n of_o their_o discontent_n appear_v not_o long_o after_o this_o upon_o this_o occasion_n we_o have_v daily_o hear_v the_o grievous_a complaint_n of_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n of_o all_o sort_n especial_o of_o the_o gentry_n and_o their_o farmer_n who_o pay_v their_o tithe_n to_o the_o nobility_n or_o such_o other_o who_o they_o in_o that_o kingdom_n call_v lord_n of_o the_o erection_n or_o laicke_a patron_n here_o in_o england_n we_o call_v impropriator_n how_o that_o in_o the_o lead_n or_o gather_v of_o their_o tithe_n these_o lord_n and_o laicke_a patron_n do_v use_v and_o practice_v the_o uttermost_a of_o that_o severity_n which_o the_o law_n allow_v they_o how_o they_o will_v not_o gather_v their_o tithe_n when_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o corn_n desire_v they_o but_o when_o it_o please_v themselves_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o owner_n by_o the_o unseasonablenesse_n of_o the_o weather_n be_v many_o time_n damnify_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o whole_a stock_n or_o most_o part_n of_o it_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o that_o point_n so_o strict_a as_o no_o owner_n may_v carry_v away_o his_o nine_o part_n or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o until_o the_o proprietary_n of_o the_o tithe_n have_v set_v out_o his_o ten_o part_n as_o likewise_o understand_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n in_o the_o point_n of_o maintenance_n how_o that_o they_o receive_v no_o tithe_n in_o their_o parish_n but_o some_o poor_a pittance_n either_o by_o way_n of_o a_o stipendiarie_n benevolence_n or_o else_o some_o mean_a allowance_n from_o these_o lord_n of_o erection_n or_o laic_a patron_n unworthy_a of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o contempt_n and_o a_o base_a dependence_n upon_o their_o patron_n we_o at_o the_o instance_n and_o humble_a petition_n not_o of_o a_o few_o but_o of_o the_o whole_a clergy_n and_o with_o they_o of_o the_o whole_a payer_n
form_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n then_o for_o any_o use_n or_o necessity_n of_o it_o all_o the_o former_a law_n still_o stand_v in_o force_n and_o vigour_n without_o the_o need_n of_o any_o new_a ratification_n at_o this_o time_n many_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o great_a quality_n be_v suitor_n to_o we_o for_o new_a title_n of_o honour_n gentleman_n to_o be_v lord_n lord_n to_o be_v earl_n impossible_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o satisfy_v all_o suitor_n in_o that_o kind_n without_o the_o prostitution_n of_o honour_n to_o a_o just_a and_o open_a contempt_n and_o therefore_o be_v put_v upon_o a_o choice_n and_o selection_n we_o hold_v it_o fit_a in_o the_o point_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o justice_n to_o pass_v by_o such_o as_o both_o private_o in_o their_o secret_a meeting_n and_o open_o in_o the_o parliament_n house_n have_v show_v their_o disrepect_n to_o we_o and_o our_o just_a proceed_n than_o those_o who_o have_v carry_v themselves_o not_o only_o loyal_o and_o dutiful_o but_o affectionate_o and_o hearty_o to_o we_o and_o our_o service_n upon_o this_o occasion_n many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v then_o pass_v by_o and_o be_v now_o principal_a covenanter_n see_v other_o advance_a to_o degree_n of_o honour_n above_o themselves_o begin_v then_o present_o to_o mutter_v but_o not_o to_o mutiny_v until_o we_o be_v go_v from_o thence_o but_o scarce_o be_v we_o well_o return_v into_o england_n when_o the_o discontent_n of_o these_o man_n resolve_v itself_o into_o a_o plain_a sedition_n for_o than_o they_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o give_v it_o out_o that_o voice_n be_v buy_v and_o pack_v in_o the_o late_a parliament_n nay_o that_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o true_o number_v but_o that_o some_o act_n be_v pass_v without_o plurality_n of_o suffrage_n a_o calumny_n so_o foul_a and_o black_a as_o that_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a for_o have_v there_o be_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o they_o may_v have_v make_v trial_n thereof_o by_o survey_v their_o own_o paper_n and_o the_o paper_n of_o many_o hundred_o present_a who_o take_v note_n of_o the_o number_n of_o voice_n which_o be_v give_v either_o by_o assent_v to_o or_o disassent_v from_o the_o several_a act_n read_v and_o propose_v by_o which_o paper_n if_o they_o have_v find_v but_o the_o weak_a ground_n for_o this_o their_o strong_a but_o false_a report_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o either_o their_o mercy_n or_o modesty_n be_v such_o that_o they_o will_v have_v forbear_v the_o call_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o our_o register_n in_o question_n for_o it_o it_o be_v as_o our_o chancellor_n office_n to_o ask_v the_o voice_n so_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n office_n to_o take_v they_o and_o record_v they_o and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o clerk_n note_n who_o assist_v he_o to_o pronounce_v the_o act_n pass_v or_o stop_v in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v deal_v but_o with_o sincerity_n for_o else_o the_o note_n take_v by_o most_o of_o the_o auditor_n be_v a_o present_a and_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o his_o false_a deal_n must_v present_o transmit_v he_o to_o high_a censure_n and_o punishment_n but_o know_v that_o in_o a_o public_a and_o judicial_a way_n they_o must_v needs_o fail_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o this_o calumny_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o secret_a and_o seditious_a way_n of_o malcontent_n for_o first_o they_o use_v clancularie_a surmise_n than_o they_o send_v about_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n a_o clandestine_v infamous_a libel_n and_o by_o it_o they_o empoison_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o our_o good_a subject_n with_o a_o suspicion_n of_o obliquity_n in_o our_o proceed_n at_o the_o late_a parliament_n this_o infamous_a libel_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n there_o first_o they_o of_o themselves_o than_o afterward_o have_v make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o it_o by_o our_o commandment_n enter_v into_o a_o inquiry_n both_o of_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o that_o seditious_a libel_n who_o find_v that_o the_o author_n upon_o who_o it_o be_v shift_v and_o father_v be_v one_o hag_n then_o and_o still_o fugitive_a but_o that_o the_o abetter_n countenancer_n and_o disperser_n of_o it_o be_v many_o and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a quality_n and_o now_o principal_a covenanter_n we_o out_o of_o our_o innate_a and_o usual_a clemency_n be_v gracious_o please_v that_o the_o fear_n and_o example_n may_v reach_v to_o all_o but_o the_o punishment_n only_o to_o one_o of_o they_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o who_o undoubted_o have_v be_v conclude_v and_o involve_v by_o our_o law_n in_o the_o same_o sentence_n if_o we_o have_v proceed_v against_o they_o and_o to_o single_a out_o one_o of_o that_o rank_n who_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o we_o and_o our_o crown_n and_o therefore_o both_o for_o his_o ingratitude_n and_o crime_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o but_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o law_n this_o one_o be_v the_o lord_n balmerino_n his_o father_n be_v principal_a secretary_n of_o state_n for_o that_o our_o kingdom_n to_o our_o father_n of_o happy_a memory_n to_o who_o he_o be_v beholden_a both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o barony_n and_o for_o his_o whole_a fortune_n and_o estate_n which_o he_o get_v in_o his_o service_n but_o he_o be_v since_o our_o royal_a father_n his_o come_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n arraign_v for_o and_o attaint_v of_o high_a treason_n in_o scotland_n find_v guilty_a of_o it_o by_o his_o peer_n and_o according_o receive_v sentence_n to_o be_v hang_v draw_v and_o quarter_v his_o blood_n taint_v his_o whole_a estate_n forfeit_v to_o the_o crown_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o gracious_a clemency_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n that_o he_o only_o for_o a_o little_a time_n continue_v this_o condemn_v and_o forfeit_v lord_n in_o prison_n afterward_o confine_v he_o but_o to_o a_o large_a circuit_n and_o then_o restore_v not_o only_o the_o blood_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n but_o also_o their_o honour_n and_o whole_a estate_n now_o this_o present_a lord_n balmerino_n be_v so_o extraordinary_o oblige_v to_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o our_o crown_n for_o the_o life_n of_o his_o father_n his_o own_o honour_n and_o whole_a fortune_n and_o so_o be_v one_o from_o who_o we_o the_o son_n of_o that_o royal_a and_o gracious_a father_n to_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a family_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v perfidiousness_n and_o ingratitude_n he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o favour_n from_o we_o but_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a trial_n which_o we_o grant_v he_o at_o that_o trial_n and_o arraignment_n he_o be_v by_o his_o peer_n find_v guilty_a of_o abet_v and_o disperse_v that_o infamous_a libel_n make_v against_o we_o and_o according_o be_v to_o receive_v sentence_n of_o death_n for_o it_o which_o our_o chief_a justice_n respite_v only_o until_o our_o pleasure_n may_v be_v know_v then_o indeed_o they_o who_o afterward_o prove_v the_o contriver_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o their_o adherent_n begin_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o hard_a measure_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o this_o lord_n and_o to_o lay_v false_a and_o wicked_a aspersion_n upon_o his_o peer_n who_o find_v he_o guilty_a but_o find_v that_o all_o the_o proceed_n be_v usual_a and_o legal_a they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v acquit_v the_o judge_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v condemn_v he_o nor_o can_v they_o have_v find_v the_o least_o blemish_n in_o our_o justice_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v give_v warrant_n both_o for_o his_o sentence_n and_o execution_n who_o life_n be_v now_o legal_o devolve_v into_o our_o hand_n and_o therefore_o this_o convict_a lord_n betake_v himself_o only_o to_o our_o mercy_n which_o we_o show_v to_o he_o in_o that_o height_n as_o we_o be_v confident_a it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v pattern_v by_o any_o precedent_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o head_n of_o this_o family_n which_o be_v first_o raise_v by_o our_o father_n and_o then_o be_v fall_v yet_o raise_v by_o he_o again_o and_o now_o relapse_v be_v once_o again_o bring_v under_o our_o axe_n as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o bring_v under_o the_o axe_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n we_o desirous_a to_o show_v ourself_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o none_o of_o our_o bless_a father_n virtue_n more_o than_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o clemency_n be_v content_v upon_o his_o deep_a protestation_n of_o loyalty_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o grant_v he_o under_o our_o great_a seal_n for_o that_o our_o kingdom_n not_o only_o a_o pardon_n of_o that_o crime_n of_o which_o he_o stand_v convict_v but_o also_o his_o full_a liberty_n and_o enlargement_n which_o gracious_a pardon_n of_o we_o when_o
their_o protestation_n against_o our_o proclamation_n as_o if_o both_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o if_o this_o now_o be_v not_o a_o high_a act_n of_o rebellion_n then_o either_o the_o first_o tumult_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n against_o which_o they_o so_o much_o declame_v or_o the_o second_o insurrection_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o they_o so_o much_o disclaim_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v the_o copy_n both_o of_o our_o proclamation_n and_o their_o protestation_n we_o have_v here_o insert_v that_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o may_v see_v that_o we_o wrong_v not_o the_o truth_n charles_n by_o the_o grace_n god_n king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n to_o our_o lovit_n etc._n etc._n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o out_o of_o our_o princely_a care_n of_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o profess_v and_o for_o beat_v down_o of_o all_o superstition_n have_v ordain_v a_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n to_o be_v compile_v for_o the_o general_a use_n and_o edification_n of_o our_o subject_n within_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n the_o same_o be_v according_o do_v in_o the_o perform_n whereof_o we_o take_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n so_o as_o nothing_o past_o therein_o but_o what_o be_v see_v and_o approve_v by_o we_o before_o the_o same_o be_v either_o divulge_v or_o print_v assure_v all_o our_o love_a subject_n that_o not_o only_o our_o intention_n be_v but_o even_o the_o very_a book_n will_v be_v a_o ready_a mean_n to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n already_o profess_v and_o beat_v out_o all_o superstition_n of_o which_o we_o in_o our_o own_o time_n do_v not_o doubt_v but_o in_o a_o fair_a course_n to_o satisfy_v our_o good_a subject_n but_o have_v see_v and_o consider_v some_o petition_n and_o declaration_n give_v in_o to_o our_o council_n against_o the_o say_a book_n and_o late_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v our_o royal_a authority_n much_o injure_v thereby_o both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o in_o the_o carriage_n thereof_o whereby_o we_o conceive_v these_o of_o our_o nobility_n gentry_n burrough_n minister_n and_o other_o who_o keep_v and_o assist_v these_o meeting_n and_o convocation_n for_o contrive_v and_o form_v the_o say_a petition_n or_o who_o have_v subscribe_v the_o same_o to_o deserve_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o our_o high_a censure_n both_o in_o their_o person_n and_o fortune_n as_o have_v convene_v themselves_o without_o either_o our_o consent_n or_o authority_n yet_o because_o we_o believe_v that_o what_o they_o have_v do_v herein_o be_v out_o of_o a_o preposterous_a zeal_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o disloyalty_n or_o disaffection_n to_o sovereignty_n we_o be_v gracious_o please_v in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v these_o meeting_n for_o consult_v or_o subscribe_v of_o these_o petition_n or_o present_v the_o same_o to_o any_o judge_n or_o judge_n in_o our_o say_a kingdom_n to_o dispense_v therewith_o and_o with_o what_o may_v be_v their_o fault_n or_o error_n therein_o to_o all_o such_o as_o upon_o signification_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o pleasure_n shall_v retire_v themselves_o as_o become_v good_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n to_o which_o purpose_n our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o charge_v you_o straight_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o in_o our_o name_n and_o authority_n make_v intimation_n hereof_o to_o all_o our_o have_v and_o subject_n by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o all_o place_n needful_a wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n thereof_o and_o therewith_o also_o that_o you_o in_o our_o name_n and_o authority_n discharge_v all_o such_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o also_o that_o you_o command_v and_o charge_n and_o inhibit_v all_o our_o have_v and_o subject_n that_o none_o of_o they_o presume_v nor_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o resort_v nor_o repair_v to_o our_o burgh_n of_o sterling_n nor_o to_o no_o other_o burgh_n where_o our_o council_n and_o session_n sit_v till_o first_o they_o declare_v their_o cause_n of_o come_v to_o our_o council_n and_o procure_v their_o warrant_n to_o that_o effect_n and_o further_o that_o you_o command_v and_o charge_n all_o and_o sundry_a provost_n bailiff_n and_o magistrate_n within_o burgh_n that_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v a_o special_a care_n and_o regard_n to_o see_v this_o our_o royal_a will_n and_o pleasure_n real_o and_o dutiful_o obey_v in_o all_o point_n and_o that_o no_o violation_n thereof_o be_v suffer_v within_o their_o bound_n under_o all_o high_a pain_n crime_n and_o offence_n that_o they_o may_v commit_v against_o we_o in_o that_o behalf_n as_o also_o that_o you_o command_v and_o charge_n all_o and_o sundry_a nobleman_n baron_n minister_n and_o burrowes_n who_o be_v not_o actual_a indweller_n within_o this_o our_o burgh_n and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n and_o session_n and_o member_n thereof_o and_o be_v already_o within_o this_o our_o burgh_n that_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o remove_v themselves_o and_o depart_v and_o pass_v forth_o of_o our_o say_a burgh_n and_o return_v not_o again_o without_o the_o warrant_v aforesaid_a within_o six_o hour_n after_o the_o publication_n hereof_o under_o the_o say_a pain_n of_o treason_n and_o as_o concern_v any_o petition_n that_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o we_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o subject_n we_o be_v likewise_o please_v to_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v not_o shut_v our_o ear_n therefrom_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o matter_n nor_o form_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o regal_a authority_n the_o which_o to_o do_v we_o commit_v to_o you_o conjunct_o and_o several_o our_o full_a power_n by_o these_o our_o letter_n deliver_v the_o same_o by_o you_o due_o execute_v and_o endorse_v again_o to_o the_o bearer_n give_v under_o our_o signet_n at_o sterling_a the_o nineteen_o day_n of_o february_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o thirteen_o year_n 1638._o per_fw-la actum_fw-la secreti_fw-la concilii_fw-la here_o follow_v their_o protestation_n for_o god_n and_o the_o king_n we_o nobleman_n baron_n minister_n burrowes_n appoint_v to_o attend_v his_o majesty_n answer_n to_o our_o humble_a petition_n and_o complaint_n and_o to_o prefer_v new_a grievance_n and_o to_o do_v what_o else_o may_v lawful_o conduce_v to_o our_o humble_a desire_n that_o whereupon_o the_o 23._o of_o september_n last_o we_o present_v a_o supplication_n to_o your_o lordship_n and_o another_o upon_o the_o 18._o of_o october_n last_o and_o also_o a_o new_a bill_n relative_a to_o the_o former_a upon_o the_o 19_o of_o december_n last_o and_o do_v therein_o humble_o remonstrate_v our_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o also_o against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o the_o contriver_n maintainer_n and_o urger_n thereof_o and_o against_o their_o sit_v as_o our_o judge_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v decide_v earnest_o supplicate_v withal_o to_o be_v free_v and_o deliver_v from_o these_o and_o all_o other_o innovation_n of_o that_o kind_n introduce_v against_o the_o laudable_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o that_o of_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o other_o evil_n particular_o mention_v and_o general_o contain_v in_o our_o foresay_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n and_o that_o this_o our_o party_n delinquent_a against_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n may_v be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o these_o press_a grievance_n may_v be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o redress_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o by_o our_o say_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n more_o large_o do_v appear_v with_o the_o which_o on_o the_o 19_o of_o december_n last_o we_o give_v in_o a_o declinator_n against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n as_o our_o party_n who_o by_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v our_o judge_n whereupon_o your_o lordship_n declare_v by_o your_o act_n at_o dalkeith_n the_o say_v 19_o of_o december_n that_o you_o will_v present_v our_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n royal_a consideration_n and_o that_o without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o declinator_n give_v in_o by_o we_o the_o say_v supplicant_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v be_v hear_v at_o place_n and_o time_n convenient_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n as_o the_o say_a act_n in_o itself_o bear_v and_o whereas_o we_o your_o lordship_n supplicant_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o hope_v also_o ground_v on_o sundry_a promise_n be_v expect_v a_o answer_n to_o these_o our_o humble_a desire_n and_o have_v learn_v that_o upon_o some_o direction_n of_o his_o majesty_n anent_o our_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n unto_o your_o
act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o act._n 160._o parl._n 13._o k._n james_n 6._o ratify_v by_o act._n 4._o k._n charles_n so_o that_o act._n 6._o parl._n 1._o and_o act._n 68_o parl._n 6._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1579._o declare_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v raise_v up_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v then_o offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirke_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v present_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o decerne_v and_o declare_v all_o and_o sundry_a who_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n receive_v and_o approve_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o specify_v also_o in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o ratify_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n more_o particular_o do_v specify_v or_o that_o refuse_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v then_o ministrate_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o subsequent_a act._n 69._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o face_n of_o kirk_n nor_o other_o face_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v present_o at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n which_o therefore_o be_v ever_o style_v god_n true_a religion_n christ_n true_a religion_n the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a religion_n which_o by_o manifold_a act_n of_o parliament_n all_o within_o this_o realm_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v to_o subscribe_v the_o article_n thereof_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o recant_v all_o doctrine_n and_o error_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a article_n act._n 4._o and_o 9_o parl._n 1_o act._n 45.46.47_o parl._n 3_o act._n 71._o parl._n 6._o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o act._n 194._o and_o 197._o parl._n 14._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o all_o magistrate_n sheriff_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o one_o part_n be_v ordain_v to_o search_v apprehend_v and_o punish_v all_o contraviner_n for_o instance_n act._n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o act._n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n licence_n on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o way_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o papist_n and_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n act._n 106._o par._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o on_o the_o other_o part_n in_o the_o 47._o act._n parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v see_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o his_o highness_n authority_n be_v so_o join_v as_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o who_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o confession_n and_o make_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o that_o they_o who_o after_o defection_n shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o continue_v therein_o in_o time_n come_v to_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o at_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o fortify_v assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n against_o whatsoever_o enemy_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o against_o all_o such_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n estate_n or_o degree_n they_o be_v of_o that_o have_v join_v and_o bind_v themselves_o or_o have_v assist_v or_o assist_v to_o set_v forward_o and_o execute_v the_o cruel_a decree_n of_o trent_n contrary_a to_o the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v repeat_v word_n by_o word_n in_o the_o article_n of_o pacification_n at_o pearth_n the_o 23_o of_o february_n 1572._o approve_v by_o parliament_n the_o last_o of_o april_n 1573._o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1578._o and_o relate_v act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o with_o this_o addition_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o resist_v all_o treasonable_a uproar_n and_o hostility_n raise_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n majesty_n &_o the_o true_a professor_n like_a as_o all_o have_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o k._n majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o neither_o any_o law_n or_o lawful_a judicatory_n can_v be_v establish_v act._n 130._o act._n 131._o par._n 8._o k._n ja_n 6._o &_o the_o subject_n liberty_n who_o ought_v only_o to_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o king_n law_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n allanerly_a act._n 48._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 1_o act._n 79._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 4_o repeat_v in_o act._n 131._o parl._n 8._o k._n james_n 6._o which_o if_o they_o be_v innovate_v or_o prejudge_v the_o commission_n anent_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o the_o 17._o parl._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v such_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v as_o this_o realm_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o free_a monarchy_n because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n ancient_a privilege_n office_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n not_o only_o the_o princely_a authority_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a descent_n have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n maintain_v but_o also_o the_o people_n security_n of_o their_o land_n live_n right_n office_n liberty_n &_o dignity_n preserve_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v statute_n by_o act._n 8._o parl._n 1._o repeat_v in_o act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o ratify_v in_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o and_o 114._o act._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o 4._o act._n of_o k._n charles_n that_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o coronation_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o princely_a authority_n shall_v make_v their_o faithful_a promise_n by_o their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n that_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v serve_v the_o same_o eternal_a god_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n according_a as_o he_o have_v require_v in_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o precede_v and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v rule_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o foresay_a word_n and_o according_a to_o the_o lowable_a law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v in_o this_o realm_n no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a will_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o shall_v procure_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whole_a christian_a people_n true_a and_o perfect_a peace_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresay_a crime_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o his_o majesty_n at_o his_o coronation_n in_o edinburgh_n 1633._o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o coronation_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n
and_o college_n in_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n shall_v weigh_v down_o the_o groundless_a opinion_n of_o their_o table_n consist_v of_o nobleman_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o tradesman_n but_o leave_v the_o many_o unanswerable_a reason_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v against_o this_o their_o covenant_n we_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v three_o thing_n which_o appear_v at_o the_o very_a first_o come_v out_o of_o it_o first_o how_o in_o it_o they_o swell_v far_o above_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v complain_v of_o either_o in_o their_o tumult_n or_o petition_n in_o their_o tumult_n they_o complain_v only_o of_o the_o service_n book_n in_o their_o petition_n exhibit_v to_o our_o council_n and_o send_v up_o to_o we_o they_o complain_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n more_o of_o their_o grievance_n then_o we_o know_v not_o now_o in_o this_o their_o covenant_n beside_o these_o two_o they_o complain_v of_o and_o do_v abjure_v as_o they_o make_v their_o adherent_n believe_v the_o five_o article_n of_o pearth_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o act_n first_o of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o then_o of_o parliament_n then_o they_o complain_v of_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o year_n 1609._o have_v be_v quiet_o establish_v and_o in_o practice_n among_o they_o then_o they_o complain_v of_o prelate_n sit_v in_o civil_a judicatories_n a_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o wonder_n at_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o ourself_o who_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v rob_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o our_o counsel_n and_o affair_n of_o state_n as_o if_o holy_a order_n do_v superinduce_v a_o dissabilitie_n for_o civil_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n but_o especial_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o because_o by_o this_o strange_a conceit_n they_o contradict_v more_o than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o their_o own_o false_a and_o prodigious_a opinion_n for_o what_o incongruitie_n can_v they_o find_v in_o it_o for_o a_o bishop_n to_o sit_v at_o our_o council_n table_n where_o many_o cause_n be_v hear_v in_o which_o religion_n be_v concern_v or_o in_o our_o session_n where_o many_o churchman_n have_v trial_n for_o their_o maintenance_n when_o they_o themselves_o hold_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a and_o that_o even_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la that_o nobleman_n gentleman_n merchant_n tailor_n saddler_n shoemaker_n and_o other_o of_o most_o mechanical_a trade_n shall_v sit_v and_o give_v sentence_n in_o parochial_a session_n and_o in_o presbytery_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o those_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n even_o the_o last_o and_o supreme_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n excommunication_n and_o deprive_v of_o minister_n nay_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v sentence_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n a_o judicatorie_a which_o now_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v above_o our_o session_n council_n or_o parliament_n for_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n may_v in_o many_o case_n disannul_v and_o derogate_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o other_o three_o where_o they_o do_v assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o determine_v all_o question_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la cultu_fw-la &_o disciplina_fw-la of_o faith_n worship_n or_o discipline_n and_o in_o which_o of_o late_o they_o do_v assume_v to_o themselves_o power_n to_o determine_v and_o according_a to_o their_o weak_a and_o poor_a power_n do_v determine_v controversy_n concern_v predestination_n universal_a grace_n irresistibilitie_n of_o grace_n concurrence_n of_o freewill_n with_o grace_n total_a or_o final_a fall_n from_o grace_n and_o other_o such_o like_a intricate_a point_n as_o some_o man_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o live_v so_o long_o until_o they_o can_v make_v they_o understand_v they_o second_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v with_o what_o affection_n this_o their_o covenant_n be_v receive_v abroad_o both_o by_o protestant_n and_o papist_n at_o the_o very_a first_o publish_n of_o it_o by_o papist_n it_o be_v receive_v with_o infinite_a joy_n as_o hope_v that_o now_o the_o time_n be_v come_v in_o which_o both_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o abhor_v and_o detest_v that_o religion_n who_o profess_v zelots_n have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o unsufferable_a covenant_n which_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o monarchy_n which_o appear_v to_o we_o most_o evident_o by_o the_o advertisement_n which_o then_o be_v send_v up_o to_o we_o from_o some_o of_o our_o council_n of_o that_o kingdom_n that_o the_o sudden_a and_o frequent_a arrival_n of_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n from_o douai_n and_o other_o seminary_n beyond_o the_o sea_n be_v so_o great_a in_o hope_n of_o their_o welcome_n to_o we_o because_o of_o this_o seditious_a covenant_n that_o unless_o some_o speedy_a order_n be_v take_v for_o their_o present_a discouragement_n and_o send_v back_o the_o evil_n may_v quick_o pass_v remedy_n which_o move_v we_o notwithstanding_o these_o present_a broil_n to_o take_v present_a order_n for_o such_o proceed_n against_o they_o as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v with_o protestant_n abroad_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o most_o offensive_a scandal_n and_o infinite_a grief_n which_o appear_v unto_o we_o by_o advertisement_n from_o some_o of_o our_o public_a minister_n abroad_o who_o certify_v we_o that_o both_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o of_o their_o consistory_n at_o charenton_n and_o of_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n as_o also_o the_o professor_n minister_n and_o consistory_n of_o geneva_n and_o of_o other_o neighbour_a reform_a church_n in_o those_o part_n be_v so_o scandalize_v with_o this_o prodigious_a covenant_n as_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o it_o will_v bring_v a_o indelible_a scandal_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o christendom_n from_o ever_o entertain_v a_o good_a thought_n of_o their_o religion_n of_o what_o condition_n then_o and_o fearful_a consequence_n that_o covenant_n be_v which_o bring_v grief_n and_o offence_n to_o our_o friend_n joy_n and_o triumph_v to_o our_o enemy_n be_v evident_a to_o all_o eye_n that_o be_v open_v three_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v with_o what_o fury_n and_o madness_n this_o covenant_n after_o it_o be_v conceive_v be_v obtrude_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n with_o what_o threaten_n with_o what_o beat_v tear_v of_o the_o clothes_n draw_v of_o the_o blood_n and_o expose_v to_o thousand_o of_o injury_n and_o reproach_n at_o edinburgh_n saint_n andrews_n glascow_n lanarick_n and_o many_o place_n more_o of_o those_o minister_n who_o out_o of_o religious_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a carriage_n towards_o we_o do_v either_o dissuade_v their_o parishioner_n from_o enter_v into_o it_o or_o can_v not_o by_o their_o entreaty_n or_o threaten_n be_v persuade_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o themselves_o no_o doubt_v it_o can_v be_v a_o covenant_n approve_v by_o god_n the_o first_o bitter_a and_o accurse_a fruit_n whereof_o be_v the_o many_o drop_n of_o blood_n draw_v from_o many_o of_o god_n minister_n which_o now_o no_o doubt_n do_v call_v for_o god_n vengeance_n upon_o the_o whole_a land_n now_o the_o fire_n of_o this_o seditious_a covenant_n flame_v throughout_o all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o unexpected_a height_n and_o violence_n as_o it_o be_v pass_v both_o the_o skill_n and_o power_n of_o our_o council_n to_o quench_v it_o our_o council_n resolve_v to_o send_v up_o unto_o we_o sir_n john_n hamilton_n our_o justice_n clerk_n one_o of_o our_o privy_a council_n and_o one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n that_o he_o may_v full_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o passage_n of_o this_o rebellion_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o after_o our_o hear_n of_o he_o many_o time_n and_o many_o consultation_n have_v with_o such_o of_o our_o council_n of_o scotland_n as_o be_v then_o here_o present_a and_o such_o of_o our_o council_n here_o in_o england_n as_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o communicate_v this_o business_n unto_o we_o resolve_v to_o send_v unto_o that_o our_o kingdom_n the_o marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n with_o the_o full_a power_n of_o a_o high_a commissioner_n as_o in_o other_o case_n our_o royal_a father_n and_o we_o have_v many_o time_n do_v in_o important_a business_n concern_v that_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o dispatch_v home_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n hamilton_n to_o give_v notice_n thereof_o both_o that_o they_o may_v carry_v themselves_o quiet_o until_o our_o commissioner_n his_o come_n from_o who_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v our_o pleasure_n with_o all_o favour_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o royal_a authority_n as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v before_o our_o commissioner_n go_v from_o hence_o have_v time_n to_o make_v we_o full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o grievance_n
that_o company_n which_o attend_v our_o commissioner_n from_o dalkeith_n but_o stay_v for_o he_o on_o the_o way_n in_o a_o far_o grosser_n body_n by_o themselves_o be_v assemble_v to_o do_v honour_n to_o our_o commissioner_n or_o for_o show_v their_o own_o power_n and_o strength_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n with_o the_o company_n who_o they_o meet_v which_o they_o far_o exceed_v we_o will_v not_o determine_v but_o thus_o our_o commissioner_n be_v conduct_v to_o our_o palace_n of_o holy-rood-house_n where_o he_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o lord_n provost_n bailiff_n magistrate_n and_o citizen_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o outward_a demonstration_n of_o be_v welcome_a and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o entertainment_n which_o at_o any_o time_n he_o have_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o covenanter_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n in_o that_o kingdom_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a or_o but_o only_o in_o show_n and_o to_o show_v their_o own_o power_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o entertainment_n and_o respect_n which_o afterward_o he_o receive_v from_o they_o which_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v just_a none_o at_o all_o for_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o continuance_n among_o they_o though_o he_o find_v that_o they_o give_v civil_a respect_n to_o he_o as_o marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n yet_o his_o be_v clothe_v with_o our_o authority_n and_o commission_n do_v much_o diminish_v they_o as_o shall_v appear_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o those_o perpetual_a affront_n which_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o offer_v daily_o to_o he_o and_o our_o council_n in_o all_o their_o proceed_n concern_v the_o business_n for_o which_o he_o be_v send_v our_o commissioner_n now_o be_v settle_v at_o our_o palace_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o our_o council_n he_o fall_v present_o upon_o the_o main_a business_n with_o the_o covenanter_n who_o he_o desire_v to_o dismiss_v their_o great_a multitude_n which_o they_o do_v be_v indeed_o necessitate_v thereunto_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o great_a charge_n the_o two_o main_a proposition_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o their_o consideration_n be_v these_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v expect_v from_o he_o in_o our_o name_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o complaint_n and_o accommodate_v their_o grievance_n next_o what_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o for_o return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n especial_o in_o renounce_v and_o deliver_v up_o their_o late_a covenant_n both_o which_o proposition_n they_o do_v receive_v with_o so_o much_o slight_v and_o contempt_n as_o that_o they_o avow_v no_o satisfaction_n from_o we_o shall_v be_v accept_v which_o contain_v any_o particular_n but_o that_o they_o expect_v first_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o a_o parliament_n that_o in_o these_o two_o judicatories_n they_o will_v represent_v and_o discuss_v their_o grievance_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o in_o both_o these_o they_o know_v that_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n for_o the_o second_o they_o answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n from_o which_o they_o will_v never_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v depart_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n have_v do_v no_o act_n but_o that_o which_o become_v good_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o for_o their_o covenant_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n then_o renounce_v it_o or_o abate_v one_o word_n or_o syllable_n of_o the_o literal_a rigour_n of_o it_o it_o be_v more_o available_a and_o useful_a unto_o they_o than_o all_o the_o law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o have_v be_v enact_v in_o that_o kingdom_n since_o the_o time_n of_o fergus_n the_o first_o king_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o proposition_n which_o though_o they_o have_v now_o hear_v they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o hear_v a_o second_o time_n and_o according_o after_o our_o proposition_n thus_o make_v and_o reject_v they_o present_o fill_v the_o people_n with_o such_o misreport_n of_o the_o intention_n and_o end_n of_o our_o commissioner_n come_v as_o they_o wrought_v they_o to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o fury_n then_o before_o as_o if_o now_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o stake_n for_o now_o new_a guard_n be_v clap_v upon_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o guard_n and_o watch_n of_o the_o city_n multiply_v the_o preacher_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n grow_v to_o be_v so_o many_o libel_n and_o admonition_n that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o crafty_a composition_n or_o yield_v in_o the_o least_o point_n of_o their_o intend_a reformation_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v abate_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o all_o they_o present_o print_v their_o weak_a reason_n against_o their_o render_v up_o of_o their_o covenant_n nay_o they_o grow_v to_o that_o rage_n that_o on_o the_o saturday_n have_v knowledge_n that_o our_o commissioner_n attend_v with_o our_o council_n be_v to_o hear_v divine_a service_n and_o sermon_n in_o our_o own_o chapel_n at_o our_o own_o palace_n the_o day_n follow_v be_v sunday_n they_o send_v he_o word_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v read_v the_o english_a service_n in_o our_o chapel_n shall_v never_o read_v more_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o man_n provide_v for_o the_o disturbance_n of_o it_o which_o force_v our_o commissioner_n that_o night_n to_o repair_v to_o dalkeith_n be_v unwilling_a to_o hear_v sermon_n but_o in_o our_o own_o chapel_n or_o there_o without_o hear_v the_o english_a divine_a service_n it_o have_v be_v continual_o read_v there_o by_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o year_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o our_o council_n many_o of_o the_o nobility_n judge_n and_o person_n of_o all_o quality_n without_o any_o interruption_n or_o dislike_n nay_o more_o they_o grow_v to_o that_o boldness_n as_o to_o write_v letter_n to_o every_o one_o of_o our_o council_n require_v they_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n which_o letter_n send_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o several_o but_o in_o the_o same_o word_n here_o follow_v may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n we_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n convene_v at_o this_o so_o necessary_a a_o time_n do_v find_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o represent_v as_o unto_o all_o so_o in_o special_a unto_o your_o lordship_n what_o comfortable_a experience_n we_o have_v of_o the_o wonderful_a favour_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n what_o peace_n and_o comfort_n have_v fill_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o god_n people_n what_o resolution_n and_o beginning_n of_o reformation_n of_o manner_n be_v sensible_o perceive_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n above_o any_o measure_n that_o ever_o we_o do_v find_v or_o can_v have_v expect_v how_o great_a glory_n the_o lord_n have_v receive_v thereby_o and_o what_o confidence_n we_o have_v if_o this_o sunshine_n be_v not_o eclipse_v by_o some_o sinful_a division_n or_o defection_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v this_o a_o bless_a kingdom_n to_o the_o contentment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n according_a as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o perform_v to_o his_o people_n in_o former_a time_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v force_v from_o our_o heart_n both_o to_o wish_v and_o entreat_v your_o lordship_n to_o be_v partaker_n and_o promover_n of_o this_o joy_n and_o happiness_n by_o your_o subscription_n when_o your_o lordship_n shall_v think_v it_o convenient_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n that_o your_o lordship_n will_v not_o be_v spare_v to_o give_v a_o free_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o timely_a and_o necessary_a expression_n of_o your_o tender_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n now_o call_v for_o help_v at_o your_o hand_n your_o lordship_n profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v reform_v in_o this_o land_n the_o national_a oath_n of_o this_o kingdom_n sundry_a time_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v ablish_v we_o who_o live_v at_o this_o time_n the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a patriot_n the_o office_n and_o trust_n of_o a_o privy_a counsellor_n the_o present_a employment_n to_o have_v place_n among_o those_o that_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n the_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v the_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o your_o lordship_n affection_n to_o religion_n the_o respect_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v unto_o your_o fame_n both_o now_o and_o hereafter_o when_o thing_n shall_v be_v record_v to_o posterity_n and_o the_o remembrance_n that_o not_o only_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v upon_o your_o lordship_n carriage_n but_o also_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o secret_a witness_n now_o to_o observe_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o open_a judge_n hereafter_o to_o reward_n and_o confess_v every_o
therefore_o intend_v to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n what_o be_v noise_v concern_v the_o proclamation_n how_o far_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v be_v by_o some_o sinistrous_a misinformation_n frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o constant_a desire_n to_o have_v some_o course_n take_v by_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi advice_n how_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o inform_v may_v deliver_v his_o good_a subject_n from_o so_o great_a grievance_n and_o fear_n and_o establish_v a_o sure_a peace_n in_o this_o country_n for_o time_n to_o come_v we_o find_v ourselves_o tie_v by_o order_n of_o law_n to_o decline_v those_o against_o who_o we_o have_v make_v our_o complaint_n unless_o we_o will_v admit_v our_o party_n to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o in_o case_n our_o declinator_n shall_v not_o be_v accept_v we_o behove_v to_o protest_v that_o we_o may_v have_v immediate_a recourse_n to_o the_o king_n himself_o etc._n etc._n thereafter_o in_o the_o month_n of_o march_n find_v that_o by_o the_o foresay_a proclamation_n the_o innovation_n supplicate_v against_o be_v approven_v our_o lawful_a proceed_n condemn_v our_o most_o necessary_a meeting_n prohibit_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n thereby_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n provoke_v to_o wrath_n against_o we_o by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n within_o this_o land_n to_o clear_v our_o sovereign_n mind_n from_o all_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n arise_v from_o our_o adversary_n misinformation_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o carriage_n and_o so_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o acceptance_n of_o our_o humble_a supplication_n and_o grant_v of_o their_o lawful_a remedy_n to_o guard_v this_o land_n in_o defence_n of_o religion_n authority_n and_o liberty_n against_o inward_a division_n and_o external_a violence_n and_o that_o our_o action_n may_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o holy_a profession_n we_o afterward_o draw_v up_o a_o humble_a supplication_n contain_v our_o grievance_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o attend_v his_o declaration_n here_o in_o scotland_n which_o will_v free_v we_o of_o all_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o prove_v satisfactory_a and_o lest_o for_o want_n of_o true_a information_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n it_o shall_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o we_o express_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a modesty_n we_o can_v our_o desire_n in_o some_o few_o article_n and_o with_o great_a patience_n have_v attend_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n thereanent_fw-la and_o all_o this_o month_n bygone_a be_v frequent_o convene_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o deliver_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o right_a noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n we_o present_v a_o new_a petition_n to_o his_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n crave_v most_o humble_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n thereof_o like_a as_o find_v a_o misinformation_n or_o mistake_v of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n to_o be_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o obtain_v our_o desire_n in_o a_o new_a supplication_n we_o have_v full_o remove_v that_o impediment_n renew_v our_o desire_n of_o those_o supreme_a judicatories_n to_o be_v indict_v with_o diligence_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n but_o be_v answer_v only_o with_o delay_n after_o these_o nine_o month_n attendance_n and_o with_o this_o proclamation_n that_o contain_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n of_o his_o pious_a intention_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n nor_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o we_o be_v ever_o so_o far_o from_o call_v in_o question_n as_o in_o our_o supplicatication_n complaint_n and_o bill_n we_o use_v the_o same_o as_o one_o cause_n of_o our_o desire_n one_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o adversary_n malignant_a misinformation_n of_o so_o religious_a a_o king_n and_o now_o most_o humble_o with_o bend_a knee_n and_o bow_a heart_n thank_v our_o gracious_a sovereign_n for_o the_o same_o wish_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n true_o and_o full_o to_o inform_v his_o majesty_n how_o far_o these_o book_n judicatory_n and_o all_o our_o other_o evil_n and_o grievance_n be_v full_a of_o idolatrous_a superstition_n and_o popish_a error_n how_o destructive_a of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o his_o majesty_n pious_a intention_n and_o declaration_n yet_o see_v that_o no_o proclamation_n can_v sufficient_o remove_v the_o present_a evil_n nor_o settle_v our_o fear_n nor_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o reentry_n of_o any_o evil_a or_o innovation_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o discharge_v or_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v nor_o satisfy_v our_o humble_a supplication_n crave_v the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o our_o evil_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o like_a and_o see_v this_o proclamation_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n or_o acknowledge_v any_o of_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o grievance_n or_o any_o just_a cause_n thereof_o except_o under_o the_o name_n of_o great_a increase_n of_o disorder_n fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n but_o only_o our_o fear_n of_o some_o future_a innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n occasion_v only_o as_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o fear_v his_o majesty_n hope_v to_o have_v be_v abundant_o and_o sufficient_o satisfy_v by_o his_o two_o former_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nine_o of_o december_n and_o ninteenth_n of_o february_n and_o by_o this_o his_o present_a declaration_n except_o his_o subject_n be_v blind_o under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n lead_v unto_o disobedience_n do_v mis-ken_n pass_v over_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n deny_v all_o our_o supplication_n bill_n article_n and_o desire_n especial_o our_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n our_o party_n and_o that_o once_o for_o all_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o persuasive_a way_n even_o after_o the_o resaite_n of_o our_o last_o supplication_n clear_v we_o from_o the_o calumny_n of_o unlawful_a combination_n do_v not_o disallow_v nor_o discharge_v any_o of_o the_o innovation_n and_o evil_n complain_v upon_o but_o only_o assure_v that_o his_o majesty_n will_v not_o press_v their_o practice_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v his_o subject_n of_o his_o intention_n which_o join_v with_o the_o other_o clause_n allow_v and_o confirm_v the_o proclamation_n the_o nineteen_o of_o february_n evidence_v the_o liberty_n leave_v to_o any_o prelate_n or_o person_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o by_o all_o other_o fair_a way_n to_o persuade_v other_o thereunto_o and_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n to_o press_v their_o practice_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o also_o confirm_v the_o former_a declaration_n that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v a_o ready_a mean_a to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n already_o profess_v and_o to_o beat_v out_o all_o superstition_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o to_o be_v compile_v and_o approve_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n do_v not_o abolish_v but_o promise_v to_o rectify_v the_o high_a commission_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n imply_v the_o king_n power_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o council_n to_o establish_v this_o or_o any_o judicatory_a within_o this_o kingdom_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n convene_v in_o parliament_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a and_o express_a law_n thereof_o and_o by_o consequent_a with_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o establish_v law_n and_o service_n book_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduction_n do_v only_o promise_v to_o take_v into_o his_o consideration_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v call_v at_o his_o best_a convenience_n while_o as_o the_o evident_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o settle_v the_o combustion_n threaten_v the_o total_a dissolution_n and_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o
country_n and_o our_o posterity_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o of_o his_o majesty_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o humble_a desire_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o article_n unto_o the_o which_o we_o adhere_v again_o and_o again_o as_o we_o will_v eschew_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n follow_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v certain_o expect_v according_a to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o accustom_a goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n after_o a_o true_a information_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n will_v present_o indict_v these_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o our_o just_a supplication_n complaint_n and_o article_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v and_o use_v to_o be_v grant_v from_o so_o just_a and_o gracious_a a_o king_n towards_o most_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n call_v for_o redress_n of_o so_o press_v grievance_n and_o pray_v hearty_o that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o whereupon_o a_o noble_a earl_n john_n earl_n of_o cassles_a etc._n etc._n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n m._n alexander_n gibson_n young_a of_o dury_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n james_n fletcher_n provost_n of_o dundy_n in_o name_n of_o the_o borrow_v m._n john_n ker_n minister_n at_o salt-prestoun_a in_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o master_n archbald_n johnston_n reader_n hereof_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v within_o this_o kingdom_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o three_o notar_n present_a at_o the_o say_a mercat_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v environ_v with_o great_a number_n of_o the_o foresay_a nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n borrow_v minister_n and_o commons_o before_o many_o hundred_o witness_n and_o crave_v the_o extract_n thereof_o and_o in_o token_n of_o their_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n confidence_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o innocence_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o hope_v of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a acceptance_n they_o offer_v in_o all_o humility_n with_o submiss_a reverence_n a_o copy_n thereof_o to_o the_o herald_n now_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o our_o proclamation_n which_o deserve_v such_o a_o undutiful_a and_o rebellious_a protestation_n or_o the_o seditious_a clamour_n which_o both_o at_o their_o private_a and_o public_a meeting_n especial_o in_o their_o pulpit_n be_v make_v against_o it_o this_o protestation_n need_v no_o answer_n for_o after_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o repetition_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o often_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o number_n of_o falsity_n heap_v up_o together_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v easy_o perceive_v for_o whereas_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o have_v remove_v the_o impediment_n which_o cause_v their_o covenant_n to_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n we_o suppose_v that_o thereby_o they_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o tender_v to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o explication_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v unto_o we_o any_o satisfaction_n that_o both_o to_o we_o and_o all_o reasonable_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o unlawful_a combination_n for_o whereas_o they_o refuse_v to_o except_v we_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o person_n against_o who_o their_o band_n of_o mutual_a maintenance_n be_v intend_v it_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o in_o their_o intention_n we_o be_v the_o person_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o some_o few_o line_n after_o this_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o call_v in_o question_n our_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v the_o religion_n profess_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o our_o care_n for_o not_o admit_v any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n now_o we_o do_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o in_o their_o private_a meeting_n nay_o even_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o sermon_n they_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o settle_v in_o our_o good_a subject_n mind_n opinion_n fear_n and_o jealousy_n quite_o contrary_a to_o these_o their_o print_a asseveration_n in_o the_o last_o part_n they_o ground_n their_o protestation_n upon_o no_o ground_n but_o such_o as_o these_o that_o they_o will_v continue_v together_o because_o they_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o by_o oath_n so_o to_o do_v and_o because_o they_o will_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o adhere_v constant_o to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o because_o they_o offer_v to_o clear_v themselves_o before_o a_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n where_o they_o themselves_o make_v account_v to_o be_v judge_n now_o these_o and_o such_o like_a false_a and_o weak_a ground_n it_o be_v very_o unnecessary_a to_o confute_v the_o rehearsal_n of_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o view_n their_o sufficient_a conviction_n after_o all_o these_o they_o end_v their_o protestation_n with_o two_o very_a unsavourie_a conclusion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o their_o proceed_n they_o themselves_o will_v call_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o allow_v of_o they_o a_o notable_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o disloyalty_n together_o to_o be_v suitor_n to_o we_o for_o that_o which_o they_o as_o they_o say_v both_o may_v do_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v without_o our_o leave_n the_o second_o be_v they_o protest_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v or_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a all_o their_o proceed_n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_a mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v style_v or_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n all_o which_o word_n be_v multiply_v only_o to_o make_v up_o a_o very_a unmannerly_a contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o our_o proclamation_n our_o commissioner_n see_v not_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v but_o that_o they_o be_v resolute_a not_o to_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n by_o what_o be_v offer_v and_o that_o the_o most_o that_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n but_o indeed_o be_v none_o for_o they_o will_v never_o yield_v that_o these_o word_n whereby_o in_o their_o covenant_n they_o bind_v themselves_o in_o a_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v admit_v this_o interpretation_n except_o the_o king_n he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o since_o his_o instruction_n be_v out_o he_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o with_o they_o without_o new_a conference_n with_o and_o instruction_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v a_o speedy_a journey_n to_o we_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o what_o have_v pass_v and_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o that_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o they_o have_v give_v he_o though_o as_o it_o have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o himself_o so_o he_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v give_v none_o to_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o entreat_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o more_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o than_o they_o have_v do_v until_o our_o pleasure_n be_v further_o know_v that_o pretend_a explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n be_v conceive_v by_o way_n of_o petition_n and_o be_v this_o to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o supplication_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o here_o attend_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a petition_n complaint_n and_o desire_n humble_o show_v that_o whereas_o we_o expect_v from_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n and_o just_a desire_n have_v present_v to_o your_o grace_n a_o petition_n humble_o crave_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o the_o only_a mean_a to_o put_v this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o quietness_n it_o please_v your_o grace_n to_o show_v that_o his_o majesty_n from_o his_o princely_a care_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n
this_o to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n of_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o rather_o a_o powerful_a and_o principal_a motive_n with_o speed_n to_o convene_v the_o same_o as_o the_o proper_a judicatorie_a wherein_o to_o determine_v such_o dangerous_a and_o universal_a difference_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o hear_v that_o any_o minister_n be_v depose_v but_o only_o suspend_v during_o this_o interim_n till_o a_o general_n assembly_n for_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o flagitious_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o try_v offensive_a to_o god_n disgraceful_a to_o religion_n and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o people_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o place_n till_o they_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v and_o concern_v moderator_n none_o of_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v depose_v but_o some_o only_o change_v which_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n the_o four_o concern_v the_o repair_n of_o parishioner_n to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cognosce_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n be_v subject_a since_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v in_o the_o minister_n no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v no_o redress_n there_o to_o assent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v disorder_n to_o be_v multiply_v both_o in_o presbytery_n and_o particular_a parish_n to_o the_o six_o that_o minister_n wait_v upon_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o place_n where_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n we_o answer_v that_o none_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n assembly_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o allow_v by_o commission_n to_o have_v voice_n or_o otherwise_o have_v such_o interest_n as_o they_o can_v justify_v to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v to_o the_o seven_o concern_v the_o appoint_v of_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n only_o constant_a moderator_n who_o have_v cease_v long_o since_o be_v find_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1606._o which_o yet_o be_v never_o repute_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a national_a assembly_n to_o be_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o both_o the_o moderator_n who_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a member_n need_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o choose_a commissioner_n repair_v to_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n itself_o can_v judge_v best_a of_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o ought_v to_o consist_v to_o the_o nine_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v with_o the_o choose_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n and_o no_o minister_n without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n we_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n none_o but_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n and_o that_o no_o minister_n or_o elder_n shall_v have_v voice_n in_o election_n but_o in_o his_o own_o presbytery_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o particular_n be_v concern_v civil_a matter_n as_o the_o five_o concern_v the_o pay_n of_o rent_n and_o stipend_n to_o minister_n and_o bishop_n concern_v which_o we_o can_v say_v no_o further_o but_o that_o the_o law_n be_v patent_n for_o they_o as_o for_o his_o majesty_n other_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v delay_v upon_o any_o complaint_n in_o that_o kind_n the_o eight_o require_v that_o bishop_n and_o minister_n be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n we_o think_v so_o reasonable_a that_o we_o will_v promise_v every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o violence_n from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v hinder_v other_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v and_o if_o any_o trouble_v they_o otherwise_o or_o make_v they_o any_o kind_n of_o molestation_n in_o that_o attendance_n but_o by_o order_n of_o law_n the_o party_n be_v just_o punishable_a according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o other_o subject_n be_v to_o the_o ten_o concern_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n and_o the_o peaceablenesse_n of_o the_o country_n these_o meeting_n be_v keep_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o consult_v about_o lawful_a remedy_n against_o such_o press_a grievance_n as_o threaten_v the_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n can_v be_v dissolve_v till_o the_o evil_n be_v remove_v and_o true_a we_o trust_v that_o nothing_o in_o these_o our_o meeting_n have_v escape_v we_o which_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o undutifulnesse_n or_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n but_o although_o our_o adversary_n have_v herein_o calumniate_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v always_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o loyal_a subject_n petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o a_o legal_a redress_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n to_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o covenant_n the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n have_v many_o time_n and_o most_o instant_o press_v we_o with_o that_o point_n we_o do_v first_o by_o child_n invincible_a argument_n make_v manifest_a that_o we_o can_v not_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o without_o do_v wrong_n to_o this_o national_n church_n and_o all_o posterity_n rescind_n or_o alter_v the_o same_o and_o thereafter_o do_v at_o large_a clear_v the_o same_o of_o all_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n by_o our_o last_o supplication_n and_o declaration_n which_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n any_o accept_v as_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o powerful_a of_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o can_v come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o give_v his_o majesty_n satisfaction_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o act_n so_o evident_o tend_v to_o the_o god_n glory_n of_o god_n the_o king_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v already_o prove_v so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o inward_a of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v our_o ardent_a and_o constant_a desire_n and_o ready_a wish_n that_o both_o his_o majesty_n and_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n like_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o conscience_n and_o by_o the_o covenant_n itself_o to_o persuade_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v modest_o use_v by_o we_o without_o press_v or_o threaten_v of_o the_o mean_a we_o hope_v shall_v never_o give_v his_o majesty_n the_o least_o cause_n of_o discontent_n see_v therefore_o according_a to_o our_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o remove_v all_o hindrance_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n worthy_a our_o profession_n and_o covenant_n do_v aim_n at_o nothing_o but_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o consumption_n or_o combustion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v desperate_o disease_v except_o remedy_v some_o way_n be_v speedy_o provide_v and_o we_o delight_v to_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v legal_a and_o have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o without_o further_a delay_n for_o prevent_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n than_o we_o can_v express_v our_o just_a desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v so_o shall_v we_o be_v encourage_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n still_o to_o pray_v for_o his_o majesty_n all_o increase_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n upon_o their_o refusal_n he_o send_v for_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o his_o resolution_n for_o a_o new_a journey_n that_o he_o find_v their_o way_n such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o grant_v they_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o to_o be_v a_o free_a one_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v bring_v in_o every_o man_n to_o have_v a_o voice_n who_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o if_o they_o will_v let_v he_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v sit_v there_o and_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v there_o he_o will_v give_v his_o best_a concurrence_n if_o he_o find_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o
of_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o will_v acquaint_v the_o covenanter_n with_o it_o with_o who_o they_o keep_v private_a meeting_n this_o proposition_n be_v much_o debate_v among_o these_o counsellor_n they_o fall_v upon_o that_o way_n which_o they_o conceive_v will_v full_o satisfy_v or_o else_o none_o can_v which_o be_v this_o since_o the_o covenanter_n will_v not_o express_v their_o own_o desire_n in_o particular_n they_o think_v best_a to_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o all_o their_o petition_n remonstrance_n grievance_n declaration_n protestation_n either_o write_v or_o print_v which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o these_o trouble_v exhibit_v to_o ourselves_o our_o commissioner_n our_o council_n and_o to_o extract_v out_o of_o they_o the_o particular_n of_o all_o their_o grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o represent_v they_o unto_o us._n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o our_o commissioner_n that_o the_o principal_a motive_n which_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n have_v use_v to_o our_o people_n for_o alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o we_o be_v that_o false_a opinion_n of_o our_o averseness_n from_o the_o religion_n reform_v and_o of_o our_o inclination_n to_o popery_n we_o resolve_v above_o all_o that_o be_v desire_v to_o take_v a_o course_n which_o shall_v give_v our_o subject_n full_a and_o unquestionable_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o point_n and_o therefore_o propound_v unto_o ourself_o the_o example_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n we_o conclude_v to_o command_v and_o urge_v the_o renew_n of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v first_o frame_v and_o afterward_o renew_v in_o his_o name_n by_o which_o mean_v we_o make_v account_v that_o we_o shall_v both_o benefit_n our_o subject_n and_o right_a ourself_o for_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v ground_v and_o father_v their_o spurious_a covenant_n upon_o that_o confession_n and_o covenant_n urge_v by_o our_o father_n we_o resolve_v by_o this_o act_n of_o our_o authority_n to_o legitimate_a it_o that_o it_o be_v command_v by_o we_o may_v save_v our_o people_n who_o be_v to_o swear_v it_o from_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o our_o law_n which_o have_v make_v it_o very_o criminal_a to_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n without_o our_o authority_n as_o also_o to_o vindicate_v ourself_o from_o that_o false_a and_o wicked_a aspersion_n which_o the_o head_n of_o their_o covenant_n have_v most_o seditious_o lay_v upon_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o have_v a_o resolution_n either_o to_o bring_v in_o popery_n or_o at_o least_o to_o tolerate_v it_o in_o our_o kingdom_n which_o though_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v yet_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n of_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o our_o people_n from_o we_o which_o they_o only_o intend_v if_o they_o can_v possible_o work_v they_o to_o that_o belief_n and_o so_o both_o we_o and_o our_o commissioner_n who_o have_v late_o come_v from_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o not_o only_o our_o people_n but_o all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o notice_n it_o shall_v come_v must_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v that_o way_n incline_v if_o we_o shall_v command_v and_o by_o our_o authority_n effect_v a_o new_a subscription_n and_o swear_v of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v more_o direct_o opposite_a to_o popery_n then_o any_o confession_n beside_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a advice_n of_o our_o council_n which_o be_v to_o ease_v they_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v their_o principal_a grievance_n we_o well_o hope_v shall_v have_v settle_v the_o peace_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n for_o by_o grant_v the_o remove_n of_o those_o former_a grievance_n without_o this_o last_o superaddition_n of_o our_o favour_n our_o counsellor_n be_v persuade_v that_o our_o subject_n for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v be_v satisfy_v desert_n their_o leader_n and_o adhere_v to_o we_o with_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v do_v who_o sign_v this_o their_o council_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o send_v it_o up_o to_o we_o by_o our_o commissioner_n no_o soon_o be_v he_o come_v to_o we_o at_o oatland_n but_o we_o be_v astonish_v with_o his_o relation_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o he_o present_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o the_o improbability_n but_o also_o the_o impossibility_n that_o ever_o the_o ringleader_n of_o that_o rebellion_n will_v desist_v until_o they_o have_v obtain_v their_o wicked_a end_n and_o that_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o peace_n be_v place_v in_o divide_v the_o people_n from_o they_o by_o proffer_v unto_o the_o people_n such_o gracious_a favour_n as_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v reject_v and_o well_o weigh_v the_o advice_n give_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o principal_a counsellor_n and_o officer_n of_o state_n there_o after_o mature_a deliberation_n with_o such_o as_o we_o be_v please_v to_o call_v unto_o we_o and_o especial_o at_o the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a importunity_n of_o our_o commissioner_n so_o zealous_o affect_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o and_o his_o native_a country_n we_o do_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v that_o advice_n of_o he_o and_o our_o other_o counsellor_n and_o do_v again_o make_v a_o very_a exact_a survey_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v petition_v for_o from_o the_o very_a first_o either_o of_o we_o our_o commissioner_n or_o council_n and_o resolve_v to_o grant_v they_o all_o and_o beside_o all_o these_o to_o renew_v the_o former_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o band_n annex_v which_o we_o make_v account_n will_v have_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n above_o all_o thing_n especial_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o have_v be_v most_o wicked_o abuse_v that_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n of_o our_o inclination_n to_o popery_n the_o particular_n of_o our_o gracious_a grant_n unto_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o next_o proclamation_n make_v after_o our_o commissioner_n return_v to_o that_o kingdom_n who_o within_o eight_o day_n after_o his_o come_n to_o we_o we_o dispatch_v back_o again_o overjoy_v with_o our_o gracious_a grant_n as_o make_v full_a account_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v this_o last_o time_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n bring_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o branch_n both_o of_o piety_n and_o peace_n but_o how_o far_o both_o we_o and_o he_o and_o our_o counsellor_n and_o all_o our_o good_a religious_a loyal_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n be_v deceive_v herein_o the_o next_o ensue_a narration_n which_o be_v almost_o above_o credit_n will_v sufficient_o declare_v for_o our_o commissioner_n return_v before_o the_o day_n agree_v upon_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n so_o perplex_v and_o imbroyl_v by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n who_o be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v with_o a_o answer_n satisfactory_a to_o our_o people_n that_o he_o begin_v most_o clear_o to_o perceive_v that_o these_o man_n be_v resolve_v that_o nothing_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o which_o appear_v by_o their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n and_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o whereas_o they_o have_v promise_v that_o no_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v make_v before_o the_o 21._o day_n of_o september_n the_o day_n agree_v upon_o for_o his_o return_n they_o give_v order_n that_o the_o election_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n be_v the_o next_o day_n after_o that_o which_o they_o know_v be_v to_o be_v pass_v before_o he_o can_v possible_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o they_o according_a to_o which_o resolution_n of_o they_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n be_v elect_v in_o many_o presbytery_n upon_o that_o day_n before_o any_o of_o the_o covenanter_n do_v or_o can_v come_v to_o know_v our_o answer_n from_o our_o commissioner_n or_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v indict_v which_o be_v not_o until_o some_o day_n after_o these_o election_n be_v pass_v now_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v hear_v a_o more_o gross_a absurd_a and_o palpable_a equivocation_n than_o this_o and_o that_o from_o man_n who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o great_a opposite_n in_o the_o world_n to_o popish_a tenet_n and_o to_o none_o more_o than_o that_o of_o equivocation_n they_o promise_v that_o no_o election_n shall_v be_v make_v until_o our_o commissioner_n return_v and_o before_o such_o a_o day_n and_o that_o promise_v ground_v upon_o our_o commissioner_n resolution_n before_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o that_o unless_o they_o will_v give_v he_o that_o assurance_n he_o will_v not_o undertake_v his_o journey_n nor_o move_v we_o any_o more_o in_o this_o business_n but_o if_o they_o
will_v expect_v his_o return_n and_o our_o answer_n by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v do_v both_o these_o holy_a man_n resolve_v to_o expect_v that_o time_n before_o any_o election_n shall_v be_v actual_o make_v but_o give_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o next_o day_n after_o before_o it_o can_v be_v know_v in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whether_o he_o be_v return_v or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o by_o any_o person_n of_o the_o kingdom_n what_o answer_v he_o have_v return_v from_o we_o the_o insinceritie_n of_o which_o proceed_n condemn_v by_o many_o covenant_a minister_n at_o their_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o a_o most_o desperate_a equivocation_n we_o be_v confident_a every_o man_n will_v detest_v especial_o in_o those_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sincere_a professor_n of_o these_o time_n beside_o our_o commissioner_n find_v that_o these_o man_n who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v he_o speak_v of_o any_o precedent_a conference_n of_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o direction_n to_o be_v agree_v upon_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o it_o but_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o as_o unsufferable_a prelimitation_n and_o prejudging_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n at_o their_o table_n agreee_v upon_o certain_a direction_n comprehend_v in_o eight_o article_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o command_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n thereof_o in_o their_o election_n the_o true_a copy_n whereof_o here_o follow_v a_o direction_n for_o presbytery_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o act_n make_v at_o dundie_n the_o seven_o of_o march_n 1597._o concern_v the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o follow_v because_o there_o have_v be_v no_o order_n hitherto_o anent_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n to_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n therefore_o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o in_o all_o time_n come_v three_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o brethren_n shall_v be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n at_o the_o most_o as_o commissioner_n to_o every_o assembly_n and_o that_o none_o presume_v to_o come_v without_o commission_n and_o likewise_o that_o one_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n and_o one_o out_o of_o every_o burgh_n except_o edinburgh_n which_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o direct_v two_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n thereof_o follow_v t.t._n the_o day_n of_o the_o which_o day_n after_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o have_v diligent_o consider_v the_o manifold_a corruption_n innovation_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v especial_o through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_a remedy_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o well_o ordinary_a as_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la enjoy_v by_o this_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o expect_v short_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n do_v by_o these_o present_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v minister_n of_o as_o also_o in_o name_n of_o the_o burrowes_n conjunct_o and_o several_o our_o lawful_a commissioner_n give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o our_o full_a power_n commission_n and_o express_v charge_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n at_o the_o day_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o sit_v in_o any_o safe_a and_o commodious_a place_n within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o there_o with_o the_o rest_n who_o shall_v be_v authorise_v with_o lawful_a commission_n in_o our_o name_n to_o propone_v treat_v reason_n vote_n and_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o sundry_a general_n assembly_n and_o receive_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n competent_a to_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n thereupon_o and_o to_o report_v to_o we_o their_o diligence_n therein_o in_o testification_n of_o this_o our_o commission_n and_o charge_n we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n and_o which_o they_o have_v accept_v with_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o every_o church_n session_n send_v one_o of_o the_o most_o qualify_a elder_n unto_o the_o presbytery_n the_o day_n of_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o those_o elder_n present_a in_o the_o presbytery_n there_o may_v be_v choose_v both_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o minister_n and_o also_o some_o well_o affect_v and_o qualify_v nobleman_n or_o special_a gentleman_n be_v a_o elder_a of_o some_o particular_a church_n session_n within_o that_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n for_o this_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o presbytery_n otherwise_o call_v eldership_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n practise_v for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n the_o twelve_o of_o king_n james_n the_o 6._o and_o never_o since_o alter_v nor_o rescind_v neither_o can_v be_v with_o reason_n alter_v see_v that_o same_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o general_n assembly_n and_o of_o the_o inferior_a and_o church_n session_n as_o be_v at_o more_o length_n clear_v by_o some_o reason_n that_o such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a in_o doctrine_n or_o scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v present_o process_v that_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n that_o all_o the_o best_a affect_v both_o minister_n and_o elder_n protest_v and_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o to_o send_v to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o print_a reason_n for_o a_o assembly_n that_o moderator_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n except_o they_o be_v choose_v that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n appoint_v to_o convene_v solemn_o after_o the_o twenty_o of_o september_n either_o upon_o the_o 21.22.23.24_o or_o 25._o for_o choose_v of_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o to_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o first_o of_o october_n or_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v that_o with_o common_a consent_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o king_n last_o answer_n and_o advise_v upon_o the_o next_o lawful_a remedy_n in_o their_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o in_o the_o fast_a to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o sixteen_o day_n of_o september_n the_o second_o day_n precede_v their_o election_n they_o may_v crave_v god_n direction_n therein_o to_o these_o eight_o article_n they_o join_v by_o way_n of_o information_n a_o very_a impertinent_a long_a and_o tedious_a discourse_n of_o rule_v elder_n too_o long_o and_o too_o simple_a to_o be_v here_o insert_v which_o be_v add_v no_o doubt_n only_o to_o persuade_v the_o minister_n to_o admit_v layman_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o their_o presbytery_n at_o the_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n or_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o persuade_v the_o layman_n to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n and_o give_v their_o voice_n in_o these_o election_n whether_o the_o minister_n will_v or_o no_o as_o shall_v appear_v afterward_o both_o by_o that_o intrusion_n which_o these_o lay_v elder_n use_v in_o many_o presbytery_n where_o the_o minister_n refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o and_o by_o some_o of_o the_o table_n more_o private_a instruction_n by_o which_o they_o be_v order_v so_o to_o do_v now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o conference_n which_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v for_o debate_v of_o what_o member_n the_o assembly_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v discuss_v there_o with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n exclaim_v against_o by_o they_o can_v in_o any_o construction_n or_o sense_n be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n either_o in_o the_o member_n matter_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o
and_o estate_n against_o whatsoever_o jesuit_n and_o seminarie_n or_o masspriest_n condemn_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o majesty_n to_o their_o utter_a wrack_n and_o exterminion_n according_a to_o the_o power_n grant_v to_o we_o by_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o try_v search_n and_o seek_v out_o all_o excommunicate_n practiser_n and_o other_o papist_n whatsoever_o within_o our_o bound_n and_o shire_n where_o we_o keep_v residence_n and_o dilate_v they_o to_o his_o highness_n and_o his_o privy_a council_n and_o conform_v we_o to_o such_o direction_n as_o from_o time_n to_o time_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o special_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o present_o be_v or_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v appoint_v commissioner_n in_o every_o shire_n shall_v follow_v pursue_v and_o travail_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o take_v and_o apprehend_v all_o such_o papist_n apostate_n and_o excommunicate_n as_o we_o shall_v receive_v in_o writ_n from_o his_o majesty_n and_o we_o the_o remanent_fw-la within_o that_o shire_n shall_v concur_v and_o assist_v with_o the_o say_n commissioner_n with_o our_o whole_a friend_n and_o force_n to_o that_o effect_n without_o respect_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o general_o to_o assist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o defend_v every_o one_o of_o we_o another_o in_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o quarrel_n action_n debate_n move_v or_o to_o be_v move_v against_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o upon_o action_n of_o the_o present_a band_n or_o other_o cause_n depend_v thereupon_o and_o effauld_o join_v in_o defence_n and_o pursuit_n against_o whatsoever_o shall_v offer_v or_o intend_v any_o injury_n or_o revenge_n against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o the_o premise_n make_v his_o cause_n and_o part_n that_o be_v pursue_v all_o our_o part_n notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o privy_a grudge_n or_o displeasure_n stand_v betwixt_o any_o of_o we_o which_o shall_v be_v no_o impediment_n or_o hinder_v to_o our_o say_a effauld_n join_v in_o the_o say_v common_a cause_n but_o to_o lie_v over_o and_o be_v misknown_a till_o they_o be_v orderly_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o by_o the_o order_n under-specified_n to_o the_o which_o time_n we_o for_o the_o better_a furtherance_n of_o the_o say_a cause_n and_o service_n have_v assure_v and_o by_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o every_o one_o of_o we_o take_v the_o burden_n upon_o we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o may_v let_v assure_v each_o other_o to_o be_v unhurt_a unharmed_a or_o any_o way_n to_o be_v invade_v by_o we_o or_o any_o our_o foresaid_n for_o old_a feid_v or_o new_a otherwise_o then_o by_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n neither_o shall_v we_o nor_o any_o of_o our_o foresaid_n make_v any_o provocation_n or_o tumult_n trouble_n or_o displeasure_n to_o other_o in_o any_o sort_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o upon_o our_o honour_n and_o fidelity_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o for_o our_o further_a and_o more_o hearty_a union_n in_o this_o service_n we_o be_v content_a and_o consent_n that_o all_o whatsoever_o our_o feid_n and_o variance_n fall_v or_o that_o may_v fall_v out_o betwixt_o we_o be_v within_o forty_o day_n after_o the_o date_n hereof_o amicable_o refer_v and_o submit_v to_o seven_o or_o five_o indifferent_a friend_n choose_v by_o his_o majesty_n of_o our_o whole_a number_n and_o by_o their_o moderation_n and_o arbitrement_n compon_v and_o take_v away_o and_o final_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o direct_o nor_o indirect_o separate_v nor_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o union_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o remanent_fw-la by_o whatsoever_o suggestion_n or_o private_a advice_n or_o by_o whatsoever_o incident_a regard_n or_o stay_v such_o resolution_n as_o by_o common_a deliberation_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o world_n upon_o our_o truth_n and_o honour_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v esteem_v traitor_n to_o god_n and_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o have_v lose_v all_o honour_n credit_n and_o estimation_n in_o time_n come_v in_o witness_v whereof_o by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n allowance_n and_o protection_n promise_v to_o we_o therein_o we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n at_o 1589._o we_o james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n lord_n even_o and_o evendail_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n undersubscribe_v by_o virtue_n and_o conform_v to_o a_o warrant_n and_o command_v sign_v by_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n of_o the_o date_n of_o sept._n 9_o 1638._o and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n upon_o the_o 22._o day_n of_o the_o say_a month_n swear_v and_o with_o our_o heart_n and_o humble_a and_o true_a affection_n to_o god_n truth_n and_o to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o &_o according_a to_o the_o date_n and_o tenor_n above_o specify_v and_o also_o renew_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o foresay_a general_a band_n of_o the_o tenor_n abovewritten_v for_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o maintenance_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n authority_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o siclike_o as_o ample_o as_o the_o same_o be_v conceive_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o majesty_n umwhile_o bless_a father_n of_o eternal_a memory_n by_o the_o say_v band._n in_o witness_v whereof_o we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n at_o holy-rood-house_n septemb_n 22._o 1638._o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la hamiltoun_n traquair_n roxburgh_n mairsheall_n mar_n murray_n linlithgow_n perth_n wigtoun_n kingorne_n tullibardin_n hadingtoun_n annandaill_n lauderdaill_o kinnoull_n dumfreis_n southesk_n belheaven_n angus_n lorn_n elphinstoun_n naper_n dalyell_n amont_n j._n hay_o s._n thomas_n hope_n s.w._n elphinstoun_n ja._n carmichael_n j._n hamiltoun_n blackhall_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o proclamation_n make_v for_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v this_o at_o holy-rood-house_n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o forsomuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v the_o king_n majesty_n out_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o religious_a disposition_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o out_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n for_o remove_v of_o all_o fear_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n thereof_o and_o upon_o divers_a great_a and_o weighty_a consideration_n import_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o give_v order_n that_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n be_v indict_v keep_v and_o hold_v at_o the_o city_n of_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o november_n next_o therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n ordain_v letter_n to_o be_v direct_a charge_v maissar_n and_o officer_n of_o arm_n to_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o the_o head_n burrowes_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o other_o place_n needful_a and_o to_o warn_v all_o and_o sundry_a archbishop_n bishop_n commissioner_n of_o kirkes_n and_o other_o have_v place_n and_o vote_n in_o the_o assembly_n to_o repair_v and_o address_v to_o the_o say_a city_n of_o glasgow_n the_o say_v one_o and_o twenty_o day_n of_o november_n next_o to_o come_v and_o to_o attend_v the_o say_a assembly_n endure_v the_o time_n thereof_o and_o aye_o and_o while_o the_o same_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o do_v and_o perform_v all_o which_o to_o their_o charge_n in_o such_o case_n appertain_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o contrary_a at_o their_o high_a peril_n immediate_o after_o that_o this_o proclamation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o parliament_n at_o holy-rood-house_n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o forsomuch_o as_o it_o have_v please_v his_o majesty_n out_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o religious_a disposition_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o out_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n for_o remove_v of_o all_o fear_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n thereof_o and_o upon_o divers_a other_o great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n import_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o give_v order_n that_o the_o sovereign_n and_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n shall_v be_v hold_v at_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n upon_o the_o 15._o day_n of_o may_n next_o to_o come_v with_o continuation_n of_o day_n therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n ordain_v letter_n to_o be_v direct_a to_o maissar_n and_o officer_n of_o arm_n charge_v they_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n
of_o mar_n s._n robert_n bruce_n of_o clackmannan_n s._n thomas_n hope_v young_a of_o car_n sheriff_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o wigtoun_n john_n earl_n of_o cassils_n alexander_n earl_n of_o galloway_n sir_n john_n hamiltoun_n elder_n and_o young_a of_o barganie_n s._n patrick_n mackie_n of_o larg_n john_n murrey_n of_o broughton_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o air_n alexander_n earl_n of_o eglintoun_n alexander_n earl_n of_o glencarne_n john_n earl_n of_o cassils_n william_n earl_n of_o dumfreis_n william_n lord_n crichton_n john_n lord_n lowdoun_n the_o laird_n of_o barganie_n elder_n and_o young_a the_o laird_n of_o gastoun_n and_o cragiewallace_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o renfrew_n alexander_n earl_n of_o glencarne_n robert_n viscount_n of_o belheaven_n s._n archibald_n stewart_n of_o black-hall_n the_o laird_n of_o howston_n and_o bryce_n sempill_v of_o cathcart_n s._n robert_n dowglas_n of_o blaikester_n and_o s._n john_n maxwell_n of_o pooke_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o dumbartan_a argile_n and_o carbet_n the_o say_a earl_n of_o montrose_n and_o wigtoun_n the_o lord_n lorn_n &_o fleming_n s._n george_n stirline_n of_o keir_n and_o s._n william_n stewart_n captain_n of_o the_o castle_n of_o dumbartane_a for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o perth_n stewartry_n of_o monteith_n and_o strathern_n the_o earl_n of_o airth_n montrois_n athol_n perth_n tullibardin_n and_o kinnoul_n mungo_n viscount_n of_o stormont_n the_o laird_n of_o keir_n and_o lawyer_n elder_a and_o young_a the_o laird_n of_o duncrub_n elder_n and_o young_a and_o blair_n of_o baltheiock_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o forfar_n the_o earl_n of_o montrois_n kingorn_n and_o southesk_n the_o lord_n carnaegie_n and_o ogilvie_n the_o master_n of_o spiny_a patrick_n maule_n of_o panmure_n the_o constable_n of_o dundie_n s._n andro_n fletcher_n of_o innerpeffer_n the_o laird_n of_o din_n ethie_o balnamoune_n aldbar_n bonnyton_n lethintie_n and_o innerquharratie_n for_o the_o sheriffdome_n of_o the_o merne_n the_o earl_n of_o mairshall_n and_o southesk_n the_o lord_n carnegie_n s._n thomas_n burnet_n of_o leyes_n the_o laird_n of_o glenbervie_n arbuthnet_n morphie_n balmoyne_n and_o halkerton_n elder_a for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o aberdene_n the_o marquesse_n of_o huntly_n the_o earl_n of_o mairshall_n and_o kingorne_n the_o earl_n of_o kingorne_n for_o himself_o and_o as_o tutor_n to_o the_o earl_n of_o erroll_n the_o lord_n forbes_n and_o fraser_n and_o laird_n of_o drum_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o banff_n the_o marquesse_n of_o huntly_n the_o earl_n of_o mairshall_n and_o finlatter_v for_o elgine_v and_o forres_n the_o earl_n of_o murray_n the_o laird_n of_o inn_n brodie_n of_o that_o ilk_fw-mi and_o dumbar_n sheriff_n of_o murrey_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o innernesse_n the_o marquesse_n of_o huntly_n the_o earl_n of_o seafort_n the_o lord_n lovatt_n the_o laird_n of_o grant_n and_o makintosh_n for_o the_o sheriffedome_n of_o caithnes_n and_o sutherland_n the_o earl_n of_o sutherland_n caithnes_n and_o seafort_n the_o master_n of_o berridail_n and_o s._n robert_n gordoun_n for_o orkney_n and_o zetland_n the_o earl_n of_o cariet_fw-la s._n john_n buchannan_n of_o scotiscraig_n and_o will._n stewart_n of_o maynes_n for_o the_o sheriffdom_n of_o bute_n the_o lord_n lorn_n and_o sheriff_n of_o bute_n for_o the_o isle_n the_o lord_n lorn_n with_o power_n to_o they_o conjunct_o and_o several_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o several_a bound_n above-written_a at_o such_o time_n &_o place_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o there_o to_o exhibit_v the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o general_a band_n above-specified_n mark_v and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o clerk_n of_o council_n and_o to_o require_v all_o his_o majesty_n have_v of_o whatsoever_o rank_n and_o quality_n to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n date_a march_n 2._o 1580._o according_a to_o the_o say_a date_n and_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kindgdome_n together_o with_o the_o general_a band_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o say_a lord_n upon_o their_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o make_v report_n of_o their_o say_a diligence_n betwixt_o and_o the_o thirteen_o day_n of_o november_n next_o and_o because_o many_o do_v conceive_v though_o false_o that_o these_o pretend_a innovation_n have_v make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v swear_v at_o the_o first_o in_o the_o say_a confession_n our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n know_v well_o that_o suggestion_n to_o be_v make_v by_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o all_o peace_n and_o only_o to_o that_o end_n that_o our_o subject_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o return_v to_o their_o obedience_n do_v declare_v most_o true_o and_o just_o that_o our_o intention_n and_o so_o according_o the_o oath_n which_o they_o have_v now_o take_v be_v to_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o swear_v unto_o in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1580._o by_o which_o they_o do_v assure_o conceive_v that_o all_o our_o good_a people_n will_v rest_v full_o satisfy_v the_o act_n of_o council_n contain_v that_o short_a explication_n here_o follow_v apud_fw-la holy-rood-house_n 22._o septembris_fw-la anno_fw-la 1638._o the_o which_o day_n a_o noble_a marquesse_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hammiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n in_o all_o humble_a and_o hearty_a affection_n unanimous_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n above-written_a date_v 2._o march_n 1580._o according_a as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n together_o with_o the_o general_a band_n above_o specify_v date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o whereupon_o s._n thomas_n hope_v of_o craighall_n his_o majesty_n advocate_n in_o his_o majesty_n name_n ask_v instrument_n with_o all_o these_o our_o gracious_a proceed_n the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n be_v so_o full_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o there_o will_v remain_v no_o more_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o good_a subject_n and_o that_o nothing_o now_o can_v keep_v they_o from_o a_o cheerful_a and_o thankful_a return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n their_o own_o resentment_n and_o satisfaction_n they_o testify_v both_o by_o a_o act_n of_o council_n and_o a_o particular_a letter_n direct_v to_o we_o for_o that_o purpose_n which_o here_o do_v follow_v the_o act_n of_o council_n the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n have_v read_v and_o mature_o consider_v his_o majesty_n letter_n and_o particular_a declaration_n of_o his_o pleasure_n anent_o the_o annul_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n discharge_v the_o press_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n make_v all_o person_n ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a of_o what_o title_n or_o degree_n soever_o liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n and_o other_o judicatories_n competent_a anent_o the_o not_o administrate_v to_o minister_n at_o their_o entry_n any_o other_o oath_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n anent_o the_o subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n father_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o band_n follow_v thereupon_o anent_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o day_n of_o november_n 1638._o and_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 15._o of_o may_n 1639._o and_o anent_o his_o gracious_a goodness_n in_o forget_v and_o forgive_a all_o by-gones_a and_o indiction_n of_o a_o fast_a for_o crave_v of_o god_n blessing_n to_o this_o assembly_n find_v themselves_o so_o full_o satisfy_v therewith_o and_o the_o same_o to_o be_v so_o satisfactory_a for_o remove_v all_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o subject_n anent_o innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n not_o only_o to_o acquiesce_v therewith_o as_o the_o best_a mean_a to_o secure_v both_o religion_n and_o law_n but_o also_o to_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n that_o all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n may_v likewise_o rest_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o they_o with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o they_o may_v testify_v our_o thankfulness_n for_o so_o great_a a_o grace_n and_o goodness_n with_o all_o the_o hearty_a expression_n of_o dutifulnesse_n and_o loyalty_n and_o that_o our_o true_a sense_n hereof_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o appear_v to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n we_o do_v by_o these_o humble_o and_o hearty_o make_v offer_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o the_o defend_n and_o assist_v of_o his_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o foresay_a religion_n and_o confession_n and_o repress_v of_o all_o such_o as_o
disorder_n absolute_o forget_v and_o forgive_v and_o for_o the_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a extirpate_v all_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v command_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o subscribe_v by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o to_o be_v renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o our_o subject_n here_o like_a as_o for_o settle_v of_o a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o this_o kingdom_n we_o cause_v indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o thereafter_o a_o parliament_n in_o may_n 1639._o by_o which_o element_n deal_v we_o look_v assure_o to_o have_v reduce_v our_o subject_n to_o their_o former_a quiet_a behaviour_n and_o dutiful_a carriage_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n both_o national_a and_o municipal_a to_o we_o their_o native_a and_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o albeit_o the_o wish_a effect_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o by_o the_o contrary_a by_o our_o so_o gracious_a procedure_n they_o be_v rather_o embolden_v not_o only_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o stubborn_a and_o unlawful_a way_n but_o also_o daily_o add_v to_o their_o former_a procedure_n act_n of_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o evident_o appear_v by_o open_a oppose_v of_o our_o just_a and_o religious_a pleasure_n and_o command_v express_v in_o our_o last_o proclamation_n anent_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n protest_v against_o the_o same_o and_o strive_v by_o many_o indirect_a mean_n to_o withdraw_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a people_n not_o only_o from_o a_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o gracious_a deal_n with_o they_o but_o also_o from_o the_o due_a obedience_n to_o those_o our_o just_a &_o religious_a command_n notwithstanding_o we_o have_v be_v former_o so_o oft_o petition_v by_o themselves_o for_o the_o same_o by_o their_o daily_a and_o hourly_o guard_v and_o watch_v about_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n suffer_v nothing_o to_o be_v import_v therein_o but_o at_o their_o discretion_n and_o open_o stop_v and_o impede_v any_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n or_o other_o necessary_n whatsoever_o to_o any_o other_o of_o our_o house_n within_o that_o kingdom_n deny_v to_o we_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o act_n without_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n by_o make_v of_o convocation_n and_o council_n table_n of_o nobility_n gentry_n burrowes_n and_o minister_n within_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o not_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o without_o warrant_n of_o authority_n convene_v assemble_v and_o treat_v upon_o matter_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a send_v their_o injunction_n and_o direction_n throughout_o the_o country_n to_o their_o subordinate_a table_n and_o other_o under-minister_n appoint_v by_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o under_o colour_n and_o pretext_n of_o religion_n exerce_v a_o unwarrant_v and_o unbounded_a liberty_n require_v obedience_n to_o their_o illegal_a and_o unlawful_a procedure_n and_o direction_n to_o the_o great_a and_o see_v prejudice_n of_o authority_n and_o lawful_a monarchical_a government_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a by_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n and_o some_o long_o since_o banish_v for_o open_a and_o avow_v teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o of_o they_o suspend_v and_o some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o of_o they_o a_o long_a time_n since_o denounce_v rebel_n and_o put_v to_o the_o horn_n who_o by_o all_o law_n and_o unviolable_a custom_n and_o practic_a of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v incapable_a either_o to_o pursue_v or_o defend_v before_o any_o judicatorie_a far_o less_o to_o be_v judge_n themselves_o some_o of_o they_o confine_v and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o by_o this_o and_o other_o their_o underhand_o work_v and_o private_a information_n and_o persuasion_n have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o partiality_n herein_o &_o so_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a judge_n of_o what_o concern_v episcopacy_n and_o also_o it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o the_o peremptory_a and_o illegal_a procedure_v of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o order_n of_o law_n and_o without_o due_a form_n of_o process_n thrust_v out_o the_o moderatour_n lawful_o establish_v and_o place_v other_o who_o they_o find_v most_o inclinable_a to_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n associate_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n a_o laick-eld_a out_o of_o each_o paroch_n who_o be_v in_o most_o place_n equal_a if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o ministry_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o shall_v be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n as_o also_o of_o a_o ruling-eld_a be_v direct_v more_o therein_o by_o the_o warrant_n from_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a table_n then_o by_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a private_a instruction_n send_v from_o they_o far_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o lowable_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o do_n it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o no_o calm_a nor_o peaceable_a procedure_n or_o course_n can_v have_v be_v expect_v from_o this_o assembly_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o present_a disorder_n and_o distraction_n yet_o we_o be_v please_v herein_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o blindfold_v our_o own_o judgement_n and_o overlook_v the_o say_n disorder_n and_o patient_o to_o attend_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n still_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o by_o our_o commissioner_n his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o such_o other_o well_o dispose_v subject_n who_o be_v to_o be_v there_o and_o by_o their_o own_o see_v the_o real_a performance_n of_o all_o that_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o last_o proclamation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o return_v to_o their_o due_a obedience_n of_o subject_n but_o perceive_v that_o their_o seditious_a disposition_n still_o increase_v by_o their_o repair_n to_o the_o say_a assembly_n with_o great_a band_n and_o troop_n of_o man_n all_o boddin_fw-mi in_o fear_n of_o war_n with_o gun_n and_o pistolet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n custom_n observe_v in_o all_o assembly_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o last_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 16._o of_o this_o instant_n as_o also_o by_o their_o peremptory_a refuse_v of_o our_o assessor_n authorize_v by_o we_o although_o few_o in_o number_n then_o our_o dear_a father_n be_v in_o use_n to_o have_v at_o divers_a assembly_n the_o power_n of_o vote_v in_o this_o assembly_n as_o former_o they_o have_v do_v in_o other_o assembly_n and_o by_o their_o partial_a unjust_a and_o unchristian_a refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o be_v read_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n give_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o adherent_n to_o our_o commissioner_n why_o the_o assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n without_o they_o neither_o yet_o to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o say_n commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v object_n against_o the_o same_o though_o earnest_o require_v by_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o commissioner_n under_o his_o hand_n by_o warrant_n from_o we_o give_v in_o a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n and_o declaration_n the_o same_o bear_n likewise_o our_o pleasure_n of_o the_o registration_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n for_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n and_o yet_o not_o rest_v satisfy_v therewith_o lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o may_v produce_v other_o the_o like_o dangerous_a act_n derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n we_o have_v think_v good_a for_o preven_v thereof_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a cause_n and_o reason_n abovementioned_a and_o divers_a other_o import_v the_o true_a monarchical_a government_n of_o this_o estate_n to_o dissolve_v and_o break_v up_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o
constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o subject_n complaint_n respect_v or_o the_o offender_n punish_v with_o consent_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o by_o cast_v the_o church_n loose_a and_o desolate_a will_v abandon_v both_o to_o ruin_v 7._o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o assembly_n for_o preven_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o two_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o first_o subscribe_v in_o 1580_o and_o 1590._o be_v a_o national_n covenant_n and_o oath_n to_o god_n which_o be_v late_o renew_v by_o we_o with_o that_o necessary_a explanation_n which_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v since_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o enforce_v which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o act_n of_o council_n in_o september_n last_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o subscription_n and_o therefore_o for_o remove_v that_o shame_n and_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v follow_v upon_o the_o show_n of_o two_o different_a covenant_n &_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o one_o nation_n the_o assembly_n can_v dissolve_v before_o it_o try_v find_v and_o determine_v that_o both_o these_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o covenant_n the_o latter_a renew_v by_o we_o agree_v to_o the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n we_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o we_o represent_v and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o before_o mention_v do_v solemn_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o protest_v 1._o that_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o incumbent_n to_o we_o as_o good_a christian_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a subject_n towards_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o protestation_n general_a or_o particular_a proponed_a or_o to_o be_v propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n or_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n may_v be_v present_o discuss_v before_o this_o general_a assembly_n be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatorie_a of_o this_o kingdom_n presumption_n and_o that_o his_o grace_n depart_v not_o till_o the_o same_o be_v do_v 3_o that_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n depart_v not_o till_o this_o assembly_n do_v full_o settle_v the_o solid_a peace_n of_o this_o church_n cognosce_v and_o examine_v the_o corruption_n introduce_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o for_o attain_v hereof_o and_o remove_v all_o just_a exception_n which_o may_v be_v take_v at_o our_o proceed_n we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n false_a that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n shall_v grant_v we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n 4._o that_o if_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n depart_v and_o leave_v this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o this_o present_a disorder_n and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n till_o we_o have_v try_v judge_v censure_v all_o the_o by-gone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n for_o continue_v god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o adhere_v hereunto_o shall_v sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o this_o assembly_n till_o after_o the_o final_a settle_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o 5._o that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n as_o the_o action_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n 6._o that_o whatsoever_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o free_a meeting_n sit_v reason_v or_o conclude_v of_o this_o present_a assembly_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o their_o judicatorie_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o observe_n and_o obey_v the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v to_o abide_v any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n have_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o realm_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o again_o and_o again_o do_v by_o these_o present_v cite_v and_o summon_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o compeer_n before_o this_o present_a general_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o give_v in_o their_o reason_n defence_n and_o answer_n against_o the_o complaint_n give_v in_o or_o to_o be_v give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o to_o hear_v probation_n lead_v and_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o they_o and_o conform_v to_o our_o former_a cytation_n and_o according_a to_o justice_n with_o certification_n as_o effeir_n like_a as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_v to_o the_o 12._o act._n king_n james_n 4._o parliament_n 2._o and_o protest_v for_o remedy_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 7._o and_o last_o we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o former_a protestation_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burghe_n and_o commons_o so_o see_v we_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n sudden_a depart_n far_o contrary_a to_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n and_o our_o expectation_n we_o may_v extend_v this_o our_o protestation_n and_o add_v more_o reason_n thereunto_o in_o great_a length_n and_o number_n whereby_o we_o may_v full_o clear_v before_o god_n and_o man_n the_o equity_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o proceed_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a premise_n the_o foresay_a person_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n aforesaid_a ask_v instrument_n this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o high_a church_n of_o glasgow_n in_o public_a
by_o his_o highness_n and_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n be_v discharge_v and_o whereby_o it_o be_v defend_v that_o none_o of_o his_o highness_n subject_n of_o whatsoever_o quality_n estate_n or_o function_n they_o be_v of_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a presume_v or_o take_v upon_o hand_n to_o convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o hold_v of_o counsel_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determinate_a in_o any_o matter_n of_o estate_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a except_o in_o the_o ordinary_a judgement_n without_o his_o majesty_n special_a commandment_n or_o express_v licence_n have_v and_o obtain_v to_o that_o effect_n by_o the_o 132._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n authorise_v bishop_n to_o try_v and_o judge_v minister_n guilty_a of_o crime_n merit_v deprivation_n by_o the_o 133._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n ordain_v minister_n exerce_v any_o office_n beside_o their_o calling_n to_o be_v try_v and_o adjudge_v culpable_a by_o their_o ordinary_n by_o the_o 23._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1587._o whereby_o all_o act_n make_v by_o his_o highness_n or_o his_o most_o noble_a progenitor_n anent_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n present_o profess_v be_v ratify_v by_o the_o 231._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o bearing_n that_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o highness_n estate_n in_o parliament_n have_v special_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n grant_v by_o his_o highness_n predecessor_n to_o the_o holy_a kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o to_o the_o special_a person_n exerce_v the_o office_n title_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o prelate_n within_o the_o same_o which_o person_n have_v ever_o represent_v one_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o all_o convention_n of_o the_o say_a estate_n and_o that_o the_o say_v privilege_n and_o freedom_n have_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n renew_a and_o conserve_v in_o the_o same_o integrity_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n before_o so_o that_o his_o majesty_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o to_o he_o fall_v now_o under_o his_o majesty_n most_o favourable_a protection_n therefore_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n wherein_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a kirk_n and_o that_o such_o minister_n as_o his_o majesty_n at_o any_o time_n shall_v please_v to_o provide_v to_o the_o office_n place_n title_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n sicklike_a and_o all_o be_v free_o as_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a prelate_n have_v at_o any_o time_n bygone_a and_o also_o declare_v that_o all_o bishopric_n vaick_v or_o that_o shall_v vaick_a shall_v be_v only_o dispone_v to_o actual_a preacher_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o exerce_fw-la the_o say_a function_n by_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1606._o whereby_o the_o ancient_a and_o fundamental_a policy_n consist_v in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n be_v of_o late_a great_o impair_v and_o almost_o subvert_v especial_o by_o the_o indirect_a abolish_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n albeit_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v by_o his_o majesty_n nor_o by_o his_o estate_n that_o the_o say_a estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o necessary_a estate_n of_o the_o parliament_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v suppress_v yet_o by_o dismember_n and_o abstract_n from_o they_o of_o their_o living_n be_v bring_v in_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n the_o say_a estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v restore_v and_o redintegrate_a to_o their_o ancient_a and_o accustom_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n land_n teinde_n rent_n as_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n most_o ample_o and_o free_a at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n rescind_v and_o annul_v all_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n in_o the_o premise_n or_o any_o of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o the_o effect_n they_o may_v peaceable_o enjoy_v the_o honour_n dignity_n privilege_n and_o prerogative_n competent_a to_o they_o or_o their_o estate_n since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o 6._o act_n of_o the_o 20._o parliament_n declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v redintegrate_a to_o their_o former_a authority_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o pertain_v and_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o pertain_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o 1._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o ordain_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v elect_v by_o their_o chapter_n and_o no_o other_o way_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o rite_n and_o order_n accustom_v this_o be_v the_o explanation_n and_o now_o follow_v their_o answer_n which_o shall_v receive_v no_o reply_n as_o be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o have_v weaken_v any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o five_o reason_n only_o where_o there_o be_v any_o new_a or_o dangerous_a position_n of_o they_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v with_o any_o show_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v you_o shall_v find_v it_o note_v upon_o the_o margin_n as_o it_o here_o ensue_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o declaration_n make_v by_o james_n marquesse_n of_o hamilton_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n at_o edinburgh_n an._n 1638._o in_o december_n this_o ancient_a kingdom_n although_o not_o the_o most_o flourish_a in_o the_o glory_n and_o wealth_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o large_o recompense_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o abundant_a mercy_n &_o free_a grace_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o that_o all_o the_o reform_a kirk_n about_o we_o 〈…〉_z do_v admire_v our_o happiness_n and_o king_n james_n himself_o of_o happy_a memory_n glory_v that_o he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o be_v a_o king_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a kirk_n in_o the_o world_n those_o blessing_n of_o pure_a doctrine_n christian_a government_n and_o right_a frame_n of_o discipline_n we_o long_v enjoy_v as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n own_o word_n who_o as_o the_o great_a master_n of_o his_o family_n leave_v most_o perfect_a direction_n for_o his_o own_o economy_n and_o the_o whole_a officer_n of_o his_o house_n till_o the_o prelate_n without_o call_v from_o god_n or_o warrant_v from_o his_o word_n do_v ingire_v themselves_o by_o their_o craft_n and_o violence_n upon_o the_o house_n of_o god._n their_o crafty_a entry_n at_o the_o beginning_n be_v disguise_v under_o many_o caution_n and_o caveat_n which_o they_o never_o observe_v and_o have_v profess_v since_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o observe_v though_o they_o be_v swear_v thereto_o their_o way_n of_o promove_v their_o course_n be_v subtle_a and_o cunning_a as_o in_o abstract_v the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n wherein_o their_o government_n be_v condemn_v in_o impede_v yearly_a general_a assembly_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o comptable_a and_o general_o in_o enfeeble_v the_o power_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o establish_v the_o same_o total_o in_o their_o own_o person_n whereby_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o make_v such_o progress_n that_o be_v invest_v in_o the_o prime_a place_n of_o estate_n and_o arm_v themselves_o with_o the_o boundless_a power_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n they_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o god_n inheritance_n and_o out_o of_o their_o greatness_n without_o any_o show_n of_o order_n or_o council_n without_o advice_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n enterprise_v to_o alter_v and_o subvert_v the_o former_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o introduce_v many_o fearful_a corruption_n and_o innovation_n to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v we_o no_o less_o miserable_a than_o we_o be_v happy_a before_o these_o press_a grievance_n do_v at_o length_n awake_v the_o good_a subject_n to_o petition_v his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n for_o redress_n and_o albeit_o at_o last_o after_o many_o reiterated_a supplication_n and_o long_a attendance_n his_o majesty_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o grant_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n yet_o in_o the_o begin_n by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o commodity_n of_o access_n his_o royal_a ear_n be_v long_o stop_v to_o our_o cry_n and_o we_o discharge_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n to_o meet_v for_o make_v any_o more_o remonstrance_n of_o our_o just_a desire_n in_o this_o distress_n none_o other_o mean_a nor_o hope_v of_o redress_n be_v leave_v we_o have_v our_o recourse_n to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o king_n and_o ruler_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o
represent_v the_o three_o estate_n since_o the_o reformation_n begin_v no_o high_a than_o the_o year_n 1579._o in_o which_o the_o reader_n must_v note_v that_o the_o abbot_n be_v secular_a man_n who_o have_v get_v the_o abbey-land_n but_o yet_o retain_v their_o name_n and_o place_n in_o parliament_n parliament_n 23._o octob._n 1579._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la murray_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 15._o parliament_n penult_n octob._n 1581._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 12._o parliament_n 2._o octob._n 1583._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dumblane_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la argyl_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la iles._n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 13._o parliament_n 22._o may_v 1584._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 11._o parliament_n 26._o august_n 1584._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 4._o parliament_n 1._o decemb._n 1585._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archâ—_n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 9_o parliament_n 13._o july_n 1587._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 13._o parliament_n 3._o april_n 1592._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 3._o april_n 1593._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 22._o april_n 1594._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 5._o parliament_n 1._o novemb_n 1597._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 5._o parliament_n 1._o novem._n 1600._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 12._o april_n 1604._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la rosse_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la caithnes_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 3_o parliament_n 3._o july_n 1606._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la s._n andrew_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la rosse_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la galloway_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 1_o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la prior_n 1_o parliament_n 3._o august_n 1607._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la st._n andrew_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la murray_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la caithnes_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 3_o about_o this_o time_n our_o commissioner_n resolve_v to_o ask_v our_o leave_n for_o his_o return_n to_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v expect_v from_o our_o fair_a and_o gracious_a proceed_n with_o they_o of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o write_v unto_o we_o according_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v our_o leave_n for_o his_o return_n he_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a stir_n which_o be_v now_o raise_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o the_o strong_a and_o great_a guard_n which_o be_v since_o his_o leave_v of_o glasgow_n put_v upon_o our_o castle_n there_o repair_v thither_o to_o our_o palace_n at_o holy-rood-house_n where_o he_o find_v the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n horrible_o abuse_v by_o the_o misreport_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o assembly_n whilst_o he_o continue_v at_o glasgow_n especial_o with_o a_o false_a information_n that_o we_o have_v there_o make_v good_a nothing_o of_o all_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o last_o gracious_a declaration_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n last_o pass_v herewith_o he_o make_v we_o present_o acquaint_v which_o move_v we_o by_o a_o very_a speedy_a dispatch_n to_o command_v he_o by_o our_o proclamation_n to_o make_v know_v to_o all_o our_o subject_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o whole_a proceed_n at_o glasgow_n which_o our_o commissioner_n present_o perform_v by_o cause_v this_o our_o ensue_a proclamation_n to_o be_v publish_v at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o that_o our_o city_n charles_n r._n charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n maissar_n herald_n pursuivant_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n whereas_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a within_o this_o our_o kingdom_n and_o for_o settle_v of_o a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n thereof_o we_o be_v please_v to_o cause_n indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o one_o and_o twenty_o of_o november_n last_o and_o for_o our_o subject_n their_o better_a content_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v free_v of_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o petition_n and_o supplication_n give_v in_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v grieve_v at_o we_o in_o some_o sort_n preven_v the_o assembly_n by_o discharge_v by_o our_o proclamation_n the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n free_v and_o liberate_a our_o subject_n from_o the_o practise_n of_o the_o five_o article_n exime_v all_o minister_n at_o their_o entry_n from_o give_v any_o other_o oath_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v all_o person_n both_o ecclesiastical_a &_o civil_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n have_v declare_v all_o bygone_a disorder_n absolute_o forget_v and_o forgive_v and_o last_o for_o secure_v to_o all_o posterity_n the_o truth_n and_o liberty_n of_o religion_n do_v command_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o subscribe_v by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o to_o be_v renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o our_o subject_n here_o and_o albeit_o that_o this_o our_o gracious_a and_o pious_a command_n in_o stead_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n rancountre_v open_a and_o public_a opposition_n and_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o daily_a and_o hourly_o guard_v and_o watch_v our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n suffer_v nothing_o to_o be_v import_v therein_o but_o at_o their_o discretion_n stop_v and_o impede_v any_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n or_o other_o necessary_n whatsoever_o to_o any_o of_o our_o house_n within_o this_o kingdom_n deny_v to_o we_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o act_n without_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n like_a as_o they_o spare_v not_o bold_o and_o open_o to_o continue_v their_o convention_n and_o council_n table_n of_o nobility_n gentry_n minister_n and_o burgess_n within_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o not_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o warrant_n of_o authority_n they_o conveen_v assemble_v and_o treat_v upon_o matter_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a send_v their_o injunction_n and_o direction_n throughout_o the_o country_n to_o their_o subordinate_a table_n and_o other_o under_o minister_n appoint_v by_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o under_o colour_n and_o pretext_n of_o religion_n exerce_v a_o unwarrant_v liberty_n require_v obedience_n to_o their_o unlawful_a and_o illegal_a direction_n to_o the_o
and_o record_n that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v give_v in_o keep_v to_o the_o house_n of_o erskine_n by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n authority_n hac_fw-la lege_fw-la expressa_fw-la &_o conditione_n ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la nisi_fw-la conventui_fw-la ordinum_fw-la reposcenti_fw-la traderent_fw-la eight_o this_o act_n be_v not_o unexampled_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o have_v many_o precedent_n both_o in_o the_o history_n of_o other_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o own_o which_o have_v many_o such_o example_n even_o do_v by_o the_o estate_n themselves_o who_o fact_n do_v make_v our_o right_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v ratify_v conform_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o loveable_a custom_n in_o punish_v rebellious_a subject_n and_o preserve_v the_o faithful_a act_n 130._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v upbraid_v for_o our_o meeting_n table_n which_o in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v call_v council_n table_n only_o by_o that_o name_n which_o by_o ordinary_a expression_n be_v due_a to_o judicatories_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o some_o unwarrantable_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o intend_v to_o do_v god_n willing_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o sober_a modest_a and_o quiet_a way_n for_o deliberate_v with_o joint_a advice_n upon_o those_o weighty_a business_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o table_n meeting_n do_v never_o emit_v nor_o send_v forth_o any_o authoritative_a command_n or_o injunction_n but_o conclude_v upon_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o advance_v that_o great_a business_n and_o facilitate_v the_o way_n of_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o overture_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o act_n lawful_a and_o approvable_a in_o the_o self_n albeit_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o force_n or_o validity_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n or_o command_n which_o be_v never_o aim_v at_o nor_o intend_v which_o meeting_n they_o may_v warrantable_o keep_v for_o that_o end_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o remove_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o subject_n no_o way_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o municipal_a law_n which_o disapprove_v such_o convention_n as_o be_v for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o usurpation_n against_o authority_n whereof_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o these_o meeting_n not_o the_o first_o because_o no_o invasion_n violence_n offer_v of_o wrong_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o any_o person_n no_o even_a to_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o just_o complain_v ensew_v upon_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o provocation_n and_o their_o fear_n false_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o malicious_o pretend_v for_o their_o stay_n out_o of_o the_o country_n not_o the_o second_o because_o their_o meeting_n be_v to_o consult_v in_o manner_n foresay_a upon_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o humble_a way_n of_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o convenient_a proposition_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o act_n be_v most_o compatible_a with_o the_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n and_o do_v no_o way_n entrench_v upon_o authority_n see_v they_o can_v never_o be_v challenge_v to_o have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o judicial_a determination_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a but_o by_o voluntary_a instruction_n and_o opinion_n every_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n do_v resolve_v what_o may_v be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a end_n and_o yet_o those_o convention_n want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o the_o nobility_n baron_n burrows_n and_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v place_n of_o propon_v reason_v and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n act_n 113._o king_n james_n the_o 6._o parl._n 11._o wherein_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v of_o the_o need_v and_o cause_n pertain_v to_o his_o love_a subject_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o therefore_o ratify_v the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1427._o give_v power_n to_o baron_n to_o propone_v all_o and_o sundry_a needs_o and_o cause_n and_o to_o hear_v treat_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n which_o necessary_a and_o true_a information_n can_v be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n king_n without_o privy_a meeting_n and_o consultation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o to_o inform_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o propone_v hear_v treat_v and_o final_o determine_v all_o needs_o and_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o meeting_n and_o advise_v upon_o that_o information_n quia_fw-la aliquo_fw-la concesso_fw-la omne_fw-la concessa_fw-la videntur_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la concessum_fw-la expediri_fw-la nequit_fw-la and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n they_o have_v likeways_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n of_o this_o land_n to_o propone_v reason_n and_o vote_n in_o assembly_n and_o be_v the_o examine_v parity_n of_o reason_n to_o keep_v precede_v meeting_n not_o to_o determinate_a or_o execute_v but_o to_o consult_v upon_o their_o necessary_a proposition_n so_o that_o these_o lawful_a meeting_n for_o the_o religious_a end_n suffer_v wrongous_o the_o invidious_a designation_n of_o council_n table_n which_o be_v only_o do_v for_o procure_v misconstruction_n against_o they_o because_o at_o these_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n they_o sit_v about_o a_o table_n which_o posture_n be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o authority_n the_o mean_a of_o mechanik_a craft_n have_v their_o own_o table_n where_o about_o they_o sit_v when_o they_o consult_v upon_o the_o small_a business_n import_v their_o trade_n and_o far_o these_o same_o meeting_n consist_v of_o commissioner_n from_o each_o sheriffedome_n and_o body_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n false_a council_n first_o and_o thereafter_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n out_o of_o their_o resentment_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o cause_n have_v numerous_o convene_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o confluence_n of_o people_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o direct_v to_o make_v choose_v forth_o of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o some_o commissioner_n from_o each_o shire_n who_o may_v meet_v to_o represent_v their_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o attend_v the_o answer_v thereof_o censure_n the_o three_o particular_a challenge_n in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v for_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v allege_v to_o have_v be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n some_o banish_v for_o teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o be_v suspend_v some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o confine_v and_o all_o by_o oath_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o although_o no_o answer_n be_v requisite_a see_v the_o person_n thereby_o mean_v be_v not_o special_o condescend_v upon_o yet_o for_o clear_v all_o man_n mind_n and_o show_v the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o proceed_n it_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o particular_a trial_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o some_o such_o surmise_n can_v not_o find_v any_o censure_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n or_o ireland_n by_o a_o lawful_a manner_n in_o a_o lawful_a ireland_n judicatory_a or_o for_o a_o lawful_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o assembly_n after_o careful_a search_n and_o examination_n find_v that_o any_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o person_n in_o scotland_n be_v only_o by_o a_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o take_v arrogant_o on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o that_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o presbytery_n but_o sit_v in_o his_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o
that_o oath_n have_v be_v exact_v different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o many_o several_a way_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o where_o his_o majesty_n declare_v that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o a_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n year_n the_o same_o be_v of_o fearful_a consequence_n because_o the_o act_n bear_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o bishop_n by_o minister_n intrant_n and_o so_o suppose_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o uncontroverted_a whereby_o the_o assembly_n be_v prelimited_a against_o the_o reason_n before_o mention_v which_o may_v find_v that_o office_n useless_a and_o unlawful_a in_o this_o kirk_n and_o which_o now_o they_o have_v find_v upon_o most_o infallible_a reason_n five_o that_o his_o majesty_n assure_v general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v as_o oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o kirk_n shall_v require_v do_v not_o satisfy_v because_o first_o by_o leave_v the_o time_n undefinite_a it_o preiudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o hold_v yearly_a general_a assembly_n at_o least_o and_o often_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la ratify_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o the_o disuse_n whereof_o have_v be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o evil_n which_o shall_v be_v prevent_v in_o time_n come_v by_o renew_v that_o ancient_a necessary_a custom_n and_o liberty_n second_o by_o the_o same_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o the_o king_n or_o his_o commissioner_n be_v present_a shall_v appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o next_o assembly_n and_o in_o case_n his_o majesty_n or_o his_o commissioner_n be_v not_o present_a for_o the_o time_n in_o the_o town_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v hold_v it_o shall_v be_v leasome_a to_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o themselves_o to_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o next_o assembly_n as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o time_n past_a but_o this_o declaration_n not_o only_o leave_v all_o indefinite_a but_o total_o evert_v that_o power_n and_o liberty_n competent_a to_o they_o by_o law_n and_o custom_n three_o as_o it_o do_v not_o determine_v how_o oft_o the_o ordinary_a effair_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi require_v a_o assembly_n which_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o act_n foresay_a evident_o manifest_a to_o be_v yearly_o once_o at_o least_o so_o neither_o do_v it_o determine_v who_o shall_v judge_v when_o the_o necessity_n of_o extraordinary_a effair_n require_v a_o assembly_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la whereas_o undoubted_o the_o church_fw-mi will_v be_v most_o sensible_a of_o her_o own_o necessity_n and_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a judge_n of_o she_o own_o affair_n and_o therefore_o shall_v have_v freedom_n to_o appoint_v she_o own_o time_n when_o she_o find_v herself_o press_v with_o present_a exigency_n as_o his_o majesty_n have_v also_o power_n when_o he_o perceive_v any_o necessity_n require_v the_o same_o six_o whereas_o his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v answerable_a to_o and_o censurable_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v because_o first_o it_o bear_v a_o prelimitaon_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o try_v that_o office_n and_o presuppose_v the_o continuance_n thereof_o by_o succession_n as_o unquestionable_a second_o they_o have_v be_v former_o make_v censurable_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o straight_a way_n that_o the_o kirke_n can_v enjoin_v or_o they_o can_v assure_v and_o yet_o these_o thirty_o year_n they_o have_v shun_v all_o censure_n though_o all_o their_o action_n deserve_v it_o by_o procure_v general_a assembly_n to_o be_v prorogate_v and_o then_o sudden_o indict_v when_o they_o have_v cunning_o prepare_v both_o person_n and_o purpose_n to_o their_o mind_n likeas_n now_o they_o have_v by_o their_o declinator_n refuse_v to_o answer_v and_o be_v censure_v by_o this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o perfect_o constitute_v in_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o lie_v upon_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o take_v some_o solid_a course_n for_o secure_v the_o kirk_n in_o all_o time_n come_v against_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o former_a and_o frequent_a breach_n contrary_a to_o their_o oath_n give_v seven_o whereas_o his_o majesty_n require_v this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n former_o sign_v by_o his_o royal_a father_n 1580._o and_o late_o command_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n september_n last_v 22._o whereto_o we_o adhere_v and_o repeat_v the_o same_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v subscribe_v the_o same_o to_o which_o we_o add_v first_o that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v declare_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n when_o their_o subscription_n be_v require_v that_o it_o may_v subsist_v with_o the_o innovation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o which_o contrary_n some_o of_o the_o say_a lord_n then_o do_v and_o all_o of_o we_o do_v now_o conceive_v to_o repugn_v to_o the_o genuine_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v first_o make_v second_o that_o his_o grace_n have_v protest_v divers_a time_n in_o this_o assembly_n that_o nothing_o do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v therein_o prejudge_v the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n in_o their_o privilege_n place_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n whereby_o the_o declare_v that_o these_o may_v subsist_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v novation_n introduce_v upon_o this_o church_fw-mi contrary_a to_o the_o same_o since_o the_o year_n foresay_a as_o be_v now_o find_v by_o the_o assembly_n three_o that_o to_o the_o assembly_n present_o convene_v and_o perfect_o constitute_v in_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o pertain_v proper_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n constitution_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o book_n of_o policy_n ratify_v in_o divers_a assembly_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o know_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi who_o thereafter_o without_o scruple_n or_o danger_n may_v subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o although_o the_o assembly_n can_v not_o find_v this_o declaration_n satisfactory_a for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a weighty_a reason_n yet_o be_v they_o will_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v insert_v in_o their_o book_n for_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n desire_n and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n pious_a affection_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o royal_a resolution_n to_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o express_v in_o the_o closure_n of_o his_o royal_a declaration_n they_o be_v confident_a that_o when_o his_o majesty_n shall_v be_v full_o inform_v that_o the_o novation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n 1580._o be_v incomparable_a with_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o will_v be_v please_v gracious_o to_o vouchsafe_v his_o comfortable_a protection_n upon_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o confession_n now_o full_o clear_v by_o the_o assembly_n have_v abjure_v all_o the_o innovation_n introduce_v and_o by_o their_o great_a oath_n and_o subscription_n have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o and_o thus_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o channel_n which_o convoy_v both_o duty_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n the_o evidence_n of_o god_n image_n in_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n his_o depute_v shall_v be_v terrible_a to_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o of_o his_o loyal_a subject_n who_o stand_v for_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o and_o shall_v raise_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o religious_a subject_n towards_o his_o majesty_n above_o all_o earthly_a respect_n reason_n and_o where_o it_o be_v subjoin_v in_o the_o proclamation_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o give_v contentment_n except_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o overthrow_v episcopal_a government_n and_o to_o abrogate_v public_a law_n stand_v and_o take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n we_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v thereof_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n abrogate_a and_o abolish_n episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o church_fw-mi for_o false_a infallible_a reason_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a act_n and_o also_o by_o our_o answer_n publish_v to_o the_o declaration_n emit_v in_o the_o commissioner_n name_n which_o for_o brevity_n we_o forbear_v to_o insert_v herein_o whereby_o we_o have_v
magistrate_n be_v describe_v to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o punish_v those_o civil_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o censure_n thereof_o without_o confound_v always_o the_o one_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o other_o and_o this_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n condescend_v upon_o in_o general_a assembly_n as_o warrant_v by_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v execute_v notwithstanding_o any_o humane_a inhibition_n be_v set_v down_o before_o the_o psalm_n in_o meet_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o expect_v that_o his_o majesty_n who_o out_o of_o his_o pious_a inclination_n to_o justice_n by_o a_o late_a proclamation_n 22._o september_n last_o have_v declare_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o his_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a will_v now_o stay_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n lawful_a and_o grave_a sentence_n of_o this_o national_a kirk_n so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o necessary_a for_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n which_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o article_n before_o mention_v have_v promise_v to_o defend_v and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o defence_n of_o excommunicate_a and_o obstinate_a person_n but_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o his_o gracious_a majesty_n will_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v that_o reverence_n and_o all_o ready_a obedience_n may_v be_v defer_v to_o the_o whole_a act_n constitution_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o all_o his_o subject_n who_o undoubted_o and_o necessary_o be_v oblige_v to_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o mother_n kirk_n if_o they_o will_v be_v account_v member_n or_o son_n thereof_o by_o all_o which_o all_o cloud_n of_o weighty_a reason_n the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o just_a proceed_n do_v evident_o appear_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o challenge_n adduce_v against_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o therefore_o for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n we_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o we_o represent_v and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o before_o mention_v do_v solemn_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o protest_v they_o that_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o incumbent_n to_o we_o as_o good_a christian_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a subject_n towards_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n and_o we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v and_o shall_v continue_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n have_v grant_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n that_o it_o be_v and_o be_v most_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o fit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n until_o after_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o try_v judge_v and_o censure_v all_o the_o bygone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n whereof_o the_o general_a and_o principal_a act_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o the_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n and_o such_o like_a that_o whosoever_o presume_v to_o utter_v any_o undutiful_a speech_n against_o the_o same_o may_v be_v due_o censure_v and_o condign_o punish_v we_o protest_v that_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n efold_o and_o faithful_o join_v and_o concur_v in_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o station_n to_o advance_v further_o and_o assist_v the_o execution_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o this_o assembly_n by_o all_o mean_n which_o their_o ability_n can_v afford_v as_o they_o affect_v the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o land_n we_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o challenge_n and_o aspersion_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o that_o our_o whole_a answer_n be_v not_o only_o true_a in_o every_o point_n but_o likewise_o sufficient_o forcible_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o unjust_a imputation_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o whole_a proceed_n and_o carriage_n which_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o blame_v likeas_n by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_a to_o the_o 12._o act._n parl._n 2._o king_n james_n 4._o and_o protest_v for_o remead_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n and_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whosoever_o and_o against_o all_o external_a and_o internal_a invasion_n and_o that_o in_o the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o national_a mother_n kirk_n that_o whatsoever_o inconvenient_n shall_v fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o observance_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o lawful_a defence_n and_o maintenance_n thereof_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o do_v yet_o still_o with_o humble_a vehemency_n beg_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a approbation_n thereunto_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v abide_v to_o any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n do_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v as_o they_o true_o be_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o realm_n we_o protest_v that_o none_o hereafter_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n former_o subscribe_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o council_n as_o they_o will_v eschew_v the_o danger_n of_o a_o contradictory_n oath_n but_o that_o all_o &_o every_o one_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n renew_v in_o february_n last_o and_o that_o with_o this_o sense_n meaning_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o subscribe_v the_o same_o conform_a to_o the_o determination_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n allanerly_a we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v till_o
for_o they_o to_o do_v that_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a if_o they_o do_v as_o they_o say_v but_o they_o do_v make_v good_a what_o they_o say_v by_o tell_v the_o world_n what_o they_o mean_v by_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a and_o their_o meaning_n they_o do_v express_v in_o the_o very_a term_n of_o the_o jesuit_n for_o by_o ecclesiastical_a they_o mean_v as_o their_o practice_n show_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la nay_o more_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la whatsoever_o may_v be_v think_v conducible_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o any_o spiritual_a good_a and_o yet_o more_o vast_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o which_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesiastical_a we_o will_v know_v what_o they_o have_v leave_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o cognisance_n just_o nothing_o for_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o may_v set_v the_o price_n on_o victual_n they_o may_v censure_v the_o action_n of_o all_o man_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o because_o saint_n paul_n bid_v we_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v do_v it_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o true_o from_o this_o false_a and_o jesuitical_a interpretation_n of_o this_o word_n ecclesiastical_a have_v issue_v most_o of_o all_o their_o act_n of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n they_o have_v provide_v arm_n for_o our_o subject_n they_o first_o block_v up_o all_o our_o fort_n &_o castle_n and_o since_o have_v take_v they_o stop_v our_o officer_n from_o carry_v victual_n or_o ammunition_n into_o they_o they_o have_v raise_v fort_n tax_v our_o subject_n levy_a soldier_n against_o we_o not_o only_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o castle_n but_o so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v defeat_v our_o title_n to_o they_o by_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o our_o castle_n but_o the_o kingdom_n they_o have_v encroach_v upon_o the_o undoubted_a bound_n and_o mark_n of_o our_o sovereignty_n by_o send_v warrant_n to_o our_o sheriff_n for_o choose_v commissioner_n for_o the_o shire_n for_o the_o next_o parliament_n they_o have_v discharge_v our_o own_o printer_n for_o print_v any_o thing_n which_o concern_v these_o trouble_n or_o may_v make_v against_o they_o though_o command_v by_o we_o and_o by_o our_o council_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o print_v there_o we_o must_v first_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o jhonston_n their_o clerk_n for_o his_o hand_n to_o it_o else_o it_o can_v pass_v they_o have_v enjoin_v or_o at_o least_o suffer_v the_o preacher_n of_o their_o own_o side_n to_o pray_v and_o preach_v most_o bitter_o against_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n those_o preacher_n who_o continue_v in_o their_o loyalty_n towards_o we_o they_o have_v most_o unjust_o against_o our_o law_n deprive_v of_o their_o benefice_n and_o most_o unmerciful_o and_o unchristianlike_a expose_v they_o to_o misery_n and_o beggary_n they_o have_v most_o contemptuous_o and_o rebellious_o use_v our_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n when_o they_o be_v ask_v why_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o do_v they_o to_o the_o first_o they_o answer_v only_o that_o they_o do_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o religion_n may_v be_v preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n maintain_v and_o his_o glory_n increase_v who_o will_v think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v man_n find_v in_o the_o world_n who_o call_v themselves_o after_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o invocate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o dare_v profane_a and_o abuse_v the_o name_n of_o religion_n god_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o entitle_v those_o glorious_a name_n to_o such_o lewd_a action_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o second_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v express_o against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n act_n of_o council_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n they_o answer_v that_o these_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v undue_o obtain_v and_o that_o now_o they_o have_v rescind_v they_o for_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o council_n they_o express_v great_a wonder_n and_o admiration_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v question_v their_o authority_n over_o they_o for_o that_o question_n they_o use_v to_o answer_v with_o another_o of_o their_o own_o viz._n whether_o any_o man_n do_v hold_v christ_n or_o we_o to_o be_v supreme_a and_o be_v answer_v that_o christ_n be_v supreme_a than_o they_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v his_o council_n must_v likewise_o be_v supreme_a that_o the_o parliament_n be_v but_o the_o council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o our_o privy_a counsellor_n and_o judge_n be_v but_o the_o council_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o king_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o independent_a counsellor_n of_o and_o judge_n under_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o all_o king_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o therefore_o in_o all_o cause_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v his_o church_n they_o be_v supreme_a and_o independent_a above_o we_o our_o parliament_n our_o council_n our_o judge_n and_o that_o if_o our_o counsellor_n or_o judge_n do_v not_o obey_v their_o commandment_n they_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o say_v it_o they_o may_v proceed_v against_o we_o with_o the_o same_o sentence_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a king_n as_o much_o as_o our_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n do_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n these_o furious_a frenzy_n have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o anabaptist_n madness_n reign_v in_o germany_n in_o charles_n the_o five_o his_o time_n which_o be_v most_o strong_o and_o vehement_o oppose_v by_o the_o protestant_a prince_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o if_o luther_n and_o melancthon_n who_o god_n use_v as_o the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o sermon_n lecture_n in_o the_o university_n and_o public_a write_n which_o they_o publish_v stout_a champion_n against_o they_o and_o thereby_o have_v draw_v all_o protestant_n to_o detest_v and_o persecute_v they_o undoubted_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v about_o the_o same_o time_n when_o these_o anabaptist_n rage_v most_o in_o their_o madness_n have_v labour_v and_o suffer_v extreme_o under_o the_o scandal_n of_o their_o frenzy_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v attend_v and_o look_v after_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o reformation_n and_o yet_o these_o same_o foolery_n and_o frenzy_n be_v daily_o act_v by_o these_o who_o call_v themselves_o commissioner_n of_o the_o table_n and_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n of_o their_o pamphlet_n and_o protestation_n with_o the_o title_n of_o irrefragable_a undeniable_a convince_a unquestionable_a sunshine_n truth_n and_o twenty_o more_o such_o false_a impudent_a epithet_n as_o one_o will_v wonder_v from_o whence_o they_o fetch_v the_o face_n that_o can_v bear_v they_o out_o in_o say_v so_o when_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o shall_v read_v they_o upon_o the_o very_a first_o view_n or_o read_n must_v discern_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o step_n or_o shadow_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o we_o confess_v we_o be_v amaze_v at_o and_o aggrieve_v with_o their_o horrible_a impudence_n express_v in_o their_o last_o petition_n send_v unto_o we_o in_o which_o they_o do_v invocate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n call_v he_o not_o only_o as_o a_o witness_n but_o as_o a_o approver_n of_o their_o action_n at_o their_o pretend_a assurance_n of_o our_o justification_n of_o they_o all_o when_o they_o undoubted_o know_v that_o we_o do_v abhor_v and_o detest_v they_o all_o as_o rebellious_a and_o treasonable_a at_o their_o shameless_a asseveration_n of_o their_o confidence_n that_o their_o neighbour_n church_n will_v approve_v all_o their_o proceed_n that_o they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v offend_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o lenity_n when_o they_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o deposition_n and_o excommunication_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o their_o opposer_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a of_o that_o power_n which_o ever_o any_o church_n do_v yet_o challenge_v to_o itself_o and_o many_o more_o such_o audacious_a untruth_n which_o after_o we_o once_o hear_v read_v we_o resolve_v never_o to_o answer_v and_o now_o do_v answer_v it_o only_o thus_o that_o in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o one_o true_a word_n to_o say_v nothing_o
sufficient_o evince_v that_o our_o proceed_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o destructive_a of_o any_o lawful_a three_o estate_n and_o which_o part_n of_o the_o proclamation_n do_v close_a with_o a_o undeserved_a imputation_n to_o our_o loyalty_n bear_v that_o for_o the_o like_a dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n and_o for_o other_o reason_n import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n the_o commissioner_n be_v force_v to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n but_o the_o same_o be_v so_o general_o express_v that_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v do_v of_o plain_a purpose_n to_o make_v we_o hateful_a which_o we_o hope_v will_v not_o work_v that_o end_n unless_o some_o special_a act_n of_o disloyalty_n or_o malversation_n can_v be_v special_o condescend_v upon_o which_o undoubted_o have_v not_o be_v omit_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a otherways_o that_o dark_a cloud_n of_o general_a term_n can_v obfuscate_v the_o pure_a brightness_n of_o our_o sincere_a intention_n unless_o our_o true_a representation_n of_o grievance_n and_o earnest_a humble_a press_a legal_a redress_n thereof_o at_o his_o majesty_n hand_n may_v deserve_v that_o aspersion_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o these_o counsellor_n who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v rather_o in_o absolute_a obedience_n than_o a_o dutiful_a representation_n to_o their_o sovereign_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o warrantable_a wherein_o we_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n if_o either_o our_o proceed_n or_o opinion_n be_v any_o way_n derogatory_n to_o the_o true_a power_n of_o monarchical_a government_n or_o his_o majesty_n authority_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o defend_v with_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n by_o our_o covenant_n return_v and_o where_o in_o the_o proclamation_n in_o that_o part_n thereof_o anent_o the_o commissioner_n discharge_v of_o the_o assembly_n be_v insinuate_v some_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n willingness_n to_o return_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o the_o assembly_n we_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o grace_n presence_n and_o receive_v great_a contentment_n by_o that_o countenance_n of_o royal_a authority_n in_o representation_n whereof_o we_o will_v never_o have_v deprive_v ourselves_o if_o we_o have_v have_v the_o least_o signification_n of_o any_o such_o intention_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o have_v call_v ourselves_o to_o our_o best_a remembrance_n we_o hear_v no_o word_n or_o expression_n tend_v that_o way_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_n false_a we_o do_v humble_o require_v his_o grace_n to_o give_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o discontentment_n in_o writ_n and_o to_o return_v the_o next_o day_n again_o at_o which_o time_n we_o shall_v give_v in_o sufficient_a answer_n thereto_o which_o may_v wipe_v away_o all_o his_o grace_n objection_n and_o move_v he_o to_o continue_v his_o wish_a presence_n to_o that_o assembly_n whereat_o he_o have_v public_o profess_v he_o can_v no_o long_o assist_v but_o this_o be_v refuse_v and_o the_o assembly_n discharge_v by_o he_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o protest_v both_o that_o day_n and_o the_o day_n follow_v upon_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o glasgow_n and_o to_o show_v that_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_fw-mi and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o can_v not_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o discharge_v for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o conveening_a a_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v conveen_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi in_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v then_o judicial_o and_o do_v now_o actual_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n three_o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o the_o self_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_fw-mi to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o well-farre_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church_fw-mi government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n four_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v dissolve_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n five_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notstand_v any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o it_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherways_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_v m._n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v misinform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n six_o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterated_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o and_o after_o frequent_a convention_n and_o formal_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o
subject_n complaint_n respect_v or_o the_o offender_n punish_v with_o consent_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o by_o cast_v the_o church_fw-mi and_o estate_n loose_v and_o desolate_a will_v abandon_v both_o to_o ruin_v seven_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o assembly_n for_o preven_v the_o preiudices_fw-la which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o two_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o first_o subscribe_v in_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n and_o oath_n to_o god_n which_o be_v late_o renew_v by_o we_o with_o that_o necessary_a explanation_n which_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v since_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o enforce_v which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n in_o september_n last_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o subscription_n and_o therefore_o for_o remove_v that_o shame_n and_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v follow_v upon_o the_o show_n of_o two_o different_a covenant_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o one_o nation_n the_o assembly_n can_v not_o dissolve_v before_o it_o have_v try_v find_v and_o determine_v that_o both_o these_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o covenant_n the_o latter_a renew_v by_o we_o agree_v to_o the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o further_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n counsellor_n the_o strain_n of_o our_o protestation_n be_v tax_v because_o we_o have_v thereby_o presume_v to_o cite_v those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n who_o have_v procure_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o proclamation_n to_o be_v responsal_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n whereas_o the_o same_o can_v be_v just_o quarrel_v because_o it_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o warrant_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n therein_o cite_v 12._o act_n par._n 2._o james_n 4._o which_o act_n be_v ground_v upon_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o think_v that_o counsellor_n give_v bad_a counsel_n to_o the_o evident_a prejudice_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o country_n and_o public_a detriment_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n shall_v not_o be_v countable_a therefore_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o estate_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o instance_n in_o our_o law_n that_o perverse_a counsel_n have_v be_v give_v in_o misguide_v the_o king_n and_o common_a good_a of_o this_o realm_n act_n 6._o par._n 1._o james_n 4._o which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o reduction_n of_o grant_n make_v by_o king_n to_o these_o perverse_a counsellor_n act_n 3_o par._n 4._o and_o act_v 5._o par._n 1._o james_n 4._o the_o perverseness_n of_o which_o misguide_v counsel_n have_v be_v assure_o the_o cause_n why_o in_o the_o next_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n immediate_o subsequent_a the_o king_n council_n be_v choose_v in_o parliament_n and_o swear_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n and_o ordain_v to_o be_v responsal_n and_o accusable_a to_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n for_o their_o counsel_n which_o clear_v that_o both_o evil_a counsel_n may_v be_v give_v and_o that_o the_o council_n may_v be_v accuse_v before_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n for_o malversation_n in_o their_o charge_n like_o as_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o proclamation_n make_v all_o person_n liable_a to_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o so_o give_v way_n to_o this_o previous_a cytation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o forewarn_n and_o intimation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v accuse_v if_o they_o be_v guilty_a as_o we_o know_v all_o be_v not_o and_o wish_v that_o none_o be_v all_o which_o heavy_a objection_n and_o imputation_n be_v premit_v in_o the_o proclamation_n to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o command_n thereof_o thereunto_o which_o resolve_v into_o two_o head_n the_o first_o discharge_n obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o liberate_v all_o who_o shall_v disobey_v from_o censure_n and_o promise_a protection_n to_o the_o disobeyer_n and_o inhibit_v all_o presbytery_n session_n of_o kirk_n minister_n within_o this_o realm_n in_o their_o sermon_n session_n and_o meeting_n or_o any_o otherways_o to_o authorise_v approve_v or_o allow_v the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n or_o do_v any_o deed_n which_o may_v countenance_v the_o same_o under_o pain_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o all_o rigour_n and_o command_v all_o who_o shall_v hear_v they_o to_o delate_v the_o same_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o like_a punishment_n likewaies_o strait_o charge_v and_o command_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n clerk_n and_o writer_n not_o to_o grant_v or_o pass_v a_o bill_n summon_v or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o execution_n whatsoever_o upon_o any_o act_n or_o deed_n proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o all_o keeper_n of_o the_o signet_n from_o signete_v thereof_o under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o the_o second_o head_n command_v all_o subject_n to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v the_o confession_n command_v by_o his_o majesty_n conform_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o declaration_n publish_v by_o the_o commissioner_n whereunto_o we_o need_v not_o here_o make_v any_o answer_n but_o remit_v the_o same_o to_o a_o special_a answer_n publish_v in_o print_n make_v to_o that_o all_o declaration_n but_o for_o the_o first_o the_o same_o be_v so_o far_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_fw-mi the_o law_n civil_a and_o canonical_a the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o general_a assembly_n act_n of_o parliament_n practice_n of_o other_o judicatories_n within_o this_o kingdom_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o we_o can_v believe_v any_o such_o commandment_n to_o proceed_v from_o our_o gracious_a king_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n and_o misinformation_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o conscience_n of_o who_o guiltiness_n affright_v they_o to_o undergo_v their_o deserve_a censure_n which_o be_v they_o clear_v first_o that_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o wherein_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v command_v absolute_o to_o inflict_v censure_n 1._o cor._n 5._o wherein_o the_o church_fw-mi do_v execute_v that_o commandment_n and_o the_o kirk_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o of_o jezebel_n 2._o rev._n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v so_o intrinsical_o and_o so_o essential_o competent_a to_o the_o kirk_n and_o general_a assembly_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la as_o obedience_n to_o her_o decreet_n and_o execution_n thereof_o can_v be_v suspend_v far_o less_o take_v away_o and_o discharge_v by_o humane_a authority_n more_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n second_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a kirk_n who_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o execute_v the_o spiritual_a function_n and_o censure_n and_o notwithstanding_o humane_a prohibition_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o then_o man_n three_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n si_fw-la contra_fw-la jus_o vel_fw-la utilitatem_fw-la publicam_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la mendacium_fw-la fuerit_fw-la aliquid_fw-la postulatum_fw-la vel_fw-la impetratum_fw-la ab_fw-la imperatore_n et_fw-la titulo_fw-la de_fw-fr diversis_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la &_o pragmaticis_fw-la sanctionibus_fw-la four_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o anti-christian_n cannon_n law_n decret_a decretal_a extravagan_n titulo_fw-la de_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la five_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a custom_n in_o all_o nation_n ordain_v their_o judicatory_n to_o do_v justice_n notwithstanding_o their_o prince_n prohibition_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o convarnvia_n in_o spain_n pappon_n in_o france_n suedwyne_n in_o germany_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o title_n de_fw-fr rescriptis_fw-la aut_fw-la constitutionibus_fw-la principum_fw-la six_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n because_o in_o sundry_a general_a assembly_n upon_o complaint_n make_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n offer_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o kirk_n from_o go_v on_o in_o her_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n especial_o by_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n convene_v in_o the_o new_a college_n of_o sanctandrows_fw-mi 20._o april_n 1582._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o be_v receive_v to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n office_n or_o benefice_n seek_v any_o way_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o exeme_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o procure_v obtain_v or_o use_v any_o letter_n or_o charge_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o name_n or_o at_o their_o