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
our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v so_o much_o be_v all_o of_o equal_a untruth_n with_o the_o former_a for_o neither_o have_v they_o satisfy_v the_o bishop_n reason_n propound_v in_o their_o declinator_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o commissioner_n his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_n and_o that_o our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o untruth_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o they_o affirm_v within_o a_o few_o line_n after_o that_o our_o commissioner_n do_v know_v before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n he_o do_v know_v it_o indeed_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o and_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v know_v it_o which_o be_v immediate_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o do_v sharp_o expostulate_v it_o with_o they_o and_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o will_v induce_v a_o nullity_n upon_o the_o election_n make_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o we_o will_v never_o allow_v any_o for_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v so_o choose_v that_o he_o have_v notice_n of_o this_o their_o intention_n by_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o covenant_a minister_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o election_n but_o that_o he_o do_v know_v of_o any_o such_o election_n with_o approbation_n of_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o these_o election_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n they_o have_v receive_v already_o a_o sufficient_a challenge_n to_o make_v that_o good_a which_o undoubted_o they_o can_v and_o where_o they_o add_v that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o many_o more_o minister_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v grieve_v at_o it_o but_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o remedy_v it_o the_o whole_a three_o section_n be_v so_o derogatory_n to_o our_o royal_a authority_n and_o indeed_o do_v so_o unworthy_o debase_v the_o authority_n of_o monarch_n as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v answer_v any_o way_n but_o by_o justice_n for_o it_o give_v no_o more_o power_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v present_a and_o sit_v at_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n than_o thomas_n patterson_n a_o tailor_n of_o edinburgh_n have_v who_o sit_v commissioner_n there_o after_o they_o subjoine_v some_o reason_n for_o their_o protestation_n in_o the_o first_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o and_o sure_o never_o will_n then_o they_o affirm_v that_o our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o assembly_n by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n but_o they_o conceal_v that_o he_o solemn_o protest_v and_o enter_v his_o particular_a protestation_n against_o every_o thing_n they_o say_v or_o do_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o who_o protest_v against_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o than_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o our_o proclamation_n and_o our_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o discharge_v of_o this_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o protestation_n make_v against_o these_o and_o for_o our_o commissioner_n his_o exhibition_n of_o our_o royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n let_v the_o reader_n remember_v the_o protestation_n before_o mention_v which_o our_o commissioner_n make_v when_o he_o do_v so_o and_o that_o scruple_n be_v quick_o remove_v their_o second_o and_o three_o reason_n be_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n they_o have_v late_o swear_v so_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n they_o have_v explicate_v their_o covenant_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o but_o they_o do_v wrong_v in_o both_o and_o therefore_o none_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o either_o for_o every_o oath_n unlawful_o take_v be_v unlawful_o keep_v their_o four_o reason_n have_v not_o one_o true_a word_n in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v law_n for_o our_o authority_n to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n which_o give_v we_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o indict_v of_o a_o assembly_n viz._n the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o 21._o parliament_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o sure_a ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la whosoever_o have_v the_o power_n of_o indict_v have_v the_o power_n of_o dissolve_v they_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o precede_a practice_n for_o it_o we_o wonder_v they_o can_v or_o dare_v affirm_v it_o do_v not_o our_o royal_a father_n discharge_v that_o assembly_n at_o aberdene_n and_o when_o some_o few_o turbulent_a minister_n do_v notwithstanding_o hold_v it_o be_v they_o not_o convent_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n for_o it_o who_o undoubted_o have_v punish_v they_o most_o severe_o if_o by_o their_o decline_v of_o the_o counsel_n authority_n and_o appeal_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n they_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o act_n of_o treason_n and_o so_o by_o our_o council_n be_v turn_v over_o to_o the_o judge_n in_o criminal_a cause_n before_o who_o by_o a_o jury_n or_o assize_n they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o treason_n for_o that_o act_n of_o decline_v our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o counsel_n authority_n all_o which_o we_o touch_v a_o little_a before_o and_o that_o by_o claim_v our_o power_n to_o indict_v or_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v infringe_v the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v any_o act_n not_o consistent_a with_o the_o oath_n which_o we_o take_v at_o our_o coronation_n in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o be_v suggest_v in_o this_o four_o reason_n be_v most_o false_o and_o most_o seditious_o affirm_v only_o for_o draw_v away_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a subject_n from_o we_o and_o our_o government_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o our_o sole_a power_n of_o indict_v assembly_n here_o follow_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n set_v down_o and_o agree_v upon_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n keep_v in_o glasgow_n in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1610._o together_o with_o a_o explanation_n make_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n i._n the_o act_n be_v long_o and_o have_v many_o branch_n we_o only_o recite_v two_o first_o it_o confirm_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o indiction_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appertain_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o royal_a crown_n and_o in_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o act_n our_o royal_a father_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n do_v annul_v and_o rescind_v the_o 114._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1592._o which_o do_v give_v some_o power_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o some_o case_n of_o themselves_o to_o indict_v a_o new_a assembly_n their_o five_o reason_n contain_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o assembly_n that_o will_v not_o stay_v a_o process_n which_o they_o have_v intend_v against_o archbishop_n montgomerie_n the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n nor_o yet_o dissolve_v itself_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n with_o letter_n of_o horning_n and_o rebellion_n to_o do_v one_o of_o the_o two_o a_o excellent_a argument_n because_o one_o assembly_n do_v wicked_o and_o that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v we_o must_v do_v so_o likewise_o as_o if_o many_o year_n hence_o a_o assembly_n be_v charge_v by_o one_o of_o our_o successor_n to_o dissolve_v shall_v not_o obey_v but_o allege_v for_o their_o defence_n that_o this_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n will_v not_o dissolve_v itself_o notwithstanding_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v charge_v by_o we_o to_o do_v so_o under_o pain_n of_o treason_n as_o if_o one_o unjust_a act_n can_v justify_v another_o but_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o those_o who_o do_v but_o offer_v to_o hold_v a_o assembly_n at_o aberdene_n after_o it_o be_v discharge_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n be_v first_o convent_v before_o his_o council_n and_o afterward_o severe_o punish_v for_o it_o in_o their_o six_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o seven_o reason_n they_o allege_v that_o they_o can_v rise_v until_o they_o have_v find_v our_o covenant_n and_o they_o to_o be_v all_o one_o if_o by_o their_o covenant_n they_o mean_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n annex_v which_o be_v first_o enjoin_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o twice_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
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 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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 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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 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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 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