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associate_v to_o themselves_o a_o roll_a elder_a out_o of_o every_o pariosh_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o pariosh_fw-mi or_o man_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o bound_n do_v over-rule_v they_o both_o by_o their_o authority_n and_o number_n be_v more_o than_o the_o minister_n of_o who_o some_o be_v ordinary_o absent_a and_o five_o or_o six_o or_o so_o many_o of_o they_o put_v on_o the_o leit_n and_o remove_v there_o remain_v but_o a_o few_o minister_n to_o voice_n to_o the_o election_n the_o presbytery_n former_o never_a associate_a to_o themselves_o lay-elder_n in_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o only_o for_o their_o assistance_n in_o discipline_n and_o correction_n of_o manner_n call_v for_o they_o at_o such_o occasion_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o godly_a concurrence_n whereas_o it_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1582._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v few_o in_o number_n then_o the_o 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removell_n the_o
have_v design_v the_o person_n and_o express_v the_o fault_n in_o particular_a but_o they_o can_v otherwise_o ease_v their_o own_o vindictive_a spirit_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o commission_n be_v valide_fw-la suppose_v afterward_o they_o shall_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o allege_v and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v too_o credulous_a namely_o when_o man_n declare_v infamous_a do_v calumniate_v they_o except_o next_o against_o laymens_n decisive_a voice_n it_o stand_v not_o with_o reason_n scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n say_v they_o that_o layman_n shall_v be_v authorize_v by_o minister_n to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o a_o general_a assembly_n that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o those_o elder_n pretend_v to_o have_v this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o warrant_n express_v for_o they_o to_o deliberat_fw-la and_o determine_v so_o by_o layman_n they_o mean_v our_o roll_a elder_n who_o be_v not_o mere_a lay-man_n but_o office_n bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n and_o be_v call_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n ecclesiastical_a person_n next_o observe_v that_o they_o except_v not_o only_o against_o the_o assembly_n hold_v last_o at_o glasgow_n but_o also_o against_o all_o the_o assembly_n hold_v since_o the_o reformation_n for_o the_o elder_n have_v have_v power_n to_o voice_n in_o assembly_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o order_n of_o choose_v commissioner_n with_o power_n to_o voice_n be_v set_v down_o first_o anno_fw-la 1568._o among_o which_o be_v the_o gentleman_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n there_o be_v no_o need_n therefore_o to_o express_v the_o act_n 1597._o which_o be_v conclude_v before_o anno_fw-la 1568._o the_o 7._o chap._n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o continual_o practise_v since_o the_o reformation_n the_o general_a assembly_n be_v call_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n the_o general_a eldership_n of_o the_o kirk_n if_o their_o reason_n be_v good_a minister_n have_v no_o warrant_n by_o that_o act_n 1597._o to_o voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o there_o be_v no_o express_a mention_n in_o that_o act_n of_o minister_n power_n to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o act_n do_v not_o touch_v but_o presuppose_v the_o power_n of_o both_o and_o only_o define_v the_o number_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o baron_n to_o be_v direct_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o assembly_n so_o you_o see_v they_o profess_v plain_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o of_o our_o former_a assembly_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o time_n to_o come_v constitute_v after_o the_o like_a manner_n nor_o the_o national_a counsel_n in_o other_o reform_a kirk_n for_o lawful_a assembly_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o answer_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o our_o kirk_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o this_o one_o passage_n in_o their_o declinatour_n deserve_v condign_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v so_o malapert_o impunge_v the_o establish_a order_n of_o our_o kirk_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v to_o a_o assembly_n right_o constitute_v yet_o howbeit_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v decisive_a voice_n to_o lay-man_n they_o allow_v they_o presence_n and_o assistance_n so_o will_v the_o papist_n but_o they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o prince_n which_o condition_n be_v not_o require_v by_o the_o papist_n they_o allow_v that_o his_o majesty_n in_o person_n or_o by_o his_o delegate_n may_v see_v good_a order_n keep_v have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n and_o may_v delegat_v by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n such_o lay-man_n as_o he_o please_v to_o have_v definitive_a and_o decisive_a voice_n without_o which_o delegation_n it_o be_v presumptuous_a intrusion_n upon_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n by_o the_o act_n 1597._o which_o be_v make_v by_o their_o own_o procurement_n to_o restrain_v the_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n direct_v from_o presbytery_n to_o oppose_v to_o their_o corrupt_a course_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o baron_n or_o gentleman_n shall_v be_v nominat_fw-la by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o have_v have_v after_o that_o decisive_a voice_n in_o assembly_n how_o many_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n only_o call_v for_o by_o the_o king_n letter_n and_o not_o delegat_n as_o commissioner_n have_v voice_v at_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o help_v to_o carry_v matter_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n but_o now_o it_o appear_v that_o after_o they_o have_v serve_v their_o turn_n with_o they_o to_o set_v they_o up_o they_o be_v to_o bide_v they_o a_o due_a hereafter_o item_fw-la for_o as_o laici_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la vobis_fw-la locus_fw-la icy_a yea_o they_o entreat_v the_o king_n commissioner_n in_o the_o word_n utter_v by_o the_o father_n at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedom_n mitte_fw-la for_o as_o superfluos_fw-la send_v forth_o the_o superflous_a that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o clerk_n and_o monk_n who_o come_v to_o trouble_v the_o council_n because_o they_o have_v embrace_v the_o error_n of_o eutyches_n they_o apply_v to_o the_o roll_a elder_n nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n choose_v lawful_o commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n for_o such_o insolent_a and_o contumelious_a speech_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v severe_o censure_v howbeit_o there_o have_v be_v no_o libel_n give_v in_o against_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o allege_v the_o direction_n give_v by_o pulcheria_n the_o empress_n to_o strategus_n commander_n or_o captain_n of_o bythinia_n to_o drive_v by_o force_n out_o of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n such_o monk_n clerk_n and_o ley-man_n as_o do_v but_o pester_v the_o council_n and_o suffer_v none_o but_o such_o as_o the_o bishop_n bring_v with_o they_o this_o also_o be_v for_o avoid_v of_o disturbance_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o see_v that_o layman_n not_o appoint_v by_o the_o prince_n but_o bring_v by_o the_o bishop_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n but_o how_o agree_v that_o say_n of_o theodosius_n the_o young_a that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a bishop_n to_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a treaty_n and_o affair_n it_o seem_v to_o cross_v that_o which_o they_o grant_v before_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o delegate_n for_o how_o can_v he_o or_o they_o if_o this_o be_v true_a have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n or_o a_o decisive_a voice_n yea_o by_o this_o say_n minister_n or_o preach_v presbyter_n ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v not_o set_v in_o the_o rank_n of_o bishop_n this_o say_n of_o theodosius_n be_v allege_v by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o definitive_a voice_n of_o emperor_n and_o prince_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conjecture_v whereunto_o their_o course_n do_v tend_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o fair_a show_n they_o make_v a_o little_a before_o but_o as_o for_o that_o say_n of_o theodosius_n extant_a in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n whittaker_n de_fw-fr conciliis_fw-la prove_v it_o to_o be_v forge_v quia_fw-la non_fw-la habetur_fw-la in_o antiquis_fw-la exemplaribus_fw-la it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o old_a copy_n and_o it_o be_v false_a in_o itself_o for_o he_o do_v meddle_v and_o howbeit_o theodosius_n be_v not_o present_v himself_o at_o the_o council_n yet_o he_o send_v candidianus_n who_o inform_v he_o of_o their_o proceed_n three_o the_o word_n be_v not_o right_o translate_v for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o the_o order_n or_o rank_n of_o bishop_n but_z the_o catalogue_n of_o bishop_n mean_v that_o none_o shall_v meddle_v with_o the_o affair_n and_o question_n to_o be_v treat_v in_o the_o council_n but_o such_o as_o be_v send_v from_o their_o kirk_n and_o be_v write_v up_o in_o the_o catalogue_n which_o their_o bishop_n bring_v with_o they_o this_o be_v observe_v by_o junius_n for_o the_o same_o respect_n which_o theodosius_n have_v martinus_n be_v move_v say_v they_o to_o say_v at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n non_fw-la esse_fw-la suumse_v episcoporum_fw-la tantum_fw-la subscribere_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o part_n but_o the_o bishop_n only_o to_o subscribe_v how_o can_v they_o urge_v he_o to_o subscribe_v if_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o bishop_n this_o famous_a man_n martin_n be_v a_o abbot_n or_o the_o father_n of_o many_o monk_n he_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v because_o he_o favour_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o error_n of_o eutyches_n another_o monkish_a father_n always_o we_o see_v what_o assembly_n they_o intend_v to_o have_v have_v even_o just_a like_o the_o popish_a bishop_n only_o have_v decisive_a voice_n and_o no_o other_o assembly_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o their_o
for_o our_o purpose_n and_o add_v multo_fw-la magis_fw-la igitur_fw-la literati_fw-la &_o in_fw-la lege_fw-la divina_fw-la periti_fw-la quanquam_fw-la non_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la existant_fw-la the_o decree_n of_o the_o second_o council_n of_o orange_n be_v subscribe_v by_o layman_n of_o great_a dignity_n laici_fw-la etiam_fw-la illustres_fw-la &_o magnifici_fw-la viri_fw-la subscripserunt_fw-la magd._n cent._n 5._o cap._n 9_o and_o in_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o cullen_n anno_fw-la 887._o there_o be_v present_a religious_a layman_n with_o who_o consent_n the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n be_v promulgat_n at_o the_o council_n of_o metz_n hold_v under_o arnulphus_n be_v present_v many_o earl_n and_o other_o noble_n with_o other_o layman_n fear_v god_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o chap._n we_o have_v these_o word_n episcopi_fw-la &_o presbyteri_fw-la &_o fideles_fw-la laici_fw-la qui_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la juxta_fw-la sacram_fw-la canonum_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la saepius_fw-la in_o christi_fw-la nomine_fw-la convenientes_fw-la justiciam_fw-la dei_fw-la statuerunt_fw-la &_o idcirco_fw-la suis_fw-la diebus_fw-la pacem_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la they_o tell_v we_o that_o therefore_o father_n have_v peace_n in_o their_o day_n when_o layman_n convene_v in_o chist_n name_v with_o the_o clergy_n and_o make_v righteous_a decree_n these_o counsel_n be_v allege_v for_o our_o purpose_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n in_o the_o chapter_n abovementioned_a the_o author_n of_o the_o review_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n a_o french_a catholic_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 8._o maintain_v that_o from_o all_o antiquity_n layman_n have_v have_v their_o place_n in_o counsel_n not_o only_o to_o deliberat_fw-la but_o to_o determine_v also_o &_o alledgeeth_n for_o his_o purpose_n not_o only_o act_v 15._o 23._o but_o also_o example_n special_o of_o counsel_n hold_v in_o france_n and_o spain_n the_o french_a synod_n hold_v an._n 742._o have_v these_o word_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o churchman_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o realm_n we_o have_v ordain_v decree_v etc._n etc._n say_v carloman_n duke_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o french_a pepin_n a_o french_a duke_n and_o prince_n call_v another_o synod_n at_o soissons_fw-fr consist_v of_o churchman_n and_o some_o chief_a layman_n of_o the_o realm_n with_o who_o he_o enact_v some_o ecclesiastical_a law_n an._n 744._o the_o council_n of_o meaux_n hold_v under_o charles_n the_o second_o an._n 845._o make_v mention_n of_o some_o other_o counsel_n that_o consist_v of_o clergy_n and_o lay-man_n so_o be_v earl_n &_o other_o godly_a laym-en_a at_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o pistis_fw-la a_o town_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o seyn_n anno_fw-la 963._o both_o clergy_n &_o lay-man_n flock_v in_o great_a troop_n to_o the_o council_n at_o tribur_n in_o france_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o council_n we_o have_v these_o word_n this_o holy_a subscription_n be_v confirm_v and_o fair_o approve_v by_o the_o reverend_a profession_n and_o worthy_a answer_n of_o the_o priest_n deacon_n and_o lay-nobilitie_n at_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o constance_n be_v present_a 24._o duke_n 140._o earl_n divers_a delegat_n from_o city_n and_o corporation_n divers_a learned_a lawyer_n divers_a burgess_n of_o university_n at_o the_o first_o council_n of_o pisa_n there_o be_v the_o delegate_n of_o university_n the_o proctor_n of_o city_n and_o some_o doctor_n in_o law_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 400._o all_o of_o who_o say_v the_o apology_n of_o that_o council_n treat_v of_o point_n in_o divinity_n when_o they_o have_v depose_v the_o two_o antipope_n that_o contend_v for_o the_o popedom_n and_o elect_a alexander_n the_o five_o make_v many_o good_a ordinance_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n so_o at_o the_o second_o council_n of_o pisa_n there_o be_v also_o the_o delegate_n of_o university_n `with_o sundry_a doctor_n in_o law_n and_o other_o man_n in_o great_a abundance_n well_o skill_v in_o matter_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a many_o other_o synod_n or_o counsel_n be_v cite_v in_o that_o eight_o chapter_n whereunto_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n as_o for_o the_o popish_a distinction_n of_o consent_v and_o define_v or_o determine_v that_o layman_n consent_v but_o do_v not_o define_v or_o determine_v the_o reader_n may_v find_v expression_n in_o the_o contrare_fw-la in_o the_o example_n above-cited_n whittaker_n prove_v that_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o subscribe_v as_o consent_v how_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v to_o grant_v they_o power_n to_o debate_v upon_o or_o discuss_v any_o question_n and_o consent_n or_o dissent_v to_o the_o determination_n either_o on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o other_o &_o not_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v that_o less_o for_o if_o the_o clergy_n man_n have_v determine_v and_o the_o layman_n consent_v not_o their_o determination_n be_v frustrate_a right_o judgement_n can_v be_v give_v but_o after_o the_o discuss_n of_o the_o cause_n say_v the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n in_o the_o chapter_n above-cited_n neither_o do_v he_o admit_v some_o of_o the_o council_n to_o be_v judge_n and_o other_o to_o be_v disputer_n only_o now_o see_v mere_a layman_n orderly_o elect_v have_v have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o counsel_n much_o more_o roll_a elder_n see_v they_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o laity_n as_o fit_a to_o govern_v and_o if_o the_o fit_a be_v not_o choose_v it_o be_v a_o abuse_n or_o neglect_v which_o shall_v be_v amend_v the_o elder_n at_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_a preacher_n but_o ruler_n for_o the_o name_n be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o both_o be_v comprehend_v where_o the_o sense_n distinguish_v not_o if_o bilson_n pag._n 180._o comprehend_v deacon_n under_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n with_o great_a reason_n may_v we_o the_o roll_a elder_n and_o so_o do_v our_o divine_n junius_n alstedius_n and_o other_o dispute_v upon_o this_o subject_n yea_o zwinglius_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n take_v here_o elder_n only_o for_o the_o roll_a elder_n always_o see_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v direct_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o kirk_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n a_o pattern_n to_o the_o rest_n this_o digression_n be_v necessary_a howbeit_o their_o acception_n touch_v not_o the_o point_n in_o question_n to_o wit_n whither_o this_o last_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o establish_a order_n of_o our_o kirk_n they_o allege_v that_o if_o the_o pretend_a commissioner_n both_o lay_v and_o ecclesiastic_a be_v for_o none_o other_o cause_n declinable_a yet_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v decline_v because_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o meeting_n have_v precondemn_v episcopal_a government_n have_v condemn_v at_o least_o suspend_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n concern_v the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n have_v approve_v their_o covenant_n as_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o not_o only_o have_v give_v judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o hand_n but_o by_o most_o solemn_a oath_n bind_v themselves_o to_o defend_v and_o stand_v to_o the_o same_o as_o do_v appear_v by_o their_o covenant_n petition_n potestation_n pamphlet_n lybel_n and_o sermon_n for_o a_o judge_n probable_o suspect_v may_v be_v decline_v and_o of_o all_o probability_n the_o most_o pregnant_a be_v when_o the_o judge_n before_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n do_v give_v sentence_n of_o the_o thing_n judge_v hitheretill_o they_o have_v decline_v the_o commissioner_n as_o incompetent_a judge_n now_o they_o decline_v they_o as_o suspect_v which_o be_v recusatio_fw-la judicis_fw-la suspecti_fw-la suppose_v it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v here_o allege_a of_o all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o be_v set_v for_o as_o it_o be_v answer_v at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n to_o the_o arminian_n use_v the_o like_a exception_n that_o by_o this_o reason_n arrius_n nestorius_n eutyches_n and_o other_o like_a heretic_n can_v not_o have_v be_v condemn_v just_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o nice_a ephesus_n chalcedon_n because_o the_o orthodox_n teacher_n who_o have_v impungn_v their_o doctrine_n before_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o their_o doctrine_n alexander_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n impugn_a the_o heretical_a opinion_n of_o arrius_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v convocat_n and_o yet_o sit_v as_o judge_v at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a upon_o arrius_n do_v not_o cyrillus_n sit_v in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n upon_o the_o nestorian_n howbeit_o he_o have_v impugn_a their_o doctrine_n before_o in_o hassia_n when_o some_o defend_v the_o vbiquitar_n error_n they_o be_v condemn_v in_o a_o general_a synod_n by_o such_o as_o have_v impugn_a their_o error_n before_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o same_o exception_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o accustom_v in_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n that_o when_o any_o error_n do_v
libel_n too_o special_a hinc_fw-la illae_fw-la lachrymae_fw-la that_o assembly_n be_v a_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o begin_v the_o rent_n of_o our_o kirk_n yet_o their_o act_n bear_v no_o more_o but_o that_o all_o summons_n contain_v a_o special_a cause_n and_o crime_n and_o that_o none_o be_v summon_v super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la the_o libel_n contain_v special_a cause_n and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v summond_v super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la as_o for_o the_o act_n 1582._o ordain_v that_o in_o process_n of_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n there_o be_v a_o libel_v precept_n upon_o forty_o day_n warning_n if_o they_o be_v within_o the_o realm_n sixty_o if_o without_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o kirk_n and_o such_o commissioner_n as_o elect_v and_o admit_v the_o person_n complain_v upon_o summon_v they_o to_o compeare_v and_o answer_v upon_o the_o complaint_n and_o incase_o of_o their_o absence_n at_o the_o first_o summons_n the_o second_o to_o be_v direct_v upon_o the_o like_a warning_n with_o certification_n if_o he_o fail_v the_o libel_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o probation_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o form_n of_o proceed_v be_v ordain_v for_o inferior_a judicatories_n which_o sit_v at_o frequent_a diet_n for_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o if_o he_o compeare_v not_o at_o the_o first_o citation_n he_o shall_v be_v summon_v de_fw-la novo_fw-la with_o certification_n but_o the_o general_a assembly_n sit_v but_o once_o in_o the_o year_n can_v not_o begin_v and_o end_v such_o a_o proceed_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n if_o this_o order_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o next_o because_o that_o direction_n be_v for_o they_o who_o admit_v but_o the_o general_a assembly_n do_v not_o admit_v minister_n yea_o the_o person_n summon_v be_v never_o admit_v to_o their_o great_a benefice_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o by_o the_o assembly_n three_o that_o form_n of_o proceed_v presume_v that_o the_o person_n complain_v upon_o may_v be_v out_o of_o the_o realm_n or_o within_o but_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v cite_v by_o public_a proclamation_n to_o compeare_v before_o inferior_a judge_n but_o the_o decliner_n be_v summon_v by_o proclamation_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a kirk_n within_o the_o kingdom_n to_o compeare_v before_o the_o general_a assembly_n so_o that_o these_o who_o be_v within_o the_o country_n or_o near_o the_o border_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o citation_n four_o that_o form_n be_v for_o fault_n in_o the_o office_n or_o life_n of_o minister_n deserve_v deprivation_n this_o for_o citation_n of_o such_o as_o usurp_a jurisdiction_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o whole_a kirk_n and_o be_v band_v together_o in_o one_o common_a course_n against_o the_o establish_a order_n and_o policy_n of_o our_o kirk_n five_o the_o act_n itself_o permit_v appellation_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n if_o after_o the_o decreit_n he_o find_v himself_o wrong_v thereby_o it_o be_v clear_a then_o the_o act_n concern_v only_a citation_n before_o inferior_a judicatories_n six_o diligence_n be_v use_v to_o publish_v the_o summons_n as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v after_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v be_v execute_v soon_o if_o the_o commissioner_n have_v take_v another_o course_n howsoever_o there_o be_v time_n sufficient_a as_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o citation_n come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n both_o those_o who_o be_v within_o and_o those_o who_o be_v without_o the_o country_n citatio_fw-la contumaciam_fw-la juducere_fw-la potest_fw-la si_fw-la scientia_fw-la citationis_fw-la apprehenderit_fw-la citatum_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la comperiatur_fw-la malitiose_fw-la aut_fw-la dolose_a latitare_fw-la that_o the_o citation_n come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n as_o well_o of_o these_o without_o as_o at_o home_n be_v clear_a by_o subscrive_v the_o declinatour_n and_o compearance_n of_o their_o procurator_n before_o the_o assembly_n whereupon_o instrument_n be_v take_v that_o their_o compearance_n do_v justify_v the_o citation_n the_o four_o challenge_n be_v of_o proceed_v against_o common_a equity_n which_o admit_v summons_n only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o judge_n before_o who_o the_o delinquent_n be_v to_o compeare_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o summons_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o pretend_a presbytery_n for_o compearance_n before_o the_o general_a assembly_n see_v their_o malapertnesse_n in_o call_v the_o weekly_a meeting_n of_o minister_n pretend_v presbytery_n slight_v the_o order_n establish_v with_o so_o great_a deliberation_n by_o our_o kirk_n with_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o challenge_n they_o know_v it_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a practice_n of_o our_o kirk_n that_o inferior_a judicatories_n have_v cite_v delinquent_n to_o compeare_v before_o the_o superior_a and_o necessare_fw-la it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v because_o the_o general_a assembly_n sit_v not_o frequent_o nor_o may_v not_o sit_v often_o according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n then_o once_o in_o the_o year_n except_o prore_n nata_fw-la if_o every_o citation_n begin_v at_o the_o assembly_n for_o compearance_n at_o the_o next_o delinquent_n may_v persist_v in_o their_o offence_n and_o perhaps_o escape_v all_o punishment_n and_o as_o for_o the_o present_a case_n there_o be_v danger_n in_o delay_v to_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o assembly_n they_o complain_v that_o reference_n of_o the_o complaint_n be_v make_v by_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o party_n never_o be_v summon_v to_o compeare_v before_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o either_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o party_n or_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n the_o complaint_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o complaint_n be_v make_v upon_o breach_n of_o the_o caution_n for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o can_v not_o be_v well_o try_v without_o the_o trial_n of_o pretend_a assembly_n whereupon_o the_o party_n complain_v upon_o will_v build_v most_o of_o their_o defence_n therefore_o the_o presbytery_n refer_v the_o trial_n of_o the_o complaint_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o the_o most_o able_a and_o undoubted_o competent_a judge_n without_o citation_n before_o themselves_o and_o as_o matter_n stand_v for_o the_o present_a they_o can_v do_v none_o otherwise_o without_o great_a disturbance_n and_o interruption_n to_o be_v make_v by_o their_o adherent_n and_o assistance_n of_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v fit_a the_o complaint_n present_v to_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v registrat_n in_o their_o book_n see_v it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o citation_n suppose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o complaint_n make_v to_o the_o presbytery_n not_o only_o some_o but_o all_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o kingdom_n may_v have_v cite_v they_o to_o compeare_v before_o the_o general_a assembly_n because_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v pastor_n of_o all_o the_o kirk_n within_o their_o pretend_a dyocy_n and_o moderatour_n of_o every_o presbytery_n within_o the_o dyocie_n and_o beside_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o common_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o all_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o realm_n by_o their_o vote_v in_o parliament_n sit_v and_o tyrannize_v in_o the_o high_a commission_n overrule_a assembly_n keep_v convention_n of_o their_o own_o and_o direct_v article_n to_o court_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o kirk_n what_o suppose_v then_o they_o have_v be_v cite_v not_o only_o every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o pretend_a dyocie_n but_o all_o of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o kingdom_n see_v there_o be_v a_o common_a cause_n and_o the_o person_n complain_v upon_o be_v a_o faction_n combine_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n the_o five_o be_v that_o the_o proceed_n be_v against_o all_o decency_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o man_n in_o their_o place_n the_o say_a bishop_n be_v person_n in_o dignity_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n know_v to_o be_v of_o blameless_a conversation_n to_o have_v deserve_v well_o that_o to_o be_v thus_o revile_v and_o traduce_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o church_n and_o estate_n and_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n so_o will_v notorious_a thief_n stand_v in_o the_o panel_n allege_v bold_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n their_o dignity_n be_v abomination_n they_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o kirk_n and_o estate_n they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o gospel_n ashamed_a of_o they_o if_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n may_v brag_v of_o their_o desert_n then_o may_v they_o also_o that_o they_o have_v deserve_v well_o and_o yet_o howbeit_o the_o public_a citation_n have_v tend_v to_o their_o disgrace_n the_o disgrace_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o the_o citation_n but_o trial_n howbeit_o disgrace_n follow_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o citation_n because_o none_o other_o sufficient_a means_n can_v be_v have_v nay_o disgrace_n and_o
presidentship_n in_o synod_n that_o one_o of_o they_o in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v preside_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n rather_o than_o one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n it_o be_v true_a by_o a_o act_n of_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n anno_fw-la 1610._o those_o who_o be_v style_v bishop_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o benefice_n be_v constitute_v moderator_n of_o the_o diocesan_n synod_n and_o that_o act_n be_v ratify_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1612._o but_o that_o ratification_n be_v upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o assembly_n be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o ratification_n none_o of_o which_o be_v they_o able_a to_o make_v good_a next_o when_o we_o have_v bishop_n and_o superintendent_o moderator_n of_o synod_n the_o general_a assembly_n choose_v other_o then_o superintendent_o or_o bishop_n to_o moderate_a by_o the_o caution_n at_o montrose_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o the_o minister_n voter_fw-mi in_o parliament_n shall_v not_o arrogat_fw-la to_o himself_o any_o further_a pre-eminence_n or_o jurisdiction_n then_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o deprivation_n where_o it_o be_v allege_v false_o in_o the_o falsify_v act_n of_o that_o null_n and_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v in_o december_n anno_fw-la 1606._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v moderator_n of_o synod_n yet_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v moderate_a and_o seek_v no_o further_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o that_o same_o falsify_v act_n that_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n certain_a leet_n be_v first_o nominate_v and_o propound_v free_o as_o use_n have_v be_v in_o time_n bypass_a so_o by_o their_o own_o grant_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o one_o of_o the_o bishop_n moderate_v the_o diocesan_n synod_n shall_v preside_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a himself_o who_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o in_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n they_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1580._o where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n first_o that_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o assembly_n may_v be_v no_o less_o regard_v than_o that_o of_o glasgow_n 1610._o this_o be_v transcendent_a impudency_n be_v the_o time_n corrupt_v be_v not_o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n conclude_v after_o free_a reason_n in_o many_o assembly_n precede_v be_v not_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n free_a be_v not_o liberty_n grant_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o oppone_v be_v there_o any_o rent_n or_o division_n in_o our_o kirk_n in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o the_o same_o act_n ratify_v in_o the_o assembly_n follow_v be_v not_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscrive_v by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n soon_o after_o and_o presbytery_n erect_v do_v not_o our_o church_n adhear_v to_o that_o act_n still_o after_o so_o if_o that_o time_n be_v corrupt_v the_o pure_a and_o best_a time_n follow_v be_v corrupt_a be_v ever_o that_o act_n contradict_v by_o any_o other_o act_n since_o that_o time_n to_o this_o hour_n but_o observe_v while_o without_o all_o shame_n they_o will_v impair_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n they_o suffer_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1610._o to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n next_o they_o say_v it_o be_v ordinare_fw-la for_o prio_fw-la act_n of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o give_v place_n to_o posterior_n but_o we_o maintain_v there_o be_v no_o act_n follow_v to_o repeal_v the_o former_a if_o they_o will_v allege_v the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1610._o first_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o assembly_n of_o our_o kirk_n and_o be_v declare_v null_a at_o this_o last_o assembly_n upon_o ground_n unanswerable_a next_o that_o same_o corrupt_a assembly_n do_v not_o determine_v or_o declare_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o have_v any_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o word_n nor_o do_v they_o restore_v that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o man_n invention_n and_o use_v of_o old_a but_o only_o make_v synod_n and_o presbytery_n obnoxious_a in_o ordination_n deprivation_n excommunication_n and_o some_o other_o point_n to_o these_o who_o be_v then_o style_v bishop_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o benefice_n and_o not_o bishop_n in_o office_n yet_o not_o without_o limitation_n and_o upon_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o they_o allege_v the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1586_o where_o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n present_v to_o a_o benefice_n by_o the_o king_n with_o power_n to_o visit_v admit_v and_o deprive_v minister_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o presbytery_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a only_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n neither_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n declare_v by_o this_o assembly_n to_o have_v any_o ground_n or_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n or_o that_o any_o may_v be_v consecrat_fw-mi thereafter_o to_o such_o a_o office_n invent_v by_o man_n yea_o that_o assembly_n declare_v in_o the_o six_o session_n that_o there_o be_v four_o ordinare_fw-la office-bearer_n set_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o papistry_n but_o be_v common_a to_o all_o pastor_n in_o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o session_n they_o declare_v that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n they_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o declare_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o same_o that_o the_o pastor_n have_v they_o declare_v then_o that_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v all_o one_o and_o that_o a_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a bishop_n be_v the_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o have_v not_o a_o general_a charge_n over_o a_o whole_a diocie_n it_o be_v true_a they_o assent_v at_o that_o time_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o admit_v a_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o minister_n present_v to_o a_o benefice_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o visit_v admit_v etc._n etc._n as_o say_v be_v but_o then_o consider_v this_o assembly_n be_v the_o first_o which_o be_v hold_v after_o the_o desolation_n make_v anno_fw-la 1584._o and_o 1585._o and_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o none_o subscribe_v minister_n but_o also_o of_o many_o who_o have_v subscribe_v in_o that_o hour_n of_o darkness_n as_o bishop_n adamson_n afterward_o call_v these_o two_o year_n of_o desolation_n precede_v and_o yet_o do_v not_o allow_v more_o to_o he_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o bishopric_n then_o to_o any_o other_o minister_n to_o who_o they_o give_v the_o like_a power_n and_o with_o the_o same_o restriction_n which_o be_v prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o only_o till_o further_a order_n be_v take_v as_o that_o in_o visitation_n of_o the_o bound_n limit_v to_o he_o he_o proceed_v by_o advice_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o he_o that_o in_o receive_v presentation_n and_o give_v collation_n he_o shall_v proceed_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o certain_a assessor_n to_o be_v join_v with_o he_o at_o the_o least_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o assessor_n till_o further_a order_n may_v be_v take_v that_o if_o he_o admit_v or_o deprive_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o deprivation_n and_o the_o deed_n shall_v be_v null_a so_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o episcopal_a office_n but_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o assembly_n as_o be_v grant_v to_o other_o minister_n and_o during_o the_o time_n prescribe_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o only_o till_o further_a order_n be_v take_v and_o indeed_o this_o shadow_n of_o pre-eminence_n grant_v first_o at_o a_o conference_n in_o halyrudehouse_n not_o long_o before_o by_o some_o court_n and_o chief_a subscribe_v minister_n &_o now_o again_o at_o this_o assembly_n endure_v not_o long_o for_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o june_n 1587._o the_o admission_n of_o
such_o office_n they_o pretend_v that_o none_o of_o they_o will_v decline_v the_o lawful_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatory_a in_o the_o kingdom_n especial_o of_o a_o general_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v or_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n or_o laic_n have_v authority_n and_o commission_n from_o sovereign_a authority_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v such_o a_o judge_n as_o shall_v acquit_v they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o a_o assembly_n like_v to_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n see_v the_o whole_a pack_n of_o they_o be_v complain_v upon_o and_o for_o crime_n common_a to_o they_o all_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v other_o bishop_n and_o metropolitan_o to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o they_o what_o need_v any_o further_a answer_n but_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sundry_a passage_n of_o this_o their_o declinator_n that_o they_o will_v not_o and_o because_o guilty_a dare_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n constitut_v as_o the_o last_o be_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n and_o practice_v of_o our_o kirk_n and_o therefore_o be_v just_o cut_v off_o as_o rot_a member_n from_o the_o body_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o declinator_n and_o refusal_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n they_o come_v to_o their_o protest_n first_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o for_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o his_o kirk_n and_o to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n least_o by_o their_o silence_n they_o betray_v the_o kirk_n right_a and_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v force_v to_o protest_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v repute_n and_o hold_v null_n in_o law_n and_o that_o no_o kirk-man_n be_v hold_v to_o appear_v assist_v approve_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o no_o letter_n petition_z subscription_n interloquitor_n certification_n admonition_n or_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n establish_v nor_o to_o the_o kirk_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o nor_o to_o the_o jurisdiction_n liberty_n privilege_n rent_n benefice_n possession_n of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n council_n or_o parliament_n in_o favour_n thereof_o nor_o to_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o to_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o to_o themselves_o or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n authority_n jurisdiction_n dignity_n rent_n benefice_n reputation_n and_o good_a name_n but_o that_o all_o such_o act_n and_o deed_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_n unjust_a illegal_a and_o null_a in_o themselves_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o if_o their_o reason_n allege_v be_v find_v frivolous_a as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v clear_v so_o to_o be_v by_o this_o answer_n their_o protest_n be_v not_o worth_a a_o fig._n they_o protest_v in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n when_o as_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v her_o commissioner_n free_o choose_v nor_o her_o assembly_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n nor_o any_o other_o assembly_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o say_a order_n but_o will_v have_v this_o assembly_n and_o consequent_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v their_o party_n and_o yet_o will_v protest_v profess_v as_o they_o be_v in_o name_n and_o behalf_n of_o this_o kirk_n afraid_a be_v they_o that_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n establish_v by_o parliament_n mean_v that_o which_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o pass_v by_o the_o confession_n swear_v to_o and_o subscribe_v by_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o the_o whole_a realm_n and_o by_o themselves_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o act_n of_o null_n and_o pretend_a assembly_n we_o interpret_v not_o every_o act_n of_o council_n or_o parliament_n procure_v or_o assent_v to_o by_o they_o or_o make_v in_o their_o favour_n to_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o kirk_n herself_o must_v be_v judge_n of_o the_o favour_n bestow_v on_o she_o if_o their_o authority_n jurisdiction_n dignity_n rent_n benefice_n reputation_n good_a name_n etc._n etc._n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n jurisdiction_n liberty_n and_o the_o spiritual_a welfaire_n of_o the_o kirk_n good_a reason_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o some_o few_o factious_a man_n there_o may_v be_v three_o estate_n without_o the_o bastard_n estate_n of_o bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n erect_v in_o time_n of_o popish_a darkness_n they_o protest_v next_o if_o the_o assembly_n call_v in_o question_n discuss_v and_o condemn_v thing_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o warrandable_a but_o also_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o in_o practice_v according_o to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o prejudice_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n he_o hold_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o he_o live_v and_o brand_a of_o reform_a kirk_n with_o the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n that_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v not_o redound_v to_o the_o disgrace_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n nor_o be_v repute_v a_o deed_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o assembly_n have_v condemn_v nothing_o lawful_a and_o warrandable_o define_v and_o determine_v before_o in_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n and_o practise_v according_o they_o intend_v not_o to_o weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_n his_o practice_n and_o profession_n or_o brand_v any_o reform_a kirk_n with_o soul_n aspersion_n but_o only_o to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n enter_v in_o their_o own_o kirk_n and_o to_o oppose_v to_o what_o more_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v enter_v with_o the_o receive_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n without_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o kirk_n if_o any_o disgrace_n redound_v to_o other_o it_o be_v but_o per_fw-la accidens_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v retort_v that_o their_o canon_n and_o constitution_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o disgrace_n of_o our_o kirk_n which_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v next_o they_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o free_a kirkand_fw-mi a_o kirk_n lie_v in_o thraldom_n but_o the_o decliner_n will_v have_v we_o to_o refuse_v nothing_o which_o be_v receive_v in_o any_o other_o reform_v kirk_n if_o the_o same_o be_v impose_v lest_o they_o be_v disgrace_v by_o our_o refusal_n which_o be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o fine_a hotchpotch_n they_o protest_v that_o they_o embrace_v and_o hold_v the_o religion_n present_o profess_v according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1567._o as_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a error_n but_o they_o make_v no_o account_n nor_o mention_n of_o that_o confession_n where_o contrary_a error_n be_v specify_v or_o design_v and_o it_o appear_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o that_o they_o perceive_v the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o other_o innovation_n which_o they_o be_v to_o introduce_v to_o be_v abjure_v by_o that_o confession_n which_o be_v a_o tacit_a yield_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o sense_n deliver_v by_o the_o last_o assembly_n in_o their_o declaration_n they_o protest_v that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o oppose_v for_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n in_o the_o government_n or_o governor_n but_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o success_n of_o that_o government_n these_o many_o year_n bypass_v it_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o our_o kirk_n as_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a yet_o they_o dare_v contradict_v and_o protest_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a that_o government_n which_o be_v not_o warrand_v by_o the_o word_n and_o overthrow_v the_o joint_a government_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v warrand_v by_o the_o word_n can_v not_o but_o be_v faulty_a if_o the_o government_n be_v faulty_a the_o governor_n can_v not_o but_o be_v faulty_a in_o govern_v the_o devil_n can_v not_o envy_v the_o success_n of_o so_o faulty_a a_o government_n as_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o antichrist_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n suppose_v there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o government_n but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a but_o what_o mean_n have_v they_o come_v by_o it_o or_o what_o moderation_n have_v they_o keep_v after_o their_o usurp_n of_o it_o intrarunt_fw-la ut_fw-la vulpes_fw-la regnarunt_fw-la ut_fw-la
constitute_v according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o kirk_n so_o it_o be_v not_o only_o this_o but_o all_o other_o assembly_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o prescribe_a order_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o they_o shun_v they_o protest_v that_o this_o protestation_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o lawful_a absence_n may_v be_v receive_v in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o say_a protestation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o doctor_n robert_n hammiltoun_n minister_n at_o glasfurde_v to_o who_o they_o give_v power_n and_o mandat_fw-la to_o present_a the_o same_o in_o or_o at_o the_o say_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n they_o say_v not_o to_o the_o say_a assembly_n or_o with_o reverence_n to_o the_o say_a assembly_n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o protest_v in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o their_o adherent_n we_o have_v lay_v open_a before_o what_o cause_n can_v they_o pretend_v for_o lawful_a absence_n some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o glasgow_n and_o hammiltoun_n and_o may_v have_v present_v their_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n themselves_o if_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n will_v have_v suffer_v they_o to_o compeare_v before_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o be_v terrible_a in_o former_a time_n lest_o their_o deep_a protestation_n shall_v make_v man_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o innocent_a man_n that_o may_v be_v you_o shall_v have_v here_o subjoin_v good_a reader_n the_o crime_n and_o offence_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o be_v either_o so_o notorious_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o clear_o prove_v before_o the_o assembly_n after_o that_o such_o as_o be_v aspire_v to_o prelacy_n have_v obtain_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o the_o king_n assistance_n and_o not_o without_o great_a opposition_n of_o the_o better_a and_o most_o judicious_a sort_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o minister_n may_v vote_n in_o parliament_n it_o be_v agree_v unto_o by_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v nominate_v and_o recommend_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o his_o majesty_n who_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o who_o his_o majesty_n shall_v choose_v they_o shall_v be_v admit_v by_o their_o synod_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a but_o they_o regard_v neither_o the_o recommendation_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n nor_o admission_n by_o their_o synod_n as_o for_o caution_n to_o keep_v he_o that_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n from_o corruption_n howbeit_o they_o agree_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o present_a yet_o afterward_o their_o action_n bewray_v they_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o keep_v they_o they_o vote_v in_o parliament_n without_o lawful_a entry_n or_o admission_n the_o kirk_n disassent_v and_o repine_v or_o without_o insert_v of_o the_o caution_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o to_o keep_v the_o minister_n voter_n in_o parliament_n from_o corruption_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o caution_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o presume_v at_o any_o time_n to_o propone_v in_o parliament_n council_n or_o convention_n any_o thing_n in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o express_a warrant_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o such_o as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o be_v for_o the_o well_o of_o the_o kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o deposition_n from_o his_o office_n nor_o keep_v silence_n or_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n and_o well_o of_o the_o kirk_n under_o the_o same_o pain_n and_o yet_o have_v they_o vote_v and_o give_v assent_n to_o many_o act_n in_o parliament_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n almost_o in_o every_o parliament_n which_o have_v be_v hold_v since_o they_o begin_v to_o take_v the_o place_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n whereas_o the_o minister_n voter_n be_v bind_v at_o every_o general_a assembly_n to_o give_v a_o account_n anent_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o commission_n since_o the_o assembly_n precede_v and_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o censure_n and_o stand_v to_o their_o determination_n without_o any_o appellation_n and_o to_o seek_v and_o obtain_v ratification_n of_o his_o do_n at_o the_o say_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o infamy_n and_o excommunication_n yet_o since_o they_o begin_v to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n the_o liberty_n of_o hold_v general_a assembly_n yearly_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v any_o of_o their_o own_o frame_n yet_o make_v they_o no_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o parliament_n nor_o seek_v ratification_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o parliament_n council_n or_o convention_n whereas_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o content_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o of_o the_o benefice_n which_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o by_o his_o majesty_n as_o may_v not_o prejudge_v any_o other_o minister_n within_o his_o benefice_n or_o without_o yet_o they_o bestow_v waste_v the_o emolument_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o maintain_v their_o riotousesse_v and_o ambition_n which_o may_v sustain_v many_o pastor_n whereas_o he_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o delapidat_fw-la his_o benefice_n set_v or_o make_v any_o disposition_n thereof_o without_o special_a consent_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o general_a assembly_n yet_o it_o be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v delapidare_v their_o benefice_n whereas_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o caution_n to_o attend_v faithful_o upon_o his_o own_o particular_a flock_n and_o there_o anent_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o his_o own_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n as_o any_o other_o minister_n nor_o bear_v commission_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n they_o have_v neglect_v all_o ministerial_a duty_n in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n and_o desert_v their_o particular_a flock_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o in_o administration_n of_o discipline_n collation_n of_o benefice_n visitation_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n he_o shall_v not_o usurp_v nor_o acclaime_v to_o himself_o any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n far_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n they_o notwithstanding_o have_v usurp_v power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o the_o people_n in_o or_o out_o of_o the_o high_a commission_n to_o admit_v suspend_v deprive_v fine_a confine_v pastor_n or_o professor_n at_o their_o pleasure_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o in_o presbytery_n provincial_n and_o general_a assembly_n he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n as_o any_o other_o brother_n of_o the_o ministry_n they_o notwithstanding_o over_o rule_v synod_n and_o presbytery_n and_o general_a assembly_n when_o they_o be_v convocat_n whereas_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o of_o these_o that_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n shall_v come_v as_o commissioner_n to_o any_o general_a assembly_n or_o have_v vote_n in_o the_o same_o in_o any_o time_n come_v except_o he_o be_v authorize_v with_o commission_n from_o his_o own_o presbytery_n to_o that_o effect_n they_o have_v notwithstanding_o take_v place_n in_o their_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n without_o commission_n from_o any_o presbytery_n and_o have_v moderate_v and_o over_o rule_v as_o they_o please_v whereas_o there_o be_v certain_a constitution_n and_o act_n of_o our_o kirk_n for_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n yet_o have_v they_o hold_v these_o few_o assembly_n not_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o kirk_n but_o after_o their_o own_o device_n and_o for_o act_n to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o course_n which_o assembly_n be_v find_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v null_a in_o this_o last_o assembly_n for_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n now_o extant_a in_o print_n whereas_o the_o office_n of_o adiocesan_n bishop_n have_v be_v condemn_v by_o our_o kirk_n as_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o never_o since_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o this_o hour_n no_o not_o in_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n three_o of_o their_o number_n notwithstanding_o go_v to_o england_n without_o the_o direction_n knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o any_o assembly_n lawful_a or_o pretend_a receive_a consecration_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n return_v and_o consecrate_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n to_o that_o office_n damn_v by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o kirk_n whereas_o the_o court_n of_o high_a commission_n be_v not_o errect_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n or_o good_a like_n of_o any_o assembly_n yet_o they_o accept_v the_o power_n of_o that_o court_n and_o thereby_o have_v tyrrannize_v over_o minister_n and_o other_o subject_n they_o have_v also_o undertake_v civil_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n title_n and_o dignity_n as_o to_o bear_v office_n of_o estate_n to_o sit_v in_o council_n excequer_n session_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o act_n of_o
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david_n hume_n of_o werderburne_n knight_n elder_a presb._n of_o chirnside_n m._n george_n roul_n minister_n