protestation_n more_o large_o and_o for_o the_o 132._o and_o 133._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n 1584._o there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a privilege_n or_o authority_n thereby_o grant_v to_o bishop_n as_o bishop_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o cognition_n wherein_o the_o parliament_n have_v join_v other_o the_o king_n commissioner_n with_o they_o only_o as_o the_o king_n commissioner_n and_o grant_v the_o same_o unto_o seculare_fw-la person_n with_o they_o but_o the_o king_n can_v never_o provide_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v abolish_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n before_o write_v the_o 23._o act_n 1587._o work_v direct_o against_o bishop_n 1587._o be_v a_o general_a ratification_n of_o all_o act_n former_o make_v anent_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o must_v include_v the_o act_n abolish_n episcopacy_n but_o especial_o see_v in_o the_o same_o parliament_n 1587._o temporal_a live_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o the_o office_n be_v 1567._o and_o the_o same_o act_n undoubted_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o same_o meaning_n wherein_o the_o kirk_n do_v crave_v it_o who_o that_o same_o year_n have_v often_o condemn_v episcopal_a government_n as_o contraire_fw-fr to_z god_n word_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o approve_v presbyterial_a government_n as_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n it_o fall_v in_o here_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o act_n 114._o anno_fw-la 1592._o be_v never_o allege_v 1592._o and_o that_o because_o it_o not_o only_a revock_n in_o particular_a the_o foresay_a act_n 1584._o but_o in_o general_a all_o other_o act_n contrary_a to_o that_o discipline_n then_o establish_v and_o in_o particular_a the_o assembly_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o the_o discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v ratify_v and_o establish_v as_o most_o just_a and_o godly_a notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o statute_n act_n cannon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n make_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la whereunto_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a further_o the_o say_a act_n abrogate_v all_o act_n grant_v commission_n to_o bishop_n and_o other_o judge_n constitute_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o ordain_v presentation_n to_o benefice_n to_o be_v direct_a to_o presbytery_n with_o power_n to_o give_v collation_n thereupon_o and_o so_o contain_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o head_n of_o policy_n set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o act_n be_v renew_v act_n 60._o anno_fw-la 1593._o and_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n acknowledge_v 1594._o act_n 129._o and_o be_v never_o rescind_v express_o in_o totum_fw-la but_o only_o in_o part_n by_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n which_o now_o can_v be_v respect_v but_o fall_v ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la see_v that_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n be_v now_o upon_o just_a and_o infallible_a reason_n declare_v to_o have_v be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o so_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n wise_o omit_v by_o the_o collecter_n to_o the_o commissioner_n grace_n may_v serve_v alone_o without_o our_o precede_a special_a answer_n for_o clear_v the_o whole_a precede_a act_n the_o 23._o act_n 1597._o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o voice_n in_o parliament_n to_o the_o whole_a kirk_n 1597._o and_o under_o that_o name_n to_o abbot_n or_o other_o person_n provide_v to_o prelacy_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n even_o as_o in_o time_n of_o papistry_n so_o as_o sir_n robert_n spottiswood_n abbot_n of_o new-abbay_a road_n thereafter_o in_o parliament_n which_o be_v both_o unwarrantable_a and_o unusual_a which_o do_v nothing_o contribute_v for_o the_o bishop_n advantage_n because_o albeit_o the_o benefice_n be_v not_o extinct_a yet_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o parliament_n may_v give_v they_o the_o office_n so_o oft_o condemn_v by_o this_o kirk_n which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o same_o act_n because_o after_o the_o grant_n to_o they_o of_o the_o say_a voice_n the_o parliament_n remit_v they_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o assembly_n concern_v their_o office_n in_o their_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n in_o the_o kirk_n 2._o the_o say_a act_n bear_v express_o to_o be_v but_o prejudice_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o any_o time_n precede_v and_o permit_v by_o the_o say_a act_n to_o all_o provincial_a and_o general_a assembly_n and_o other_o whatsoever_o presbytery_n and_o session_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o so_o the_o same_o can_v derogate_v from_o the_o former_a act_n ratify_v the_o present_a discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o the_o say_a act_n 1592._o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o privilege_n be_v grant_v upon_o condition_n they_o be_v actual_a pastor_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o if_o with_o good_a conscience_n they_o may_v claim_v the_o benefice_n of_o that_o act_n 4._o that_o privilege_n be_v obtrude_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v introduce_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o may_v and_o have_v renounce_v the_o same_o as_o be_v incompatible_a with_o their_o spiritual_a function_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o more_o length_n bear_v upon_o undeniable_a reason_n 5._o when_o voice_n in_o parliament_n be_v first_o plausible_a obtrude_v upon_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v neither_o proponed_a nor_o tolerate_v in_o other_o term_n then_o that_o only_o such_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n as_o have_v commissiom_n from_o the_o kirk_n so_o that_o not_o as_o bishop_n but_o as_o minister_n commissioner_n from_o the_o kirk_n they_o have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n like_a as_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n 1600._o be_v so_o hardly_o press_v by_o authority_n that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v it_o altogether_o refuse_v albeit_o in_o their_o conference_n at_o haly-rud-house_n 1599_o they_o propon_v unanswerable_a reason_n against_o this_o and_o all_o other_o civil_a place_n of_o pastor_n set_v down_o caution_n bind_v the_o minister_n voter_n in_o parliament_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n subsequent_a which_o be_v omit_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o bishop_n oath_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o contrare_fw-la for_o the_o breach_n whereof_o they_o be_v now_o most_o just_o censure_v 6._o the_o ratificatory_a act_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o then_o profess_v be_v not_o thereby_o abrogate_v but_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o must_v stand_v in_o force_n because_o it_o be_v ever_o understand_v and_o frequent_o provide_v in_o parliament_n that_o all_o act_n thereof_o be_v make_v salvo_fw-la jure_fw-la cujuslibeâ—_n far_o more_o salvo_fw-la jure_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la &_o sponsae_fw-la christi_fw-la when_o she_o be_v rob_v of_o her_o right_a without_o audience_n especial_o see_v her_o right_n be_v usual_o ratify_v in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o every_o parliament_n 7._o albeit_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o any_o whatsoever_o the_o prelate_n have_v voice_n in_o parliament_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o exeime_v they_o from_o ecclesiastic_a censure_n nor_o forefault_v the_o kirk_n right_a whereby_o she_o may_v condemn_v they_o for_o their_o transgression_n as_o now_o this_o assembly_n most_o just_o have_v do_v for_o by_o their_o own_o caveat_n whosoever_o be_v ecclesiastical_o censure_v by_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la lose_v his_o benefice_n and_o vote_n in_o parliament_n 8._o further_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o declinatour_n profess_v they_o never_o have_v commission_n from_o this_o kirk_n to_o voice_n for_o she_o in_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o caution_n set_v down_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n for_o the_o which_o caution_n that_o assembly_n be_v never_o challenge_v as_o trench_v upon_o the_o three_o estate_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o precede_a act_n 1606._o for_o albeit_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n may_v have_v repone_v they_o to_o their_o rent_n teend_n land_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n yea_o may_v have_v dispone_v to_o they_o any_o part_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o crown_n if_o lordly_a title_n and_o civil_a place_n in_o the_o person_n of_o pastor_n separat_fw-la to_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v lawful_a yet_o can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o spiritual_a office_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a which_o be_v abolish_v and_o abjure_v by_o many_o precede_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n forecited_a et_fw-la quod_fw-la illud_fw-la tantum_fw-la agebatur_fw-la be_v evident_a by_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o act_n repon_v they_o for_o remee_v of_o their_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n to_o their_o dignity_n privilege_n live_n rent_n land_n and_o teind_n and_o this_o always_o
limit_v as_o be_v competent_a to_o they_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n from_o which_o time_n their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a be_v always_o extinct_a which_o be_v evident_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o and_o express_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1597._o grant_v voice_n in_o parliament_n to_o minister_n which_o albeit_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o episcopacy_n yet_o the_o parliament_n thereby_o have_v remit_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n as_o not_o pertain_v to_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o minister_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o prejudice_n always_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n permit_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereof_o that_o 1592._o forecited_a be_v one_o to_o general_a provincial_a assembly_n presbytery_n and_o session_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v never_o prejudge_v neither_o by_o the_o act_n 1606._o nor_o by_o the_o act_n 1609._o albeit_o corruption_n be_v then_o fast_o advance_v till_o the_o year_n 1612._o at_o which_o time_n first_o and_o never_o before_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n anent_o their_o office_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n former_o remit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o relative_a to_o that_o remit_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o which_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v also_o omit_v by_o the_o quotter_n like_a as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1609._o restore_v they_o only_o to_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n 1609._o and_o privilege_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o and_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o any_o other_o ordinare_fw-la jurisdiction_n do_v with_o reservation_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n and_o prerogative_n therein_o which_o can_v no_o way_n comprehend_v their_o ecclesiastical_a office_n because_o the_o same_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n neither_o do_v lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n after_o reformation_n and_o by_o the_o act_n 1592._o be_v abrogat_fw-la and_o take_v from_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n establish_v in_o presbytery_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n it_o can_v flow_v from_o the_o king_n who_o can_v make_v a_o minister_n doctor_n elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o kirk_n albeit_o he_o may_v present_v a_o minister_n make_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o the_o kirk_n neither_o can_v the_o parliament_n institute_v original_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n in_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v before_o say_v further_o the_o intend_a scope_n of_o that_o act_n be_v only_o the_o restitution_n of_o commissariat_n and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o act_n itself_o bear_v that_o they_o shall_v brook_v all_o privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o redintegrate_v they_o to_o their_o former_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o always_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n from_o who_o only_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n do_v flow_v which_o be_v only_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o commisser_n in_o temporal_a cause_n and_o no_o way_n any_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n competent_a ratione_fw-la officii_fw-la which_o by_o god_n word_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v abjure_v in_o they_o and_o establish_v in_o assembly_n presbytery_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v many_o time_n before_o repeat_v but_o to_o convince_v they_o further_o it_o be_v not_o or_o that_o both_o 1606_o and_o 1609._o they_o ride_v in_o parliament_n and_o by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o say_v act_n without_o insert_v the_o caution_n make_v at_o montrose_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o say_a caution_n and_o their_o own_o oath_n give_v for_o observance_n thereof_o against_o which_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n do_v protest_v solemn_o clear_v unanswerable_o not_o only_o the_o unlawfullnesse_n of_o their_o ecclesiastic_a episcopal_a function_n but_o also_o of_o the_o civil_a place_n in_o person_n of_o pastor_n from_o god_n word_n our_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n but_o this_o protestation_n be_v reject_v by_o they_o be_v print_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n 1617._o and_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o it_o can_v set_v down_o consecration_n to_o the_o office_n without_o a_o precede_a act_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v not_o allege_v but_o by_o the_o contraire_fw-fr the_o kirk_n have_v before_o condemn_v that_o office_n and_o do_v particular_o protest_v against_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n moreover_o this_o act_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o suppose_a ground_n of_o glasgow_n assembly_n 1610._o which_o for_o infallible_a reason_n be_v now_o annul_v and_o so_o not_o only_o this_o act_n 1617._o but_o all_o after_o act_n ratify_v the_o same_o fall_n ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o when_o the_o principal_a act_n or_o right_v ratify_v do_v fall_v the_o subsequent_a ratification_n fall_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la especial_o in_o this_o case_n when_o civil_a law_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n can_v be_v make_v original_o nor_o subsist_v after_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n which_o they_o ordain_v under_o civil_a sanction_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o yet_o be_v once_o annul_v they_o can_v be_v obey_v and_o further_a even_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1610._o which_o be_v now_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la do_v never_o restore_v the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesian_a bishop_n before_o condemn_v in_o this_o kirk_n but_o do_v too_o far_o enlarge_v and_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o these_o who_o be_v provide_v to_o the_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o always_o under_o caution_n and_o limitation_n swear_v unto_o which_o they_o never_o observe_v and_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o subjection_n for_o censure_n to_o yearly_o general_a assembly_n which_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v but_o impede_v and_o so_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o claim_v the_o benefice_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n conclude_v by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o violate_v by_o themselves_o and_o last_o for_o answer_v to_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n whatsoever_o conclusion_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n consider_v if_o as_o the_o assembly_n late_o convene_v by_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v judge_v and_o have_v proceed_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n so_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o oath_n make_v to_o god_n to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n 1580._o and_o renounce_v all_o subsequent_a act_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o kirk_n in_o who_o favour_n any_o pretend_a privilege_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o out_o of_o experience_n of_o real_a prejudice_n and_o the_o pungent_a sin_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o danger_n of_o perjury_n under_o which_o this_o kingdom_n lie_v for_o the_o which_o we_o ardent_o deprecate_v god_n wrath_n and_o beg_v mercy_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o must_v still_o continue_v our_o earnest_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n for_o redress_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o preserve_v the_o sacred_a person_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o perpetuate_a his_o reign_n and_o his_o royal_a posterity_n over_o this_o land_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v revise_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n ihonston_n clerk_n thereto_o edinb_n 14._o of_o feb._n 1639._o because_o the_o reader_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o these_o exception_n against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n here_o cite_v and_o of_o the_o impertinency_n of_o their_o citation_n of_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o when_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o frame_v and_o enjoin_v to_o be_v subscribe_v episcopal_a government_n be_v then_o in_o force_n and_o strength_n which_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a and_o irrefragable_a record_n of_o that_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o book_n and_o roll_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o cause_v to_o be_v insert_v out_o of_o the_o sederunt_fw-la roll_n of_o parliament_n the_o name_n of_o such_o bishop_n as_o sate_v in_o parliament_n and_o
act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o act._n 160._o parl._n 13._o k._n james_n 6._o ratify_v by_o act._n 4._o k._n charles_n so_o that_o act._n 6._o parl._n 1._o and_o act._n 68_o parl._n 6._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1579._o declare_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v raise_v up_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v then_o offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirke_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v present_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o decerne_v and_o declare_v all_o and_o sundry_a who_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n receive_v and_o approve_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o specify_v also_o in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o ratify_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n more_o particular_o do_v specify_v or_o that_o refuse_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v then_o ministrate_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o subsequent_a act._n 69._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o face_n of_o kirk_n nor_o other_o face_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v present_o at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n which_o therefore_o be_v ever_o style_v god_n true_a religion_n christ_n true_a religion_n the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a religion_n which_o by_o manifold_a act_n of_o parliament_n all_o within_o this_o realm_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v to_o subscribe_v the_o article_n thereof_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o recant_v all_o doctrine_n and_o error_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a article_n act._n 4._o and_o 9_o parl._n 1_o act._n 45.46.47_o parl._n 3_o act._n 71._o parl._n 6._o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o act._n 194._o and_o 197._o parl._n 14._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o all_o magistrate_n sheriff_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o one_o part_n be_v ordain_v to_o search_v apprehend_v and_o punish_v all_o contraviner_n for_o instance_n act._n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o act._n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n licence_n on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o way_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o papist_n and_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n act._n 106._o par._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o on_o the_o other_o part_n in_o the_o 47._o act._n parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v see_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o his_o highness_n authority_n be_v so_o join_v as_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o who_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o confession_n and_o make_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o that_o they_o who_o after_o defection_n shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o continue_v therein_o in_o time_n come_v to_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o at_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o fortify_v assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n against_o whatsoever_o enemy_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o against_o all_o such_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n estate_n or_o degree_n they_o be_v of_o that_o have_v join_v and_o bind_v themselves_o or_o have_v assist_v or_o assist_v to_o set_v forward_o and_o execute_v the_o cruel_a decree_n of_o trent_n contrary_a to_o the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v repeat_v word_n by_o word_n in_o the_o article_n of_o pacification_n at_o pearth_n the_o 23_o of_o february_n 1572._o approve_v by_o parliament_n the_o last_o of_o april_n 1573._o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1578._o and_o relate_v act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o with_o this_o addition_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o resist_v all_o treasonable_a uproar_n and_o hostility_n raise_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n majesty_n &_o the_o true_a professor_n like_a as_o all_o have_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o k._n majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o neither_o any_o law_n or_o lawful_a judicatory_n can_v be_v establish_v act._n 130._o act._n 131._o par._n 8._o k._n ja_n 6._o &_o the_o subject_n liberty_n who_o ought_v only_o to_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o king_n law_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n allanerly_a act._n 48._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 1_o act._n 79._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 4_o repeat_v in_o act._n 131._o parl._n 8._o k._n james_n 6._o which_o if_o they_o be_v innovate_v or_o prejudge_v the_o commission_n anent_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o the_o 17._o parl._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v such_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v as_o this_o realm_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o free_a monarchy_n because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n ancient_a privilege_n office_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n not_o only_o the_o princely_a authority_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a descent_n have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n maintain_v but_o also_o the_o people_n security_n of_o their_o land_n live_n right_n office_n liberty_n &_o dignity_n preserve_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v statute_n by_o act._n 8._o parl._n 1._o repeat_v in_o act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o ratify_v in_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o and_o 114._o act._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o 4._o act._n of_o k._n charles_n that_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o coronation_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o princely_a authority_n shall_v make_v their_o faithful_a promise_n by_o their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n that_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v serve_v the_o same_o eternal_a god_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n according_a as_o he_o have_v require_v in_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o precede_v and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v rule_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o foresay_a word_n and_o according_a to_o the_o lowable_a law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v in_o this_o realm_n no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a will_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o shall_v procure_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whole_a christian_a people_n true_a and_o perfect_a peace_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresay_a crime_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o his_o majesty_n at_o his_o coronation_n in_o edinburgh_n 1633._o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o coronation_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n
people_n in_o the_o least_o point_n they_o have_v order_v that_o in_o most_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o day_n design_v by_o we_o for_o the_o fast_o shall_v not_o be_v observe_v certain_o only_o because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o we_o as_o be_v unwilling_a that_o we_o who_o they_o have_v give_v out_o to_o our_o people_n for_o a_o innovator_n in_o religion_n and_o a_o introducer_n of_o popery_n shall_v be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v any_o care_n of_o so_o religious_a a_o exercise_n as_o a_o solemn_a fast_o and_o how_o that_o in_o edinburgh_n though_o the_o magistrate_n by_o their_o earnest_a entreaty_n have_v procure_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o without_o put_v a_o special_a affront_n upon_o authority_n by_o displace_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v continue_v in_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n to_o us._n but_o these_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o other_o violence_n whereby_o they_o will_v have_v our_o commissioner_n take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a their_o proceed_n at_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v please_v unto_o we_o for_o not_o only_o in_o many_o of_o their_o pulpit_n do_v they_o preach_v that_o whosoever_o subscribe_v our_o covenant_n be_v perjure_v and_o villain_n but_o when_o some_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o reprove_v the_o preacher_n for_o such_o furious_a speech_n after_o their_o sermon_n be_v end_v they_o be_v cite_v before_o their_o presbytery_n for_o so_o do_v and_o threaten_v with_o excommunication_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o there_o be_v few_o minister_n of_o the_o kingdom_n not_o subscriber_n of_o their_o covenant_n who_o they_o do_v not_o present_o process_n and_o cite_v before_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o appeal_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n then_o approach_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o show_v so_o much_o patience_n but_o proceed_v to_o present_v most_o illegal_a and_o unwarrantable_a suspend_v of_o they_o and_o other_o censure_n as_o best_o please_v they_o which_o be_v complain_v of_o to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n can_v find_v no_o redress_n although_o they_o send_v many_o time_n to_o the_o covenanter_n require_v they_o to_o forbear_v all_o such_o unjust_a proceed_n and_o to_o refer_v the_o trial_n of_o these_o oppress_a minister_n cause_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v now_o at_o hand_n none_o be_v so_o insolent_a as_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n for_o they_o present_o put_v very_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n under_o process_n they_o begin_v with_o one_o master_n david_n michael_n minister_n of_o edinburgh_n our_o commissioner_n write_v earnest_o to_o that_o presbytery_n to_o forbear_v proceed_v against_o he_o until_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o which_o he_o have_v appeal_v and_o where_o his_o cause_n may_v have_v a_o full_a and_o fair_a trial_n which_o they_o not_o only_o most_o unjust_o reject_v but_o be_v so_o unmannerly_a as_o they_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o answer_v his_o letter_n either_o by_o message_n or_o otherwise_o the_o next_o presbytery_n day_n he_o write_v to_o they_o again_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o with_o the_o like_a success_n for_o they_o proceed_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o letter_n or_o return_v any_o answer_n to_o it_o although_o in_o that_o second_o letter_n he_o have_v desire_v they_o either_o to_o delay_v their_o proceed_n that_o day_n or_o else_o to_o send_v one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o number_n to_o he_o be_v then_o hard_o by_o at_o our_o palace_n at_o holy-rood-house_n who_o may_v show_v he_o some_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o stay_v so_o long_o as_o until_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v now_o so_o near_o approach_v our_o commissioner_n wonder_v at_o this_o contempt_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a lord_n of_o our_o council_n send_v for_o a_o officer_n of_o our_o council_n and_o direct_v he_o to_o they_o with_o a_o ordinary_a warrant_n draw_v up_o in_o a_o ordinary_a form_n by_o the_o clerk_n of_o our_o council_n require_v they_o in_o our_o name_n under_o pain_n of_o our_o high_a displeasure_n and_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n to_o desist_v from_o any_o further_o proceed_v in_o that_o cause_n until_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o the_o defendant_n have_v appeal_v and_o which_o be_v to_o begin_v within_o fourteen_o day_n this_o warrant_n be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o our_o council_n in_o who_o audience_n it_o be_v read_v and_o when_o he_o require_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o he_o receive_v none_o but_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o crown_n dignity_n and_o royal_a commandment_n and_o against_o all_o rule_n of_o justice_n the_o appellant_n appeal_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n legal_o depend_v for_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o he_o four_o year_n since_o at_o least_o and_o the_o witness_n be_v all_o layman_n who_o beside_o their_o no_o extraordinary_a memory_n for_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v lay_v be_v man_n of_o such_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o that_o it_o be_v improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o doctrine_n wherewith_o he_o be_v charge_v and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v uncontroverted_a and_o such_o as_o be_v general_o receive_v by_o all_o protestant_a church_n in_o the_o world_n they_o present_o suspend_v he_o and_o discharge_v he_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o afterward_o to_o make_v their_o contempt_n the_o great_a send_v down_o three_o of_o their_o number_n to_o tell_v our_o commissioner_n that_o they_o have_v do_v so_o who_o offer_v to_o show_v he_o reason_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o our_o commissioner_n tell_v they_o that_o since_o they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o show_v he_o their_o reason_n before_o their_o sentence_n as_o he_o require_v he_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o reason_n after_o their_o sentence_n as_o they_o desire_v but_o to_o let_v pass_v this_o and_o many_o more_o their_o such_o unjust_a proceed_n against_o those_o minister_n which_o continue_v in_o our_o obedience_n in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n even_o when_o the_o assembly_n be_v ready_a to_o begin_v notwithstanding_o these_o minister_n legal_a appeal_n thereunto_o we_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v their_o proceed_n in_o one_o process_n which_o we_o be_v confident_a be_v frame_v and_o pursue_v with_o such_o malice_n injustice_n falsehood_n and_o scandal_n not_o only_o to_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o particular_a but_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_a as_o it_o can_v be_v parallel_v by_o any_o precedent_n of_o injustice_n in_o precedent_a age_n nor_o we_o hope_v shall_v ever_o be_v follow_v in_o future_a and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v know_v among_o turk_n pagan_n or_o infidel_n will_v make_v they_o abhor_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o do_v think_v it_o will_v either_o countenance_n or_o can_v consist_v with_o such_o abominable_a impiety_n and_o injustice_n it_o be_v their_o process_n against_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o that_o kingdom_n the_o covenanter_n do_v indeed_o first_o desire_v our_o commissioner_n in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o as_o he_o be_v our_o commissioner_n to_o grant_v out_o process_n against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o thereby_o to_o cyte_v they_o to_o appear_v as_o rei_fw-la or_o guilty_a person_n to_o who_o he_o return_v this_o fair_a answer_n that_o he_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o fit_a to_o cyte_v they_o as_o guilty_a of_o who_o guiltiness_n he_o have_v no_o presumption_n and_o beside_o that_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o do_v a_o act_n which_o shall_v void_a according_a to_o their_o ground_n both_o the_o prelate_n place_n and_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o have_v lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o rule_n though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o that_o party_n cite_v can_v have_v no_o suffrage_n there_o yet_o if_o either_o by_o the_o law_n or_o practice_n of_o that_o kingdom_n the_o king_n commissioner_n or_o commissioner_n do_v use_v to_o grant_v out_o any_o such_o process_n he_o will_v not_o refuse_v it_o be_v resolve_v to_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o any_o course_n of_o justice_n but_o he_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v we_o his_o master_n or_o himself_o do_v any_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o bishop_n their_o place_n and_o government_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v advise_v with_o some_o of_o our_o judge_n and_o our_o advocate_n whether_o any_o such_o process_n be_v awardable_a or_o have_v usual_o be_v award_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o according_a to_o their_o advice_n he_o will_v do_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a to_o justice_n from_o this_o answer_n of_o
of_o attestation_n call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o it_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v grow_v to_o a_o hot_a contestation_n but_o that_o that_o night_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v the_o next_o day_n upon_o their_o first_o sit_v down_o they_o urge_v present_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v first_o our_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v read_v which_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v thus_o although_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o best_a of_o our_o action_n have_v be_v mistake_v by_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n as_o if_o we_o have_v intend_v innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n yet_o consider_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o incumbent_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a king_n than_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n forget_v what_o be_v past_a we_o have_v serious_o take_v to_o our_o princely_a consideration_n such_o particular_n as_o may_v settle_v and_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o also_o to_o satisfy_v all_o our_o good_a people_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n herein_o have_v indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v keep_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o this_o instant_n we_o have_v likewise_o appoint_v our_o commissioner_n to_o attend_v the_o same_o from_o who_o you_o be_v to_o expect_v our_o pleasure_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o we_o require_v you_o to_o give_v that_o true_a and_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n as_o if_o we_o be_v personal_o present_v ourselves_o and_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o our_o consent_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v in_o our_o name_n promise_n we_o have_v sign_v these_o and_o will_v the_o same_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o white-hall_n the_o 29._o of_o october_n 1638._o then_o they_o call_v again_o for_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n at_o which_o time_n one_o doctor_n hamilton_n present_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o the_o assembly_n contain_v the_o nullity_n of_o it_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v and_o a_o public_a act_n enter_v for_o the_o production_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o very_a great_a heat_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o allege_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v until_o a_o moderator_n be_v choose_v and_o they_o do_v direct_o refuse_v to_o read_v the_o say_a declinator_n upon_o which_o both_o our_o commissioner_n enter_v a_o protestation_n in_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n hand_n against_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o and_o take_v instrument_n thereupon_o and_o so_o likewise_o do_v doctor_n hamilton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n at_o last_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n to_o which_o before_o our_o commissioner_n give_v way_n he_o enter_v as_o before_o another_o protestation_n that_o their_o act_n of_o choose_v shall_v neither_o prejudice_v our_o prerogative_n and_o authority_n nor_o any_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n nor_o bar_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v see_v cause_n from_o take_v legal_a exception_n either_o against_o the_o person_n elect_v or_o the_o illegalitie_n of_o his_o election_n and_o so_o they_o have_v put_v divers_a other_o stale_n upon_o the_o list_n according_o as_o it_o be_v resolve_v upon_o before_o at_o their_o table_n in_o edinburgh_n without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n except_o his_o own_o who_o can_v not_o choose_v himself_o one_o master_n alexander_n henderson_n the_o prime_a and_o most_o rigid_a covenanter_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v choose_v moderator_n the_o three_o day_n our_o commissioner_n at_o their_o first_o meeting_n require_v again_o that_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n and_o protestation_n may_v be_v read_v which_o he_o conceive_v they_o have_v promise_v after_o the_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v but_o they_o reject_v it_o again_o add_v then_o that_o the_o assembly_n must_v be_v full_o constitute_v of_o all_o it_o member_n and_o be_v once_o a_o assembly_n before_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v present_v to_o it_o to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o commissioner_n that_o he_o require_v it_o only_o to_o be_v read_v not_o to_o be_v discuss_v until_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o allow_v of_o their_o several_a commission_n because_o this_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n why_o either_o all_o or_o at_o least_o some_o elect_a shall_v not_o be_v admit_v commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o election_n express_v in_o the_o declinator_n which_o reason_n contain_v the_o say_a nullity_n may_v persuade_v as_o they_o hope_v with_o they_o for_o the_o reject_v their_o commission_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v after_o their_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o commission_n admit_v they_o for_o constitute_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o reason_n why_o our_o commissioner_n do_v so_o earnest_o urge_v the_o read_n of_o that_o declinator_n be_v because_o he_o do_v foresee_v the_o fallacy_n which_o they_o mean_v to_o use_v viz._n the_o declinator_n can_v be_v read_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o they_o fear_v that_o the_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o by_o such_o member_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o allege_v any_o reason_n for_o than_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o answer_v that_o all_o election_n be_v discuss_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n receive_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o then_o to_o be_v hear_v against_o either_o which_o indeed_o afterward_o be_v their_o very_a answer_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v here_o to_o our_o commissioner_n but_o enter_v a_o protestation_n as_o former_o and_o solemn_o call_v themselves_o to_o witness_v whether_o with_o any_o show_n of_o justice_n the_o read_n of_o the_o bishop_n protestation_n can_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o election_n be_v admit_v the_o principal_a aim_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v wonder_v with_o what_o colour_n or_o face_n they_o above_o all_o man_n can_v do_v it_o who_o have_v read_v and_o publish_v so_o many_o protestation_n both_o against_o our_o proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o our_o council_n and_o so_o how_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o name_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v practise_v without_o any_o warranty_n or_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o not_o the_o least_o resolution_n take_v at_o edinburgh_n must_v suffer_v any_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o read_n of_o the_o declinator_n they_o first_o put_v by_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o son_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o father_n sickness_n have_v a_o lawful_a deputation_n from_o he_o and_o who_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o afterward_o wrought_v to_o a_o demission_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o new_a clerk_n who_o without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n they_o do_v choose_v viz._n one_o master_n archibald_n johnston_n a_o advocate_n the_o clerk_n of_o their_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n against_o who_o election_n our_o commissioner_n likewise_o protest_v as_o former_o at_o his_o admission_n he_o make_v a_o short_a speech_n declare_v against_o his_o conscience_n his_o unwillingness_n to_o accept_v that_o charge_n but_o yet_o affirm_v that_o at_o this_o time_n he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o contribute_v his_o part_n towards_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o now_o have_v be_v in_o any_o danger_n the_o four_o day_n they_o begin_v the_o read_n of_o the_o several_a commission_n our_o commissioner_n as_o former_o enter_v a_o protestation_n to_o take_v exception_n against_o their_o election_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n only_o he_o be_v content_a they_o shall_v go_v on_o that_o he_o may_v see_v their_o justice_n in_o allow_v or_o disallow_v the_o election_n of_o which_o he_o know_v many_o to_o be_v very_o untoward_a and_o make_v with_o violence_n now_o the_o reader_n be_v careful_o to_o observe_v their_o partiality_n in_o admit_v or_o reject_v election_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o non-covenant_a choose_a of_o which_o number_n there_o be_v not_o above_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o moderate_a covenanter_n not_o design_v by_o they_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o choose_v according_a to_o their_o secret_a instruction_n with_o which_o the_o reader_n shall_v afterward_o be_v make_v acquaint_v they_o they_o either_o quite_o reject_v or_o suspend_v from_o voice_n until_o some_o exception_n make_v against_o their_o election_n shall_v be_v discuss_v
of_o that_o employment_n by_o their_o place_n or_o such_o as_o be_v legal_o disable_v to_o sit_v and_o decide_v in_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n a_o meeting_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n can_v be_v think_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n ja._n 6._o par_fw-fr 3._o cap._n 46._o 1572._o every_o minister_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n parliament_n and_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o province_n give_v his_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a in_o write_v thereupon_o and_o open_o upon_o some_o sunday_n in_o time_n of_o sermon_n or_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o kirk_n where_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v read_v both_o the_o testimonial_a and_o confession_n and_o of_o new_a make_v the_o say_a oath_n within_o a_o month_n after_o his_o admission_n under_o the_o pain_n that_o every_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o do_v as_o be_v above_o appoint_v shall_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v deprive_v and_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n and_o live_a shall_v be_v then_o vacant_a as_o if_o he_o be_v then_o natural_o dead_a and_o that_o all_o inferior_a person_n under_o prelate_n be_v call_v before_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n superintendent_o and_o commissioner_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o province_n within_o which_o they_o dwell_v as_o the_o act_n bear_v all_o of_o the_o clergy_n convene_v to_o this_o assembly_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o have_v benefice_n or_o other_o ecclesiastical_a live_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v never_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o province_n subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la deprive_v and_o their_o place_n void_a as_o if_o they_o be_v natural_o dead_a and_o consequent_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o function_n in_o the_o church_n can_v be_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n hoc_fw-la maximè_fw-la attento_fw-it that_o the_o say_v person_n not_o only_o have_v never_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n nor_o can_v show_v no_o testimonial_a thereupon_o as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o say_a act_n but_o also_o have_v as_o subject_n comprehend_v in_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o acknowledge_v obey_v maintain_v defend_v &_o advance_v the_o life_n honour_n safety_n dignity_n sovereign_a authority_n and_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o his_o sovereign_a majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o highness_n crown_n with_o their_o life_n land_n and_o good_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n constant_o and_o faithful_o to_o withstand_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n power_n and_o estate_n who_o shall_v presume_v press_v or_o intend_v any_o wise_a to_o impugn_v prejudge_v hurt_n or_o impair_v the_o same_o and_o never_o to_o come_v in_o the_o contrary_a thereof_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o any_o time_n come_v as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n jacob._n 6._o parl._n 18._o cap._n 1._o car._n parl._n cap._n 1_o do_v proport_n and_o moreover_o be_v oblige_v at_o their_o admission_n to_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o testify_v and_o declare_v on_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o lawful_a supreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a band_n act_n and_o promise_n whereby_o the_o say_v person_n be_v so_o strict_o bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o premise_n his_o majesty_n have_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n at_o holy-rood-house_n septem_n 24._o 1638._o and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o his_o majesty_n have_v of_o whatsoever_o estate_n degree_n or_o quality_n ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a shall_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n together_o with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o without_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a band_n and_o confession_n but_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o other_o speech_n dissuade_v deter_v impede_v and_o hinder_v other_o of_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o public_o protest_v against_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o can_v conveen_v nor_o concur_v lawful_o to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v deprive_v and_o denude_v of_o all_o place_n and_o function_n in_o the_o same_o a_o general_a assembly_n be_v condescend_v to_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a clemency_n and_o pious_a disposition_n as_o a_o royal_a favour_n to_o those_o that_o so_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o acquiesce_v to_o his_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n which_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n sept._n 1638._o do_v not_o so_o account_v of_o and_o accept_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a protestation_n whereby_o they_o protest_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o at_o other_o time_n so_o at_o this_o to_o assemble_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n to_o the_o contrary_n as_o also_o by_o continue_v their_o meeting_n and_o table_n discharge_v by_o authority_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o counsel_n command_v for_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n protest_v against_o the_o same_o still_o insist_v with_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o remit_v nothing_o of_o their_o former_a proceed_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n wrath_n be_v provoke_v thereby_o they_o be_v become_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o pardon_n and_o so_o forfeit_a the_o favour_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v just_o fear_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o in_o this_o convention_n for_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o parl._n 15._o cap._n 31._o prelacy_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o par._n 8._o cap._n 130._o all_o person_n be_v discharge_v to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o whereas_o the_o king_n by_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o for_o that_o effect_n as_o constant_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o all_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v present_a as_o appear_v by_o many_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n ordain_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o assist_v at_o the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n decemb._n 15._o 1566._o at_o edinburgh_n 6._o march_n 1572._o at_o edinburgh_n may_v 10._o 1586._o and_o by_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o assembly_n march_v 6._o 1573._o to_o the_o regent_n earnest_o desire_v his_o own_o or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o assembly_n they_o notwithstanding_o by_o the_o say_a protestation_n septemb_n 22_o declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o their_o office_n in_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v authorize_v with_o no_o lawful_a commission_n and_o to_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n and_o withal_o do_v arrogate_v to_o their_o meeting_n a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o can_v arise_v contrary_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n whether_o in_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o in_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o
this_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o after_o seven_o day_n sit_v declare_v all_o act_n make_v or_o hereafter_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o strength_n and_o that_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v either_o express_v in_o his_o majesty_n former_a proclamation_n and_o so_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n or_o set_v down_o in_o the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n present_v in_o name_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v full_o clear_v in_o our_o answer_n make_v thereto_o or_o else_o be_v long_o since_o propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_v send_v unto_o we_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v satisfy_v by_o our_o answer_n which_o his_o grace_n acknowledge_v by_o promise_v after_o the_o recept_n thereof_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n with_o power_n to_o determine_v upon_o all_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n manner_n and_o matter_n thereof_o all_o which_o for_o avoid_v tediousness_n we_o here_o repeat_v or_o otherwise_o the_o say_a cause_n allege_v by_o the_o commissioner_n be_v propon_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o assembly_n such_o as_o first_o that_o the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o read_v the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n exhibit_v by_o the_o prelate_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v public_o read_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o assembly_n immediate_o after_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o member_n before_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o assembly_n establish_v to_o who_o the_o same_o can_v have_v be_v read_v next_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n which_o be_v know_v to_o his_o grace_n before_o the_o indiction_n and_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n in_o violable_o 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countenance_v that_o meeting_n and_o to_o preside_v in_o it_o for_o external_a order_n and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o his_o majesty_n personal_a presence_n his_o majesty_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n will_v have_v only_o give_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o vote_v of_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o have_v call_v other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v clothe_v with_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o carry_v thing_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n therefore_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_n and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v with_o sorrowful_a and_o heavy_a but_o loyal_a heart_n that_o we_o can_v dissolve_v this_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o necessity_n of_o conveen_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v convene_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v 2._o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v now_o judicial_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n &_o covenant_n subscribe_v &_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 3._o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o a_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n than_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n &_o subscribe_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church-government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n 4._o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v lawful_o dissolve_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundùm_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 5._o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notwithstanding_o any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o master_n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherwise_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_a master_n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v uninform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 6._o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterared_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o after_o frequent_a convention_n formal_a
law_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v streinied_a thereto_o james_n 2._o parliament_n 2._o act_n 3._o and_o therefore_o now_o see_v there_o be_v not_o only_o violent_a presumption_n but_o great_a menace_v from_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o country_n and_o their_o adherent_n of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o country_n and_o harm_v of_o the_o examine_v and_o especial_o his_o majesty_n have_v within_o edinburgh_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a provision_n of_o munition_n to_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o that_o by_o the_o said_n bishop_n plot_n from_o his_o majesty_n prime_a officer_n who_o in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n shall_v preveene_n that_o inconvenient_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o act_n therefore_o upon_o their_o default_n the_o country_n itself_o and_o the_o king_n have_v in_o who_o favour_n the_o act_n be_v make_v may_v provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unharmed_a by_o that_o castle_n or_o any_o inhabitant_n thereof_o and_o so_o preveen_v the_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n thereunto_o conform_v to_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n pen._n second_o as_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o certain_a other_o castle_n and_o land_n be_v the_o king_n undoubted_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o what_o cause_n they_o be_v annex_v by_o who_o annex_v upon_o what_o condition_n and_o how_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o for_o the_o only_a cause_n express_v in_o the_o annexation_n thereof_o 41._o act._n james_n 2._o parliament_n 11._o be_v that_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v ofttimes_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o act_n make_v no_o mention_n that_o the_o king_n be_v annexer_n of_o the_o castle_n and_o land_n to_o the_o crown_n but_o only_o that_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o full_a council_n of_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v so_o statute_n and_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o advice_n deliverance_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n so_o that_o be_v thus_o annex_v to_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o realm_n itself_o for_o avoid_v a_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o realm_n and_o be_v annex_v with_o condition_n not_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n and_o for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n justice_n and_o equity_n will_v require_v that_o these_o castle_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o poverty_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o capital_a town_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o of_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n there_o convene_v for_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n and_o prepare_v overture_n to_o the_o future_a parliament_n for_o redress_v of_o our_o just_a grievance_n but_o now_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a provision_n to_o the_o castle_n be_v threaten_v with_o ruin_n and_o exterminion_n they_o may_v stop_v the_o misemploy_v of_o that_o benefit_n grant_v to_o the_o realm_n eo_fw-la animo_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la hunc_fw-la finem_fw-la for_o the_o well_o of_o the_o realm_n while_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n give_v their_o humble_a advice_n to_o his_o majesty_n thereanent_fw-la three_o by_o the_o 9_o act._n 9_o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n dumbartane_a stirling_n and_o blaknesse_n be_v four_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v safe_o keep_v to_o the_o king_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o for_o keep_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n there_o be_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n both_o money_n and_o victual_n a_o great_a part_n whereof_o be_v forth_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n which_o three_o in_o december_n 1561._o be_v decern_v and_o ordain_v by_o queen_n marie_n with_o advice_n of_o her_o council_n and_o other_o of_o the_o nobility_n then_o present_a to_o be_v up_o take_v and_o employ_v for_o these_o two_o use_n viz._n sustain_v of_o minister_n and_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o be_v also_o enact_v act_n 10._o parl._n 1_o james_n 6._o and_o thereafter_o ratify_v act_n 121._o parl._n 12._o james_n 6._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o as_o the_o castle_n be_v the_o king_n undeniable_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o shall_v be_v safe_o keep_v to_o his_o majesty_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o keep_n thereof_o rend_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n forth_o out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n estimate_n by_o the_o estate_n in_o eum_fw-la usum_fw-la for_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o not_o loyal_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v main_a interest_n to_o divert_v the_o convert_n of_o this_o strength_n to_o the_o weaken_n or_o ruin_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o threaten_v by_o this_o unusual_a provision_n and_o open_o denounce_v by_o our_o say_a enemy_n four_o by_o the_o 125._o act_n 7._o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o king_n castle_n and_o strength_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o only_a use_n of_o key_n be_v for_o keep_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o preservation_n and_o not_o for_o spartle_v disperse_v or_o perdition_n so_o that_o the_o realm_n and_o collective_a body_n thereof_o can_v hardly_o be_v disallow_v for_o contribute_v their_o loyal_a endeavour_n to_o the_o good_a keep_n of_o their_o kingdom_n own_o key_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_a end_n these_o key_n be_v use_v against_o the_o country_n and_o realm_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v the_o key_n of_o safety_n as_o by_o the_o say_a act_n be_v declare_v five_o by_o the_o same_o act_n all_o violent_a detainer_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n from_o he_o or_o constrainer_n of_o the_o king_n regent_n do_v redeem_v his_o own_o house_n and_o all_o maker_n of_o any_o such_o bargain_n merchandise_n or_o market_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n be_v only_o ordain_v to_o rander_n and_o deliver_v again_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o reddition_n of_o the_o say_n castle_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v action_n for_o repetition_n thereof_o as_o necessary_o give_v for_o the_o time_n and_o wrongous_o receive_v for_o unlawful_a cause_n and_o our_o proceed_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v deserve_v so_o harsh_a construction_n where_o the_o part_n best_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v constrain_v for_o indemnity_n of_o their_o person_n and_o good_n do_v neither_o take_v nor_o detain_v the_o castle_n but_o only_o withhold_v importation_n first_o clandestin_o intend_v and_o thereafter_o open_o threaten_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o warlike_a and_o invasive_a furniture_n which_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o the_o harm_n and_o annoyance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v convene_v for_o the_o just_a occasion_n foresaid_n who_o deserve_v and_o expect_v approbation_n and_o they_o thanks_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n for_o keep_v his_o evil_a counselor_n and_o bad_a patriot_n from_o put_v hand_n in_o his_o best_a subject_n six_o by_o the_o 25._o act_n 6._o parliament_n james_n 2._o sundry_a point_n of_o treason_n be_v ennumerate_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o be_v the_o assail_a without_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n the_o castle_n or_o place_n where_o the_o king_n person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v and_o now_o the_o king_n person_n not_o be_v in_o this_o castle_n but_o out_o of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o subject_n best_a and_o most_o loyal_a part_n of_o his_o subject_n both_o for_o number_n and_o fidelity_n implore_v his_o majesty_n authority_n for_o convocate_a the_o estate_n to_o take_v order_n with_o these_o who_o presume_v upon_o his_o majesty_n absence_n be_v bold_a to_o give_v he_o sinistrous_a information_n and_o counsel_n these_o who_o do_v no_o way_n assail_v the_o castle_n but_o bar_n these_o evil_a patriot_n from_o put_v in_o execution_n their_o damnable_a suggestion_n by_o their_o supercherie_n violence_n and_o terrification_n from_o that_o castle_n before_o the_o convention_n of_o estate_n can_v in_o law_n and_o equity_n be_v challenge_v in_o their_o carriage_n so_o necessary_a to_o they_o in_o the_o interim_n while_o the_o estate_n convene_v in_o a_o parliament_n which_o now_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o proclaim_v seven_o it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o chronicle_n
sufficient_o evince_v that_o our_o proceed_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o destructive_a of_o any_o lawful_a three_o estate_n and_o which_o part_n of_o the_o proclamation_n do_v close_a with_o a_o undeserved_a imputation_n to_o our_o loyalty_n bear_v that_o for_o the_o like_a dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n and_o for_o other_o reason_n import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n the_o commissioner_n be_v force_v to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n but_o the_o same_o be_v so_o general_o express_v that_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v do_v of_o plain_a purpose_n to_o make_v we_o hateful_a which_o we_o hope_v will_v not_o work_v that_o end_n unless_o some_o special_a act_n of_o disloyalty_n or_o malversation_n can_v be_v special_o condescend_v upon_o which_o undoubted_o have_v not_o be_v omit_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a otherways_o that_o dark_a cloud_n of_o general_a term_n can_v obfuscate_v the_o pure_a brightness_n 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no_o long_o assist_v but_o this_o be_v refuse_v and_o the_o assembly_n discharge_v by_o he_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o protest_v both_o that_o day_n and_o the_o day_n follow_v upon_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o glasgow_n and_o to_o show_v that_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_fw-mi and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o can_v not_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o discharge_v for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o conveening_a a_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v conveen_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi in_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v then_o judicial_o and_o do_v now_o actual_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n three_o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o the_o self_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_fw-mi to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o well-farre_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church_fw-mi government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n four_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v dissolve_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n five_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notstand_v any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o it_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherways_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_v m._n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v misinform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n six_o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterated_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o and_o after_o frequent_a convention_n and_o formal_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o
subject_n complaint_n respect_v or_o the_o offender_n punish_v with_o consent_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o by_o cast_v the_o church_fw-mi and_o estate_n loose_v and_o desolate_a will_v abandon_v both_o to_o ruin_v seven_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o assembly_n for_o preven_v the_o preiudices_fw-la which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o two_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o first_o subscribe_v in_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n and_o oath_n to_o god_n which_o be_v late_o renew_v by_o we_o with_o that_o necessary_a explanation_n which_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v since_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o enforce_v which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n in_o september_n last_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o subscription_n and_o therefore_o for_o remove_v that_o shame_n and_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v follow_v upon_o the_o show_n of_o two_o different_a covenant_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o one_o nation_n the_o assembly_n can_v not_o dissolve_v before_o it_o have_v try_v find_v and_o determine_v that_o both_o these_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o covenant_n the_o latter_a renew_v by_o we_o agree_v to_o the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o further_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n counsellor_n the_o strain_n of_o our_o protestation_n be_v tax_v because_o we_o have_v thereby_o presume_v to_o cite_v those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n who_o have_v procure_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o proclamation_n to_o be_v responsal_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n whereas_o the_o same_o can_v be_v just_o quarrel_v because_o it_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o warrant_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n therein_o cite_v 12._o act_n par._n 2._o james_n 4._o which_o act_n be_v ground_v upon_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o think_v that_o counsellor_n give_v bad_a counsel_n to_o the_o evident_a prejudice_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o country_n and_o public_a detriment_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n shall_v not_o be_v countable_a therefore_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o estate_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o instance_n in_o our_o law_n that_o perverse_a counsel_n have_v be_v give_v in_o misguide_v the_o king_n and_o common_a good_a of_o this_o realm_n act_n 6._o par._n 1._o james_n 4._o which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o reduction_n of_o grant_n make_v by_o king_n to_o these_o perverse_a counsellor_n act_n 3_o par._n 4._o and_o act_v 5._o par._n 1._o james_n 4._o the_o perverseness_n of_o which_o misguide_v counsel_n have_v be_v assure_o the_o cause_n why_o in_o the_o next_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n immediate_o subsequent_a the_o king_n council_n be_v choose_v in_o parliament_n and_o swear_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n and_o ordain_v to_o be_v responsal_n and_o accusable_a to_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n for_o their_o counsel_n which_o clear_v that_o both_o evil_a counsel_n may_v be_v give_v and_o that_o the_o council_n may_v be_v accuse_v before_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n for_o malversation_n in_o their_o charge_n like_o as_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o proclamation_n make_v all_o person_n liable_a to_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o so_o give_v way_n to_o this_o previous_a cytation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o forewarn_n and_o intimation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v accuse_v if_o they_o be_v guilty_a as_o we_o know_v all_o be_v not_o and_o wish_v that_o none_o be_v all_o which_o heavy_a objection_n and_o imputation_n be_v premit_v in_o the_o proclamation_n to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o command_n thereof_o thereunto_o which_o resolve_v into_o two_o head_n the_o first_o discharge_n obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o liberate_v all_o who_o shall_v disobey_v from_o censure_n and_o promise_a protection_n to_o the_o disobeyer_n and_o inhibit_v all_o presbytery_n session_n of_o kirk_n minister_n within_o this_o realm_n in_o their_o sermon_n session_n and_o meeting_n or_o any_o otherways_o to_o authorise_v approve_v or_o allow_v the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n or_o do_v any_o deed_n which_o may_v countenance_v the_o same_o under_o pain_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o all_o rigour_n and_o command_v all_o who_o shall_v hear_v they_o to_o delate_v the_o same_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o like_a punishment_n likewaies_o strait_o charge_v and_o command_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n clerk_n and_o writer_n not_o to_o grant_v or_o pass_v a_o bill_n summon_v or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o execution_n whatsoever_o upon_o any_o act_n or_o deed_n proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o all_o keeper_n of_o the_o signet_n from_o signete_v thereof_o under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o the_o second_o head_n command_v all_o subject_n to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v the_o confession_n command_v by_o his_o majesty_n conform_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o declaration_n publish_v by_o the_o commissioner_n whereunto_o we_o need_v not_o here_o make_v any_o answer_n but_o remit_v the_o same_o to_o a_o special_a answer_n publish_v in_o print_n make_v to_o that_o all_o declaration_n but_o for_o the_o first_o the_o same_o be_v so_o far_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_fw-mi the_o law_n civil_a and_o canonical_a the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o general_a assembly_n act_n of_o parliament_n practice_n of_o other_o judicatories_n within_o this_o kingdom_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o we_o can_v believe_v any_o such_o commandment_n to_o proceed_v from_o our_o gracious_a king_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n and_o misinformation_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o conscience_n of_o who_o guiltiness_n affright_v they_o to_o undergo_v their_o deserve_a censure_n which_o be_v they_o clear_v first_o that_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o wherein_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v command_v absolute_o to_o inflict_v censure_n 1._o cor._n 5._o wherein_o the_o church_fw-mi do_v execute_v that_o commandment_n and_o the_o kirk_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o of_o jezebel_n 2._o rev._n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v so_o intrinsical_o and_o so_o essential_o competent_a to_o the_o kirk_n and_o general_a assembly_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la as_o obedience_n to_o her_o decreet_n and_o execution_n thereof_o can_v be_v suspend_v far_o less_o take_v away_o and_o discharge_v by_o humane_a authority_n more_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n second_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a kirk_n who_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o execute_v the_o spiritual_a function_n and_o censure_n and_o notwithstanding_o humane_a prohibition_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o then_o man_n three_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n si_fw-la contra_fw-la jus_o vel_fw-la utilitatem_fw-la publicam_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la mendacium_fw-la fuerit_fw-la aliquid_fw-la postulatum_fw-la vel_fw-la impetratum_fw-la ab_fw-la imperatore_n et_fw-la titulo_fw-la de_fw-fr diversis_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la &_o pragmaticis_fw-la sanctionibus_fw-la four_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o anti-christian_n cannon_n law_n decret_a decretal_a extravagan_n titulo_fw-la de_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la five_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a custom_n in_o all_o nation_n ordain_v their_o judicatory_n to_o do_v justice_n notwithstanding_o their_o prince_n prohibition_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o convarnvia_n in_o spain_n pappon_n in_o france_n suedwyne_n in_o germany_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o title_n de_fw-fr rescriptis_fw-la aut_fw-la constitutionibus_fw-la principum_fw-la six_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n because_o in_o sundry_a general_a assembly_n upon_o complaint_n make_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n offer_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o kirk_n from_o go_v on_o in_o her_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n especial_o by_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n convene_v in_o the_o new_a college_n of_o sanctandrows_fw-mi 20._o april_n 1582._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o be_v receive_v to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n office_n or_o benefice_n seek_v any_o way_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o exeme_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o procure_v obtain_v or_o use_v any_o letter_n or_o charge_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o name_n or_o at_o their_o
command_n and_o instance_n to_o impair_v hurt_n or_o stay_v the_o say_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n correction_n of_o manner_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o offence_n &_o enormity_n or_o to_o make_v any_o appellation_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o stop_v the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v by_o god_n word_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n within_o the_o say_v kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n summary_o without_o any_o process_n or_o admonition_n to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n by_o the_o minister_n or_o minister_n which_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o they_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v know_v that_o any_o of_o the_o say_n head_n be_v transgress_v likeas_n both_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n promise_v that_o none_o thereafter_o shall_v have_v that_o cause_n to_o complain_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n in_o july_n 1597._o and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o saint_n andrews_n 24._o april_n 1582._o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o master_n robert_n montgomrie_n the_o assembly_n do_v write_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o this_o discharge_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o see_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a charge_n the_o assembly_n do_v proceed_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o say_a master_n robert_n further_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 27._o of_o june_n 1582._o sess._n 7._o among_o the_o grievance_n present_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o king_n the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o majesty_n by_o device_n of_o some_o counsellor_n be_v move_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o only_a king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o kirk_n the_o ministry_n and_o execution_n whereof_o be_v only_o give_v to_o such_o as_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o in_o his_o majesty_n person_n some_o man_n press_v to_o erect_v a_o babble_n popedom_n as_o though_o his_o majesty_n can_v not_o be_v full_a king_n and_o head_n of_o this_o common_a wealth_n unless_o alswell_o the_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a sword_n be_v put_v in_o his_o majesty_n hand_n unless_o christ_n be_v rest_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o two_o jurisdiction_n confound_v which_o god_n have_v divide_v which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o wrack_n and_o overthrow_v of_o all_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o octob._n 1582._o sess._n 15._o summon_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n against_o the_o king_n advocate_n for_o draw_v up_o the_o king_n proclamation_n of_o that_o strain_n 7._o the_o foresay_a command_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n because_o as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n so_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o national_a assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o only_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o so_o near_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o king_n james_n 6._o and_o parl._n 1_o king_n charles_n likeas_n by_o the_o 12._o par._n 114._o act_n k._n james_n 6._o ann_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o in_o her_o presbytery_n and_o assembly_n be_v full_o and_o firm_o ratify_v with_o declaration_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a over_o all_o estate_n and_o person_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n especial_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o full_a power_n even_o to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n 8._o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n by_o act_n 92._o parl._n 6._o king_n james_n 6._o be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v and_o to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o council_n in_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o the_o 47._o act_n 11._o parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n and_o supersederee_n purchase_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v discharge_v as_o contempt_n do_v to_o the_o law_n as_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o have_v and_o contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o admissible_o by_o any_o judge_n nor_o effectual_a to_o the_o purchaser_n any_o way_n and_o ordain_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v justice_n siclike_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o the_o say_a supersederee_n and_o licence_n never_o have_v be_v purchase_v nor_o produce_v like_o as_o by_o the_o 106._o act_n parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o act_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n according_a to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_n notwithstanding_o of_o privy_a warrant_n or_o prohibition_n contrary_a to_o law_n which_o common_o be_v impetrate_v from_o his_o majesty_n upon_o misinformation_n to_o proceed_v and_o minister_v justice_n 9_o to_o discharge_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n stop_v the_o execution_n thereof_o protect_v and_o defend_v such_o as_o be_v delinquent_n and_o under_o the_o kirk_n censure_n do_v direct_o repugn_v to_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n wherein_o cap._n 19_o the_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v upright_o ministration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v for_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o repress_v of_o vice_n and_o so_o no_o more_o can_v be_v impede_v nor_o just_o take_v from_o the_o kirk_n then_o any_o of_o she_o other_o two_o mark_n viz._n the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o oath_n at_o the_o king_n coronation_n he_o swear_v to_o maintain_v this_o confession_n and_o these_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o particular_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresaid_n crime_n 10._o in_o the_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o renew_v by_o the_o great_a and_o kingdom_n best_a part_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o explication_n renew_v also_o at_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o power_n so_o that_o see_v this_o general_a assembly_n have_v proceed_v in_o their_o constitution_n act_n and_o whole_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1580._o and_o 1590._o contain_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o in_o both_o these_o year_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v registrate_n and_o swear_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o clear_o distinguish_v in_o the_o 1._o c._n l._n 2._o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n may_v no_o way_n stop_v or_o impede_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o in_o the_o 7._o c._n the_o eldership_n and_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n upon_o all_o transgressor_n and_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o c._n the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a
of_o tithe_n of_o that_o kingdom_n begin_v to_o take_v three_o thing_n into_o our_o serious_a consideration_n first_o the_o wretched_a estate_n of_o the_o clergy_n for_o want_v of_o maintenance_n next_o the_o hard_a usage_n and_o great_a oppression_n of_o all_o the_o laity_n that_o pay_v tithe_n from_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o three_o a_o very_a important_a point_n of_o state_n vizt_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o such_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o subject_n as_o all_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o payer_n of_o tithe_n who_o be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v have_v their_o dependence_n upon_o the_o nobility_n or_o other_o laicke_a patron_n the_o one_o for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o maintenance_n the_o other_o not_o only_o for_o fear_n of_o have_v their_o corn_n lose_v or_o endanger_v for_o not_o carry_v they_o in_o due_a season_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o 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those_o of_o the_o prime_n of_o all_o estate_n and_o degree_n out_o of_o which_o number_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o erection_n and_o laicke_a patron_n be_v not_o omit_v for_o relieve_v if_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n both_o the_o minister_n and_o owner_n of_o corn_n as_o also_o for_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n the_o point_n of_o superiority_n and_o dependence_n these_o commissioner_n after_o their_o sit_v in_o great_a frequency_n some_o year_n and_o after_o full_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n interest_v and_o mature_a deliberation_n do_v set_v a_o rate_n of_o the_o value_n of_o the_o tithe_n order_v that_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o ground_n shall_v several_o purchase_v they_o at_o so_o many_o year_n purchase_v as_o be_v then_o agree_v upon_o by_o all_o both_o buyer_n and_o seller_n take_v the_o same_o course_n for_o the_o rate_v of_o superiority_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o abbey_n land_n which_o be_v likewise_o accord_v unto_o by_o all_o party_n and_o order_v that_o every_o minister_n mean_n shall_v be_v augment_v in_o such_o a_o certain_a proportion_n set_v down_o and_o accord_v unto_o as_o the_o incumbent_n shall_v not_o be_v enforce_v any_o more_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o patron_n with_o the_o conclusion_n and_o determination_n of_o this_o commission_n call_v the_o commission_n of_o surrender_n of_o superiority_n and_o tithe_n the_o owner_n of_o land_n and_o the_o minister_n be_v indeed_o so_o real_o satisfy_v that_o the_o former_a with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v we_o for_o their_o deliverer_n from_o a_o intolerable_a bondage_n under_o which_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n have_v grievous_o groan_v the_o latter_a with_o infinite_a expression_n of_o joy_n and_o gratitude_n do_v celebrate_v we_o as_o the_o very_a father_n and_o founder_n of_o their_o several_a church_n we_o give_v our_o royal_a assent_n to_o all_o agree_v upon_o in_o that_o commission_n being_n glad_a that_o our_o subject_n be_v relieve_v the_o maintenance_n of_o our_o clergy_n improve_v and_o both_o our_o clergy_n and_o laity_n free_v from_o a_o dangerous_a dependence_n upon_o subject_n and_o for_o that_o freedom_n oblige_v to_o a_o thankful_a hearty_a and_o loyal_a dependence_n upon_o we_o to_o who_o alone_o by_o all_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v due_a the_o nobility_n and_o other_o lay_v patron_n seem_v herewith_o likewise_o full_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o point_n of_o profit_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rate_n of_o purchase_v in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n for_o their_o tithe_n they_o be_v satisfy_v to_o the_o uttermost_a farthing_n but_o they_o fret_v private_o among_o themselves_o for_o be_v rob_v as_o they_o conceive_v of_o the_o clientele_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o of_o that_o power_n command_n and_o superiority_n over_o they_o which_o by_o that_o tie_n of_o tithe_n they_o have_v enjoy_v yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v religion_n itself_o a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o this_o their_o discontent_n for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o every_o man_n his_o gather_n of_o his_o own_o tithe_n or_o the_o augmentation_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n can_v be_v a_o affront_a or_o weaken_v of_o religion_n they_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o former_a fetch_n and_o not_o without_o betray_v much_o heart-burn_n give_v it_o out_o that_o this_o commission_n which_o indeed_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o humble_a importunity_n both_o of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n be_v procure_v only_o by_o the_o bishop_n who_o mean_v no_o good_a to_o religion_n and_o so_o from_o a_o unnecessary_a jealousy_n of_o their_o person_n and_o power_n they_o begin_v to_o pretend_v and_o suborn_v a_o necessary_a jealousy_n of_o religion_n itself_o a_o three_o betray_v of_o their_o factious_a humour_n appear_v clear_o at_o our_o last_o be_v in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o immediate_o after_o our_o departure_n from_o thence_o for_o some_o six_o year_n ago_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o visit_v that_o our_o native_a kingdom_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o cheer_v and_o comfort_v our_o subject_n there_o with_o our_o presence_n and_o honour_v they_o with_o our_o personal_a coronation_n all_o which_o they_o do_v most_o humble_o and_o hearty_o solicit_v we_o for_o by_o their_o earnest_n and_o affectionate_a supplication_n we_o undertake_v a_o journey_n to_o they_o and_o according_a to_o our_o expectation_n be_v most_o joyful_o receive_v by_o they_o but_o immediate_o before_o and_o at_o the_o sit_v down_o of_o our_o parliament_n there_o we_o quick_o find_v that_o the_o very_a same_o person_n who_o since_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o and_o still_o continue_v the_o stickler_n for_o their_o now_o pretend_a covenant_n begin_v to_o have_v secret_a meeting_n and_o in_o their_o private_a consultation_n do_v vent_v their_o dislike_n of_o our_o innocent_a revocation_n and_o our_o most_o beneficial_a commission_n of_o surrenders_n 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to_o cross_n observe_v the_o festival_n day_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o other_o superstitious_a and_o papistical_a rite_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o foster_a of_o great_a error_n among_o the_o people_n and_o ordain_v the_o user_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o second_o fault_n as_o idolater_n act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o like_a as_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v conceive_v for_o maintenance_n of_o god_n true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o purity_n thereof_o in_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o in_o her_o national_n synodall_n assembly_n presbytery_n session_n policy_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o as_o that_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v profess_v exercise_v preach_v and_o confess_v according_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o realm_n as_o for_o instance_n
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ever_o imagine_v the_o introduction_n of_o they_o they_o in_o that_o confession_n abjure_v only_o those_o romish_a corruption_n which_o in_o their_o time_n have_v infest_a the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o profane_a and_o foolish_a interpretation_n that_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o any_o one_o that_o either_o have_v the_o knowledge_n or_o make_v conscience_n of_o a_o oath_n can_v either_o himself_o take_v or_o desire_v other_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n so_o false_a and_o foolish_a as_o this_o and_o therefore_o with_o more_o wit_n than_o honesty_n where_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o scrupulous_a people_n they_o suffer_v they_o to_o swallow_v down_o that_o wicked_a gloss_n which_o corrupt_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o confession_n but_o where_o multitude_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o at_o their_o admission_n have_v swear_v obedience_n to_o and_o practice_v of_o these_o point_n which_o they_o call_v innovation_n quarrel_v at_o this_o their_o interpretation_n they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o will_v breed_v a_o great_a division_n if_o they_o shall_v desire_v but_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o their_o covenant_n be_v conceive_v but_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v very_o well_o swear_v all_o with_o a_o reservation_n of_o not_o abjure_v episcopacy_n the_o five_o article_n of_o pearth_n or_o any_o thing_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n with_o which_o protestation_n and_o reservation_n and_o not_o otherwise_o many_o especial_o of_o the_o minister_n do_v swear_v their_o covenant_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v well_o know_v which_o be_v such_o a_o notable_a piece_n of_o jesuitical_a equivocation_n on_o their_o part_n who_o exact_v this_o oath_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n and_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o oath_n itself_o especial_o in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o contain_v their_o
interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n as_o the_o like_a have_v scarce_o be_v hear_v three_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o man_n pretend_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n the_o precedent_n of_o a_o former_a confession_n and_o band_n annex_v do_v dare_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o text_n of_o that_o confession_n and_o band_n upon_o which_o they_o mean_v to_o build_v their_o action_n but_o these_o man_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o not_o only_o without_o authority_n to_o make_v a_o interpretation_n of_o that_o confession_n but_o flat_o against_o authority_n to_o add_v to_o the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o band_n of_o maintenance_n for_o whereas_o the_o band_n annex_v to_o the_o former_a confession_n be_v make_v in_o defence_n of_o we_o our_o authority_n and_o person_n with_o their_o fortune_n body_n and_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o liberty_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v add_v a_o mutual_a defence_n 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against_o we_o his_o successor_n our_o person_n and_o authority_n for_o they_o urge_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o first_o confession_n and_o band_n as_o a_o warrant_n for_o this_o new_a one_o of_o they_o or_o whether_o the_o word_n of_o the_o emperor_n or_o any_o monarch_n or_o any_o other_o lawgiver_n in_o any_o of_o their_o law_n or_o rescript_n can_v be_v take_v in_o any_o tolerable_a construction_n against_o the_o crown_n and_o dignity_n of_o themselves_o and_o successor_n or_o how_o these_o new_a covenanter_n can_v with_o the_o same_o breath_n blow_v both_o hot_a and_o cold_a with_o the_o same_o hand_n both_o strike_v and_o stroke_v we_o in_o one_o sentence_n swear_v to_o defend_v our_o person_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o swear_v to_o defend_v one_o another_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o not_o except_v we_o if_o not_o principal_o intend_v we_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o consider_v four_o what_o show_v of_o defence_n can_v these_o man_n make_v to_o save_v themselves_o from_o be_v punish_v with_o all_o rigour_n as_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n since_o the_o act_n of_o the_o ten_o parliament_n of_o james_n the_o six_o act._n 12._o and_o the_o 75._o act_n of_o the_o nine_o parliament_n of_o queen_n marie_n to_o which_o the_o act_n last_o mention_v relate_v have_v declare_v all_o league_n of_o subject_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o privity_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o king_n to_o be_v seditious_a and_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v as_o mover_n of_o sedition_n the_o ten_o parliament_n of_o james_n the_o six_o act._n 12._o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v a_o act_n make_v in_o the_o regiment_n of_o mary_n late_a queen_n dowager_n and_o regent_n of_o this_o realm_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n grandmother_n of_o worthy_a memory_n concern_v league_n and_o band_n as_o be_v think_v against_o all_o law_n and_o obedience_n of_o subject_n towards_o their_o prince_n the_o not_o observation_n of_o which_o act_n since_o the_o make_n have_v give_v occasion_n of_o many_o trouble_n which_o have_v occur_v since_o wherefore_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o three_o estate_n convene_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n ratify_v approve_v and_o for_o his_o successor_n perpetual_o confirm_v the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o ordain_v the_o same_o to_o have_v full_a effect_n and_o execution_n in_o all_o time_n to_o come_v and_o also_o of_o new_a with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o say_v three_o estate_n discharge_v and_o annull_v all_o league_n and_o band_n make_v between_o his_o have_v and_o subject_n at_o any_o time_n bypass_a precede_v the_o date_n hereof_o and_o statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o in_o time_n to_o come_v no_o league_n nor_o band_n be_v make_v among_o his_o subject_n of_o any_o degree_n upon_o whatsoever_o colour_n or_o pretence_n without_o his_o highness_n or_o his_o successor_n privity_n and_o consent_n have_v and_o obtain_v thereunto_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o be_v hold_v and_o execute_v as_o mover_n of_o sedition_n and_o unquietness_n to_o the_o breach_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o to_o be_v cite_v and_o pursue_v therefore_o with_o all_o rigour_n to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o the_o nine_o parliament_n of_o queen_n mary_n act._n 75._o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o queen_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n that_o no_o manner_n of_o person_n or_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o quality_n estate_n condition_n or_o degree_n have_v of_o this_o realm_n attempt_v to_o do_v or_o raise_v any_o band_n of_o man_n of_o war_n on_o horse_n or_o foot_n with_o culvering_n pistol_n pike_n spear_n jack_n splent_n steel-bonnet_n white_a harnis_fw-la or_o other_o warlike_a munition_n whatsoever_o for_o daily_a weekly_o or_o monthly_a wage_n in_o any_o time_n to_o come_v without_o special_a licence_n in_o writing_n have_v and_o obtain_v of_o our_o sovereign_a lady_n and_o her_o successor_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o be_v execute_v upon_o the_o raiser_n of_o the_o say_a band_n as_o also_o upon_o they_o that_o do_v conveen_v and_o rise_v in_o band_n now_o our_o consent_n to_o their_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o never_o grant_v but_o never_o so_o much_o as_o once_o ask_v when_o they_o have_v satisfy_v these_o important_a question_n and_o consideration_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o all_o man_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o law_n and_o government_n then_o let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o they_o will_v answer_v not_o only_o to_o all_o divine_n abroad_o who_o be_v not_o jesuit_v but_o even_o to_o their_o own_o university_n at_o home_n in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n in_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n how_o any_o oath_n much_o less_o such_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n as_o this_o can_v be_v administer_v to_o any_o prince_n his_o subject_n without_o his_o consent_n or_o authority_n there_o be_v but_o two_o university_n in_o scotland_n which_o confer_v all_o degree_n s._n andrew_n and_o aberdene_n both_o these_o upon_o the_o first_o come_v abroad_o of_o this_o their_o covenant_n and_o oath_n do_v oppose_v it_o and_o several_o set_v forth_o send_v abroad_o and_o disperse_v in_o writing_n those_o excellent_a and_o unanswerable_a reason_n against_o it_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o have_v but_o which_o the_o covenanter_n do_v never_o answer_v beside_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdene_n set_v out_o in_o print_v their_o query_n to_o the_o three_o minister_n send_v thither_o from_o their_o table_n to_o persuade_v their_o covenant_n which_o how_o poor_o and_o pitiful_o they_o answer_v and_o so_o again_o how_o they_o answer_v the_o same_o man_n duply_n as_o miserable_o as_o their_o former_a query_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o scholar_n to_o who_o these_o three_o minister_n weakness_n in_o their_o answer_n have_v make_v they_o sufficient_o ridiculous_a there_o be_v likewise_o a_o university_n in_o glascow_n which_o because_o it_o have_v but_o one_o college_n and_o have_v not_o of_o late_o confer_v any_o degree_n above_o that_o of_o master_n of_o art_n be_v call_v the_o college_n of_o glascow_n they_o of_o that_o college_n be_v very_o backward_o to_o come_v into_o their_o covenant_n until_o they_o be_v extreme_o threaten_v and_o when_o they_o come_v in_o they_o premit_v such_o interpretation_n and_o limitation_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o some_o of_o the_o regent_n never_n come_v in_o at_o all_o in_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o there_o be_v but_o four_o regent_n how_o two_o of_o they_o for_o not_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n be_v expel_v from_o their_o place_n be_v notorious_o know_v now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o in_o any_o kingdom_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a professor_n in_o university_n
will_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o call_v a_o parliament_n for_o those_o good_a end_n but_o that_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v conceive_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n thereby_o to_o cast_v off_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n for_o maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o being_n most_o willing_a to_o remove_v that_o as_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n therefore_o and_o for_o clear_v of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o imputation_n we_o do_v now_o in_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v and_o sorry_a that_o any_o good_a man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n shall_v so_o conceive_v of_o our_o do_v and_o that_o we_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o faâ—re_v from_o any_o thought_n of_o withdraw_a ourselves_o from_o our_o dutiful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n government_n which_o by_o the_o descent_n and_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o 107_o king_n be_v most_o cheerful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n that_o we_o never_o have_v nor_o have_v any_o intention_n or_o desire_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o king_n greatness_n and_o authority_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o acknowledge_v our_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n have_v solemn_o swear_v not_o only_o our_o mutual_a concurrence_n and_o assistance_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n free_a from_o that_o and_o all_o other_o imputation_n of_o that_o kind_n most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o grace_n to_o esteem_v that_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n to_o have_v be_v intend_v and_o to_o be_v the_o large_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o that_o hindrance_n be_v remove_v must_v still_o supplicate_v that_o your_o grace_n will_v be_v please_v to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o will_v undoubted_o redress_v all_o our_o evil_n settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o procure_v that_o chearfulnesse_n of_o obedience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v to_o his_o majesty_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o offer_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o best_a endeavour_n for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o do_v this_o petition_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o explication_n as_o shall_v give_v either_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n any_o satisfaction_n no_o for_o it_o contain_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o shake_v off_o their_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v give_v way_n to_o all_o their_o course_n which_o by_o this_o petition_n they_o justify_v so_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o will_v continue_v obedient_a subject_n if_o we_o will_v part_v from_o our_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o they_o will_v obey_v if_o we_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o command_v but_o where_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o to_o these_o word_n of_o their_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o mutual_a maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v have_v be_v add_v except_o the_o king_n and_o his_o successor_n that_o be_v refuse_v though_o even_o that_o can_v have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n unless_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n have_v make_v sedition_n and_o punishable_a with_o death_n upon_o notice_n give_v by_o our_o commissioner_n of_o his_o intend_a departure_n the_o debatement_n at_o their_o table_n grow_v very_o hot_a and_o fiery_a upon_o this_o point_n whether_o they_o shall_v present_o indict_v a_o general_n 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assembly_n which_o they_o either_o have_v or_o have_v fraudulent_o put_v away_o and_o if_o any_o pastor_n within_o this_o presbytery_n refuse_v to_o publish_v this_o cytation_n we_o require_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o require_v all_o party_n who_o have_v interest_n either_o in_o pursue_v or_o specify_v or_o prove_v this_o complaint_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n for_o that_o purpose_n upon_o which_o the_o complainer_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o notary_n according_a to_o this_o complaint_n and_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o presbytery_n reference_n of_o it_o i_o a._n r._n warn_v and_o admonish_v the_o abovenamed_a offender_n to_o compeer_n before_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o november_n for_o the_o cause_n contain_v in_o the_o complaint_n and_o for_o the_o certification_n express_v in_o it_o now_o though_o the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o libel_n can_v 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traduce_v do_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n 6._o last_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o informality_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o we_o charge_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o they_o must_v answer_v before_o his_o great_a and_o fearful_a tribunal_n if_o they_o suspect_v and_o know_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v to_o be_v free_a of_o these_o crime_n wherewith_o they_o charge_v they_o at_o least_o of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n have_v therein_o libel_v the_o general_a and_o have_v yet_o to_o seek_v the_o specification_n thereof_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v furnish_v it_o by_o which_o informal_a and_o malicious_a proceed_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o our_o say_a party_n do_v seek_v 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authorize_v and_o elect_v by_o their_o presbyterial_a meeting_n consist_v of_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o without_o warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o also_o do_v infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o precedent_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neither_o the_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n but_o he_o who_o by_o plurality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o layman_n voice_n shall_v be_v elect_v which_o happy_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o a_o lay-person_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o whereas_o canonical_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o primate_n shall_v preside_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a can._n 6._o of_o antioch_n can._n 9_o and_o of_o the_o imperial_a law_n novel_a constitut_o 123._o cap._n 10._o and_o 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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 and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n present_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_n and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_n only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o for_o that_o act_n at_o mont_n rise_v let_v they_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o have_v their_o call_n by_o that_o commission_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v of_o the_o chapter_n of_o our_o cathedral_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n by_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o approbation_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n for_o our_o temporality_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la next_o unto_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a governor_n but_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o cyprian_n his_o complaint_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 14._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la periculum_fw-la metuere_fw-la debemus_fw-la de_fw-la offensâ_fw-la domini_fw-la quando_fw-la aliqui_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la nec_fw-la evangelii_n nec_fw-la loci_fw-la svi_fw-la memores_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la futurum_fw-la dei_fw-la judicium_fw-la neque_fw-la praepositum_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la omnino_fw-la sub_fw-la antecessoribus_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la contumelia_fw-la &_o contemptâ_fw-la praepositi_fw-la totum_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la atque_fw-la utinam_fw-la non_fw-la prostratâ_fw-la fratrum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la salute_v sibi_fw-la omne_fw-la vendicarent_fw-la contumelias_fw-la episcopatûs_fw-la nostri_fw-la dissimulare_fw-la &_o far_o possem_fw-la sicut_fw-la
complete_a body_n exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v swear_v in_o 1581._o after_o he_o have_v do_v our_o commissioner_n desire_v the_o moderator_n to_o say_v prayer_n and_o so_o to_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v but_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o lord_n who_o fall_v again_o with_o new_a persuasion_n to_o urge_v our_o commissioner_n stay_v with_o they_o which_o he_o answer_v with_o so_o much_o expression_n of_o grief_n for_o there_o misdemeanour_n which_o have_v necessary_o enforce_v this_o rupture_n that_o very_o many_o of_o the_o assembly_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o move_v with_o it_o when_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v his_o stay_n at_o last_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o that_o fear_v this_o rupture_n they_o have_v a_o protestation_n ready_a against_o what_o he_o have_v say_v and_o do_v which_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o hear_v read_v which_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o clerk_n begin_v to_o read_v our_o 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four_o be_v present_o admit_v into_o their_o covenant_n these_o man_n at_o least_o the_o lord_n areskyn_n be_v resolve_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o covenant_n long_o ago_o but_o be_v reserve_v on_o purpose_n for_o do_v of_o it_o at_o that_o hour_n for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o their_o covenant_n for_o no_o soon_o have_v they_o swear_v &_o the_o moderator_n receive_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n but_o present_o he_o desire_v the_o whole_a audience_n to_o admire_v god_n approbation_n and_o seal_n of_o their_o proceed_n that_o even_o at_o that_o instant_n when_o they_o may_v have_v fear_v some_o shrink_n and_o backslide_n because_o of_o the_o present_a rupture_n he_o have_v move_v the_o heart_n of_o these_o man_n to_o beg_v admittance_n into_o their_o bless_a society_n immediate_o after_o divers_a stand_v up_o and_o speak_v but_o all_o much_o about_o one_o and_o to_o this_o sense_n they_o have_v see_v how_o careful_a and_o punctual_a our_o commissioner_n be_v like_o a_o good_a servant_n 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presbytery_n of_o peebles_n doctor_n strang_n principal_a of_o the_o college_n of_o glasgow_n doctor_n baroune_n commissioner_n from_o the_o university_n of_o s._n andrew_n with_o some_o other_o who_o refuse_v to_o sit_v with_o they_o any_o long_o the_o second_o be_v whether_o the_o assembly_n though_o discharge_v by_o our_o commissioner_n be_v competent_a judge_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v go_v on_o in_o their_o trial_n notwithstanding_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o their_o declinator_n and_o this_o pass_v affirmative_o without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n and_o so_o for_o that_o night_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v our_o commissioner_n after_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o assembly_n that_o very_a night_n though_o late_o assemble_v our_o council_n none_o be_v absent_a except_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n who_o make_v some_o excuse_n and_o pretence_n for_o his_o not_o come_v and_o the_o lord_n almond_n who_o be_v then_o sick_a two_o thing_n our_o council_n resolve_v on_o first_o to_o write_v unto_o we_o a_o letter_n of_o thanks_o for_o those_o gracious_a proffer_n which_o we_o by_o our_o commissioner_n have_v make_v at_o the_o assembly_n next_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o proclamation_n for_o the_o dissolve_v of_o the_o assembly_n their_o letter_n here_o follow_v most_o sacred_a sovereign_n in_o obedience_n to_o your_o majesty_n royal_a command_n we_o have_v attend_v your_o majesty_n commissioner_n here_o at_o glasgow_n since_o the_o 17._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o according_a to_o our_o bind_a duty_n in_o so_o exigent_n occasion_n have_v not_o be_v want_v with_o our_o humble_a and_o best_a advice_n and_o although_o we_o do_v remit_v the_o particular_a relation_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v to_o his_o grace_n self_n as_o best_a know_v to_o he_o yet_o we_o can_v for_o truth_n sake_n be_v so_o silent_a as_o not_o acknowledge_v to_o your_o majesty_n that_o never_o servant_n do_v with_o more_o industry_n care_n judgement_n and_o patience_n go_v about_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n and_o albeit_o the_o success_n have_v not_o answer_v his_o desire_n neither_o yet_o his_o extraordinary_a pain_n and_o as_o we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v most_o dexterous_a and_o advise_v course_n take_v to_o compass_v the_o just_a command_n of_o so_o gracious_a a_o king_n yet_o his_o deserve_n herein_o merit_n to_o be_v remember_v to_o posterity_n and_o since_o your_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o renew_v to_o we_o your_o former_a act_n of_o grace_n express_v in_o your_o proclamation_n and_o declaration_n anent_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o we_o in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n thereof_o we_o do_v all_o in_o humility_n and_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n of_o so_o great_a goodness_n return_v to_o your_o majesty_n the_o offer_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o defence_n of_o your_o sacred_a person_n and_o maintenance_n of_o your_o royal_a authority_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o our_o action_n approve_v ourselves_o your_o majesty_n most_o loyal_a subject_n and_o humble_a servant_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la traquaire_n roxburgh_n marre_n murray_n lithgow_n perth_n wigtoun_n kingorne_n tullibardin_n haddington_n galloway_n annandaile_n lauderdail_n kinnoul_n dumfreis_n southesk_n angus_n elphinstoun_n naper_n dalyell_n hay_o w._n elphinstoun_n ja._n carmichael_n hamiltoun_n blackhall_n from_o glasgow_n novem._n 28._o 1638._o to_o this_o letter_n the_o lord_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o set_v his_o hand_n next_o morning_n the_o proclamation_n be_v sign_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n but_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o sign_n it_o as_o before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o letter_n the_o proclamation_n here_o follow_v charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n herald_n pursuivant_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsameikle_n as_o out_o of_o the_o royal_a and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o our_o ancient_a and_o native_a kingdom_n have_v take_v to_o our_o serious_a consideration_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v have_v give_v contentment_n to_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o to_o this_o end_n have_v discharge_v by_o our_o proclamation_n the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n free_v and_o liberate_a all_o man_n from_o the_o practise_n of_o the_o five_o article_n make_v all_o our_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o for_o the_o free_a entry_n of_o minister_n that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administrate_n unto_o they_o than_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v declare_v all_o bygone_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
unless_o they_o be_v require_v so_o to_o do_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v lawful_a authority_n from_o his_o majesty_n to_o administer_v it_o unto_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o none_o either_o will_n or_o can_v take_v the_o say_a oath_n or_o any_o other_o oath_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o may_v not_o consist_v with_o episcopal_a government_n have_v his_o majesty_n sense_n and_o so_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o lawful_a authority_n full_o explayn_v to_o they_o hamiltoun_n that_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o force_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n &_o no_o way_n abolish_v nor_o suppress_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o nor_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o scotland_n do_v evident_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n after_o mention_v first_o by_o the_o parliament_n 1567._o cap._n 2._o whereby_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o pope_n authority_n be_v abolish_v it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o say_a act_n that_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o this_o realm_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o all_o act_n not_o agree_v with_o god_n word_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o the_o estate_n in_o that_o parliament_n to_o have_v no_o effect_n nor_o strength_n in_o time_n to_o come_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reformer_n intention_n to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n but_o that_o bishop_n shall_v not_o use_v any_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n his_o authority_n &_o see_v they_o do_v allow_v episcopacy_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o do_v not_o esteem_v the_o same_o contrary_n to_o god_n word_n and_o confession_n aforesaid_a as_o appear_v more_o clear_o by_o the_o six_o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n which_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o cap._n 68_o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangell_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v now_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o now_o live_v in_o doctrine_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v in_o his_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v public_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n within_o this_o realm_n without_o any_o exception_n by_o reason_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n declare_v only_o such_o as_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n according_a to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n or_o refuse_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o ministrate_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o say_v reformer_n mind_n to_o exclude_v any_o from_o that_o society_n by_o reason_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n innovate_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o policy_n they_o find_v in_o the_o say_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n this_o be_v likewaies_o evident_a by_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n by_o the_o eigth_n act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o without_o swear_v to_o any_o innovation_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n second_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v by_o these_o subsequent_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o by_o the_o muncipall_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o first_o by_o the_o 24._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o all_o civil_a privilege_n grant_v by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n predecessor_n to_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v ratify_v in_o all_o point_n after_o the_o form_n &_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o 35._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1571._o whereby_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o act_n and_o statute_n make_v of_o before_o by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o predecessor_n anent_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 46._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1572._o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v the_o authority_n and_o be_v ordain_v to_o conveen_n and_o deprive_v all_o inferior_a person_n be_v minister_n who_o shall_v not_o subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a in_o write_v thereupon_o within_o a_o month_n after_o their_o admission_n by_o the_o 48._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v authority_n at_o their_o visitation_n to_o design_n minister_n gleibe_n by_o the_o 54._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v at_o their_o visitation_n person_n in_o every_o parochin_n for_o make_v and_o set_v of_o the_o taxation_n for_o uphold_v and_o repair_v of_o kirk_n and_o kirk-yard_n and_o to_o convene_v try_v and_o censure_v all_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o use_n the_o stone_n timber_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o pertain_v to_o kirk_n demolish_v by_o the_o 55._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1573._o whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o admonish_v person_n marry_v in_o case_n of_o desertion_n to_o adhere_v and_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n to_o direct_v charge_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o parochin_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o 63._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1578._o whereby_o bishop_n and_o where_o no_o bishop_n be_v provide_v the_o commissioner_n of_o diocese_n have_v authority_n to_o try_v the_o rent_n of_o hospital_n and_o call_v for_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o by_o the_o 69._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o whereby_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o stand_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n correction_n of_o manner_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o yet_o no_o other_o authority_n nor_o office-bearer_n allow_v and_o appoint_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o former_a act_n but_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n intend_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o authority_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o act_n follow_v first_o by_o the_o 71._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o person_n return_v from_o their_o travel_n be_v ordain_v within_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o day_n after_o their_o return_n to_o pass_v to_o the_o bishop_n superintendent_n commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o they_o arrive_v and_o reside_v and_o there_o offer_v to_o make_v and_o give_v a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o then_o within_o forty_o day_n to_o remove_v themselves_o forth_o of_o the_o realm_n by_o the_o 99_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1581._o whereby_o the_o foresaid_n act_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 130._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n have_v and_o subject_n presume_v or_o take_v upon_o hand_n to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereby_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n supreme_a court_n of_o parliament_n past_o all_o memory_n of_o man_n have_v be_v continue_v or_o to_o seek_v or_o procure_v the_o innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n by_o the_o 131._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o all_o judgement_n &_o jurisdiction_n as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a cause_n in_o practice_n &_o custom_n during_o these_o twenty_o four_o year_n bypass_a not_o approve_v
by_o his_o highness_n and_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n be_v discharge_v and_o whereby_o it_o be_v defend_v that_o none_o of_o his_o highness_n subject_n of_o whatsoever_o quality_n estate_n or_o function_n they_o be_v of_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a presume_v or_o take_v upon_o hand_n to_o convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o hold_v of_o counsel_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determinate_a in_o any_o matter_n of_o estate_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a except_o in_o the_o ordinary_a judgement_n without_o his_o majesty_n special_a commandment_n or_o express_v licence_n have_v and_o obtain_v to_o that_o effect_n by_o the_o 132._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n authorise_v bishop_n to_o try_v and_o judge_v minister_n guilty_a of_o crime_n merit_v deprivation_n by_o the_o 133._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n ordain_v minister_n exerce_v any_o office_n beside_o their_o calling_n to_o be_v try_v and_o adjudge_v culpable_a by_o their_o ordinary_n by_o the_o 23._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1587._o whereby_o all_o act_n make_v by_o his_o highness_n or_o his_o most_o noble_a progenitor_n anent_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n present_o profess_v be_v ratify_v by_o the_o 231._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o bearing_n that_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o highness_n estate_n in_o parliament_n have_v special_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n grant_v by_o his_o highness_n predecessor_n to_o the_o holy_a kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o to_o the_o special_a person_n exerce_v the_o office_n title_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o prelate_n within_o the_o same_o which_o person_n have_v ever_o represent_v one_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o all_o convention_n of_o the_o say_a estate_n and_o that_o the_o say_v privilege_n and_o freedom_n have_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n renew_a and_o conserve_v in_o the_o same_o integrity_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n before_o so_o that_o his_o majesty_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o to_o he_o fall_v now_o under_o his_o majesty_n most_o favourable_a protection_n therefore_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n wherein_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a kirk_n and_o that_o such_o minister_n as_o his_o majesty_n at_o any_o time_n shall_v please_v to_o provide_v to_o the_o office_n place_n title_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n sicklike_a and_o all_o be_v free_o as_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a prelate_n have_v at_o any_o time_n bygone_a and_o also_o declare_v that_o all_o bishopric_n vaick_v or_o that_o shall_v vaick_a shall_v be_v only_o dispone_v to_o actual_a preacher_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o exerce_fw-la the_o say_a function_n by_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1606._o whereby_o the_o ancient_a and_o fundamental_a policy_n consist_v in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n be_v of_o late_a great_o impair_v and_o almost_o subvert_v especial_o by_o the_o indirect_a abolish_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n albeit_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v by_o his_o majesty_n nor_o by_o his_o estate_n that_o the_o say_a estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o necessary_a estate_n of_o the_o parliament_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v suppress_v yet_o by_o dismember_n and_o abstract_n from_o they_o of_o their_o living_n be_v bring_v in_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n the_o say_a estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v restore_v and_o redintegrate_a to_o their_o ancient_a and_o accustom_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n land_n teinde_n rent_n as_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n most_o ample_o and_o free_a at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n rescind_v and_o annul_v all_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n in_o the_o premise_n or_o any_o of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o the_o effect_n they_o may_v peaceable_o enjoy_v the_o honour_n dignity_n privilege_n and_o prerogative_n competent_a to_o they_o or_o their_o estate_n since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o 6._o act_n of_o the_o 20._o parliament_n declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v redintegrate_a to_o their_o former_a authority_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o pertain_v and_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o pertain_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o 1._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o ordain_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v elect_v by_o their_o chapter_n and_o no_o other_o way_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o rite_n and_o order_n accustom_v this_o be_v the_o explanation_n and_o now_o follow_v their_o answer_n which_o shall_v receive_v no_o reply_n as_o be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o have_v weaken_v any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o five_o reason_n only_o where_o there_o be_v any_o new_a or_o dangerous_a position_n of_o they_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v with_o any_o show_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v you_o shall_v find_v it_o note_v upon_o the_o margin_n as_o it_o here_o ensue_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o declaration_n make_v by_o james_n marquesse_n of_o hamilton_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n at_o edinburgh_n an._n 1638._o in_o december_n this_o ancient_a kingdom_n although_o not_o the_o most_o flourish_a in_o the_o glory_n and_o wealth_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o large_o recompense_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o abundant_a mercy_n &_o free_a grace_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o that_o all_o the_o reform_a kirk_n about_o we_o 〈…〉_z do_v admire_v our_o happiness_n and_o king_n james_n himself_o of_o happy_a memory_n glory_v that_o he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o be_v a_o king_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a kirk_n in_o the_o world_n those_o blessing_n of_o pure_a doctrine_n christian_a government_n and_o right_a frame_n of_o discipline_n we_o long_v enjoy_v as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n own_o word_n who_o as_o the_o great_a master_n of_o his_o family_n leave_v most_o perfect_a direction_n for_o his_o own_o economy_n and_o the_o whole_a officer_n of_o his_o house_n till_o the_o prelate_n without_o call_v from_o god_n or_o warrant_v from_o his_o word_n do_v ingire_v themselves_o by_o their_o craft_n and_o violence_n upon_o the_o house_n of_o god._n their_o crafty_a entry_n at_o the_o beginning_n be_v disguise_v under_o many_o caution_n and_o caveat_n which_o they_o never_o observe_v and_o have_v profess_v since_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o observe_v though_o they_o be_v swear_v thereto_o their_o way_n of_o promove_v their_o course_n be_v subtle_a and_o cunning_a as_o in_o abstract_v the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n wherein_o their_o government_n be_v condemn_v in_o impede_v yearly_a general_a assembly_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o comptable_a and_o general_o in_o enfeeble_v the_o power_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o establish_v the_o same_o total_o in_o their_o own_o person_n whereby_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o make_v such_o progress_n that_o be_v invest_v in_o the_o prime_a place_n of_o estate_n and_o arm_v themselves_o with_o the_o boundless_a power_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n they_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o god_n inheritance_n and_o out_o of_o their_o greatness_n without_o any_o show_n of_o order_n or_o council_n without_o advice_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n enterprise_v to_o alter_v and_o subvert_v the_o former_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o introduce_v many_o fearful_a corruption_n and_o innovation_n to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v we_o no_o less_o miserable_a than_o we_o be_v happy_a before_o these_o press_a grievance_n do_v at_o length_n awake_v the_o good_a subject_n to_o petition_v his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n for_o redress_n and_o albeit_o at_o last_o after_o many_o reiterated_a supplication_n and_o long_a attendance_n his_o majesty_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o grant_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n yet_o in_o the_o begin_n by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o commodity_n of_o access_n his_o royal_a ear_n be_v long_o stop_v to_o our_o cry_n and_o we_o discharge_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n to_o meet_v for_o make_v any_o more_o remonstrance_n of_o our_o just_a desire_n in_o this_o distress_n none_o other_o mean_a nor_o hope_v of_o redress_n be_v leave_v we_o have_v our_o recourse_n to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o king_n and_o ruler_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o
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
be_v establish_v by_o a_o parliament_n who_o power_n do_v no_o more_o reach_n to_o the_o place_v officer_n original_o in_o the_o kirk_n than_o the_o kirk_n power_n to_o the_o make_v state_n man_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n five_o the_o law_n which_o any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o civil_a privilege_n and_o be_v always_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o land_n six_o if_o any_o assembly_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o countenance_n episcopacy_n or_o other_o corruption_n it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o the_o same_o with_o all_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v declare_v to_o have_v be_v nul_fw-fr and_o void_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la for_o undeniable_a reason_n as_o the_o act_n at_o more_o length_n proport_v seven_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o national_a covenant_n by_o introduction_n of_o corruption_n thereby_o abolish_v have_v undoubted_o in_o high_a measure_n offend_v god_n and_o therefore_o at_o the_o renovation_n of_o that_o covenant_n again_o with_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o abjure_v all_o these_o innovation_n but_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o be_v relapse_n in_o our_o offence_n eight_o in_o no_o covenant_n episcopacy_n be_v express_o or_o specifice_v abjure_v before_o all_o ecclesiastical_a law_n favour_v the_o same_o be_v repeal_v &_o declare_v null_n but_o only_o virtual_o and_o general_o as_o be_v former_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o as_o the_o trial_n hereof_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a so_o now_o when_o the_o assembly_n have_v declare_v &_o find_v presbyterial_a government_n to_o have_v be_v approve_v &_o episcopal_a government_n condemn_v abolish_v and_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o in_o lieu_n of_o perceive_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o a_o apostolic_a institution_n have_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o our_o kirk_n as_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n want_v warrant_n or_o fundament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o this_o kirk_n therefore_o albeit_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v express_o in_o the_o renovation_n of_o this_o confession_n command_v by_o his_o majesty_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o most_o necessary_a and_o incumbent_a to_o we_o all_o who_o be_v tie_v by_o that_o national_a covenant_n against_o that_o unlawful_a hierarchicall_a government_n albeit_o we_o have_v never_o renew_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v false_o calumniat_fw-la to_o have_v condemn_v the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n even_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n which_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n itself_o sufficient_o refute_v by_o allow_v s._n paul_n bishop_n towit_n pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o condemn_v only_o all_o other_o bishop_n bring_v in_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n reason_n the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o declaration_n be_v that_o the_o oath_n for_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n can_v oblige_v after_o the_o alteration_n &_o change_n of_o that_o discipline_n &_o government_n and_o see_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o only_o alterable_a but_o change_v in_o this_o kirk_n we_o be_v not_o tie_v by_o that_o oath_n after_o the_o alteration_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o policy_n and_o order_n in_o ceremony_n be_v temporary_a and_o may_v be_v change_v as_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n cite_v in_o the_o declaration_n but_o a_o bishop_n or_o his_o office_n or_o the_o government_n of_o god_n house_n can_v be_v call_v a_o ceremony_n nay_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v vilify_v by_o that_o appellation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n they_o be_v of_o no_o apostolic_a constitution_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v lawful_a governor_n in_o god_n house_n warrant_v by_o his_o word_n they_o be_v not_o alterable_a and_o so_o this_o second_o reason_n militat_v not_o for_o they_o if_o their_o office_n be_v changeable_a and_o account_v among_o alterable_a ceremony_n they_o be_v well_o explode_v from_o our_o kirk_n &_o may_v be_v so_o by_o that_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o declaration_n 2._o one_o cause_n of_o general_a counsel_n be_v for_o constitute_v a_o good_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o ceremony_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 14._o chap._n to_o the_o 1._o corinth_n will_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o power_n to_o institute_v new_a officer_n in_o his_o kirk_n but_o command_v his_o own_o officer_n to_o exerce_fw-la their_o function_n by_o his_o commandment_n without_o indecencie_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o variable_a circumstance_n thereof_o to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o edification_n 3._o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n all_o man_n invention_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v condemn_v and_o in_o the_o 19_o chap._n ecclesiastical_a discipline_n upright_o minister_v as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v matth._n 18._o 1._o cor._n 5._o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o three_o essential_a and_o unchangeable_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n with_o temporary_a changeable_a ceremony_n though_o unwarrantable_o rank_v with_o they_o in_o the_o declaration_n 4._o it_o be_v evident_a at_o our_o first_o reformation_n what_o policy_n be_v perpetual_a and_o what_o ceremony_n changeable_a for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o policy_n compile_v that_o same_o year_n with_o the_o confession_n 9_o head_n be_v express_v a_o twofold_a policy_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o one_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o all_o kirk_n the_o other_o not_o necessary_a but_o changeable_a such_o as_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n sermon_n shall_v be_v and_o the_o like_a whereof_o they_o establish_v no_o order_n but_o permit_v every_o particular_a kirk_n to_o appoint_v their_o own_o policy_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o edification_n if_o parity_n of_o reason_n will_v make_v episcopacy_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v all_o man_n judge_v 5._o our_o confession_n speak_v of_o a_o order_n in_o ceremony_n which_o can_v be_v appoint_v for_o all_o age_n as_o be_v before_o say_v but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n they_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n himself_o appoint_v a_o ordinare_fw-la constant_a government_n of_o his_o kirk_n by_o his_o four_o ordinar_n office-bearer_n the_o pastor_n elder_n doctor_n &_o deacon_n to_o administrat_fw-la the_o same_o perpetual_o as_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o treatise_n before_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v draw_v up_o at_o that_o same_o time_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o same_o person_n like_o as_o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o when_o that_o confession_n be_v make_v &_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o when_o it_o be_v ratify_v and_o by_o continual_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n kirk_n by_o these_o four_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n be_v set_v down_o as_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o constant_a unchangeable_a and_o perpetual_a and_o as_o that_o holy_a discipline_n without_o which_o god_n word_n can_v be_v preserve_v so_o that_o the_o intrude_a of_o any_o other_o officer_n in_o god_n house_n be_v account_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n 6._o by_o our_o oath_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v both_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o warrant_n whereof_o all_o tradition_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o be_v abjure_v and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n as_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n &_o command_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n whereunto_o we_o have_v swear_v and_o can_v without_o perjury_n to_o god_n gainsay_v it_o like_v as_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o such_o and_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o ratify_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o god_n whereinto_o the_o king_n prerogative_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a 7._o it_o carry_v no_o show_n of_o argument_n or_o face_n of_o probability_n that_o the_o kirk_n and_o reformer_n of_o religion_n which_o condemn_v all_o other_o ordinar_n officer_n in_o the_o kirk_n but_o these_o four_o appoint_v by_o christ_n do_v mean_a under_o the_o name_n of_o variable_a ceremony_n to_o comprehend_v and_o admit_v episcopacy_n which_o frequent_o they_o condemn_v as_o
meaning_n but_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o old_a oath_n which_o can_v admit_v no_o new_a destructive_a sense_n but_o must_v be_v swear_v conform_a to_o the_o genuine_a original_a first_o meaning_n 2._o that_o oath_n be_v just_o refuse_v by_o we_o upon_o that_o ground_n of_o discrepance_n among_o many_o other_o and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o council_n till_o they_o declare_v their_o meaning_n by_o act_n simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la with_o their_o subscription_n 3._o we_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o kirk_n of_o england_n or_o ireland_n it_o but_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n all_o our_o argument_n and_o proceed_n being_n for_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n where_o from_o the_o time_n of_o she_o more_o pure_a reformation_n then_o of_o her_o sister_n kirk_n episcopacy_n have_v ever_o be_v abolish_v till_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o though_o his_o majesty_n have_v hitherto_o maintain_v episcopacy_n in_o 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confession_n at_o the_o time_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o that_o abbot_n prior_n and_o bishop_n be_v so_o clear_o evident_o and_o express_o condemn_v in_o this_o kirk_n that_o the_o best_a wit_n of_o this_o age_n opposer_n of_o episcopacy_n can_v yet_o require_v one_o syllable_n to_o be_v add_v for_o far_a assurance_n and_o the_o most_o able_a maintainer_n thereof_o can_v not_o pick_v any_o quarrel_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o expression_n 2._o the_o clause_n cit_v in_o the_o reason_n be_v only_o anent_o the_o doctrine_n and_o not_o anent_o the_o discipline_n which_o thereafter_o be_v determine_v and_o the_o hierarchy_n detest_v and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n swear_v unto_o 3._o albeit_o that_o clause_n be_v of_o discipline_n yet_o it_o make_v nothing_o for_o bishop_n except_v by_o inference_n that_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v for_o collection_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n or_o 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parliament_n subjoin_v hereto_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n stand_v for_o episcopacy_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n the_o council_n the_o collective-body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v actual_o renunce_v the_o same_o by_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n 1580._o whereunto_o episcopacy_n be_v contrare_fw-la which_o god-willing_o may_v also_o be_v enact_v at_o the_o next_o parliament_n proclaim_v to_o be_v hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o may_n 5._o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n in_o the_o 1._o and_o 10._o chapter_n put_v clear_a merche_n betwixt_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n make_v every_o one_o independent_a in_o matter_n proper_o belong_v to_o their_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o every_o one_o subject_n to_o the_o other_o in_o matter_n proper_o belong_v to_o that_o other_o kingdom_n so_o that_o as_o the_o assembly_n can_v make_v civil_a law_n nor_o repeal_v they_o nor_o imp_v the_o parliament_n from_o make_v or_o repeal_n civil_a law_n no_o more_o can_v the_o parliament_n make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n original_o nor_o repeal_n or_o hinder_v the_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o repeal_v the_o same_o for_o albeit_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v and_o may_v be_v ratify_v in_o parliament_n that_o be_v only_o that_o the_o civil_a sanction_n may_v concur_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o will_v not_o stop_v the_o assembly_n to_o recall_v their_o own_o act_n which_o be_v adnul_v by_o they_o the_o contrary_n civil_a ratification_n and_o sanction_n fall_v ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la for_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o kirk_n may_v not_o repeal_v she_o own_o act_n ratify_v once_o in_o parliament_n be_v so_o derogatory_n to_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o ordinance_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o we_o have_v more_o large_o clear_v in_o the_o protestation_n 22_o september_n last_v that_o we_o believe_v few_o or_o none_o will_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n all_o these_o five_o objection_n and_o many_o more_o be_v agitate_v and_o discuss_v in_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o act_n anent_o episcopacy_n be_v make_v and_o see_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n conclusion_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n now_o hold_v at_o glasgow_n which_o be_v the_o only_a judge_n competent_a and_o fit_a interpreter_n to_o remove_v and_o explain_v all_o doubt_n arise_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n have_v after_o long_o religious_a and_o mature_a declaration_n expon_v the_o same_o and_o clear_o find_v that_o episcopal_a government_n in_o this_o kirk_n among_o other_o corruption_n be_v abjure_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o same_o be_v profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n have_v discharge_v all_o subscription_n to_o the_o covenant_n subscribe_v and_o interpret_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v command_v the_o covenant_n subscribe_v in_o februare_fw-la with_o the_o application_n to_o be_v now_o subscribe_v according_a to_o her_o present_a determination_n therefore_o we_o trust_v that_o the_o knowledge_n hereof_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o all_o good_a christian_n and_o patriot_n that_o they_o subscribe_v not_o the_o one_o and_o that_o they_o subscribe_v the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o genuine_a and_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o declare_v by_o the_o kirk_n allennerly_a and_o of_o no_o contrary_a incompatible_a sense_n as_o they_o will_v eshew_v the_o crime_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o contradictory_n oath_n and_o we_o will_v most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o beg_v of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o command_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v so_o subscribe_v conform_a to_o the_o declare_a explanation_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o will_v prove_v the_o great_a happiness_n and_o joy_n that_o ever_o befall_v these_o
disconsolate_v subject_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o though_o unjust_o brand_v with_o many_o calumny_n yet_o never_o have_v nor_o ever_o shall_v swerve_v from_o our_o loyalty_n due_a to_o the_o lord_n anoint_a but_o will_v ready_o embrace_v any_o occasion_n to_o employ_v our_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o his_o majesty_n service_n and_o honour_n who_o we_o hearty_o pray_v god_n may_v long_o and_o happy_o ring_v over_o we_o parliament_n all_o there_o be_v annex_v to_o this_o declaration_n a_o quotation_n of_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o whereunto_o albeit_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o answer_n see_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o her_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v seek_v from_o herself_o and_o the_o register_n of_o her_o assembly_n and_o not_o from_o the_o parliament_n yet_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v special_o answer_v in_o the_o order_n that_o they_o be_v allege_v after_o these_o two_o general_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o reader_n his_o consideration_n 1._o after_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o kirk_n be_v still_o wrestle_v against_o all_o corruption_n and_o especial_o against_o episcopacy_n but_o though_o they_o clear_o and_o frequent_o condemn_v the_o same_o yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o reformation_n withstand_v they_o long_o so_o that_o her_o own_o policy_n can_v not_o be_v obtain_v ratify_v express_o &_o specifice_v in_o parliament_n till_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1592._o which_o abrogate_v all_o those_o proceed_v act_n allege_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la 2._o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v no_o more_o make_v ecclesiastical_a office_n nor_o give_v ecclesiastical_a privilege_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n can_v establish_v civil_a office_n of_o estate_n or_o grant_v to_o they_o civil_a privilege_n each_o judicatorie_a be_v proper_o confine_v within_o their_o own_o sphere_n but_o before_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v particular_o mark_v and_o cite_v 1567._o there_o be_v two_o reason_n prefix_v the_o one_o take_v from_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o cap._n 2.3.6_o and_o cap._n 68_o par._n 1579._o the_o other_o from_o the_o oath_n minister_v to_o the_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o bear_v that_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o this_o realm_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n it_o be_v evident_a hereby_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v altogether_o condemn_v as_o all_o other_o prelacy_n be_v for_o before_o that_o time_n they_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o therefore_o be_v discharge_v to_o execute_v that_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o act_n to_o execute_v any_o at_o all_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o act_n be_v manifest_a because_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a order_n and_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v no_o other_o ordinary_a office_n bearer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o ecclesia_fw-la constituta_fw-la but_o the_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_a and_o deacon_n and_o in_o her_o assembly_n at_o that_o same_o time_n be_v still_o censure_v these_o who_o be_v call_v or_o design_v bishop_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o benefice_n as_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o act_n print_v before_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n 1560._o make_v in_o the_o same_o year_n by_o these_o same_o person_n ratify_v the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n they_o provide_v only_o that_o bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n etc._n etc._n be_v protestant_n brook_v their_o revenue_n during_o their_o lifetime_n they_o sustain_v minister_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n 2._o in_o the_o year_n 1566._o which_o precede_v that_o parliament_n the_o kirk_n of_o this_o kingdom_n approve_v the_o confession_n of_o helvetia_n wherein_o the_o parity_n of_o minister_n be_v prefer_v as_o god_n ordinance_n warrand_v by_o his_o word_n to_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o humane_a consuetude_n 3._o because_o at_o that_o time_n the_o queen_n have_v restore_v the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrews_n therefore_o the_o kirk_n supplicate_v the_o nobility_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o that_o restitution_n which_o they_o condemn_v as_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n once_o wound_v within_o this_o land_n wherein_o they_o express_o ground_n themselves_o upon_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v before_o make_v in_o the_o year_n 1560._o as_o a_o certain_a abrogation_n of_o the_o archbishop_n authority_n 4._o in_o the_o 2._o book_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 11._o the_o kirk_n use_v the_o same_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o a_o abrogation_n of_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n and_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n and_o thereby_o of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n 5._o the_o kirk_n thereafter_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n declare_v their_o uniformity_n of_o this_o meaning_n by_o urge_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o print_v among_o the_o black_a act_n and_o renew_v in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v 1579._o which_o immediate_o follow_v the_o act_n here_o cite_v declare_v that_o no_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v use_v within_o this_o realm_n but_o that_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n and_o flow_v therefrom_o and_o they_o urge_v that_o none_o under_o the_o abuse_a title_n in_o papistry_n of_o prelate_n etc._n etc._n attempt_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n of_o the_o reform_v kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n whereby_o our_o kirk_n declare_v all_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n to_o be_v papistical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n his_o hirarchie_n in_o the_o short_a confession_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n can_v flow_v from_o none_o other_o but_o from_o the_o pope_n see_v it_o flow_v not_o from_o the_o kirk_n but_o be_v abolish_v and_o condemn_v by_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o register_n of_o the_o assembly_n 6._o the_o act_n do_v abolish_v all_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o all_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n because_o episcopal_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v papistical_a as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o and_o special_o by_o doctor_n poklingtun_n chaplain_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o deduce_v a_o continual_a lineal_a succession_n from_o peter_n through_o the_o whole_a pope_n unto_o the_o present_a arch_a bishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o by_o the_o quotter_n himself_o who_o allege_v albeit_o false_o that_o this_o kirk_n retain_v the_o papistical_a policy_n and_o government_n 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reason_n that_o our_o kirk_n do_v not_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o policy_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o kirk_n before_o the_o reformation_n the_o same_o be_v control_v by_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1567._o and_o for_o the_o 6._o act_n 1567._o and_o the_o 68_o act_n 1579._o the_o same_o do_v not_o only_o not_o mention_v bishop_n but_o declare_v the_o true_a kirk_n to_o consist_v only_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o live_v and_o these_o who_o thereafter_o shall_v rise_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n as_o the_o member_n thereof_o which_o direct_o exclude_v bishop_n against_o who_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n continual_o sound_v especial_o at_o that_o time_n for_o in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n by_o weekly_a meeting_n of_o minister_n elder_n and_o reform_a town_n from_o the_o year_n 1560._o to_o the_o year_n 1576._o except_o the_o interim_n of_o the_o pretend_a convention_n at_o leeth_n 1572._o and_o from_o the_o year_n 1575._o to_o the_o year_n 1581._o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v employ_v in_o abolish_n the_o corruption_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o in_o establish_v the_o settle_a policy_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o 1578._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o which_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n anent_o that_o discipline_n as_o ground_v and_o well_o warrand_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o against_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n as_o a_o unlawful_a humane_a invention_n so_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1579._o the_o bishop_n disagree_v from_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o evangel_n then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o use_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o say_a act_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o same_o act_n cite_v for_o they_o do_v sufficient_o evince_v that_o
episcopacy_n be_v still_o condemn_v notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n make_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la as_o for_o the_o king_n oath_n the_o same_o contain_v no_o mention_n of_o bishop_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_a oath_n the_o king_n be_v oblige_v thereby_o to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o see_v it_o be_v clear_v by_o the_o precede_a relation_n that_o bishop_n be_v never_o allow_v but_o oppugn_v by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o oath_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o exclude_v episcopacy_n which_o be_v also_o more_o perspicuous_a in_o the_o short_a confession_n 1580._o and_o 1581._o when_o the_o kirk_n set_v down_o her_o constant_a policy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v as_o contrary_v thereto_o and_o crave_v a_o oath_n from_o his_o majesty_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o which_o now_o also_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v as_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o exclusive_a of_o episcopacy_n as_o repugnant_a thereto_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n thereafter_o particular_o cite_v be_v these_o mention_v in_o order_n the_o 24._o act_n 1567._o ratify_v all_o civil_a privilege_n former_o grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o the_o 35._o act_n 1571._o ratify_v all_o act_n make_v anent_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n the_o same_o can_v be_v extend_v to_o the_o establish_n of_o episcopacy_n because_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o these_o act_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_n be_v abolish_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n before_o mention_v so_o that_o the_o privilege_n therein_o mention_v be_v grant_v to_o such_o kirk-man_n as_o then_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o kirk_n must_v be_v interpret_v by_o she_o own_o judgement_n who_o think_v ever_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n a_o heavy_a bondage_n and_o yet_o those_o privilege_n can_v infer_v no_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n but_o only_o civil_a privilege_n some_o immunity_n and_o extemption_n grant_v for_o the_o good_n and_o person_n of_o kirk-man_n as_o be_v clear_a 1._o act_n james_n 1_o par._n 1._o and_o 26_o act_n par._n 2._o james_n 1._o and_o 4._o act_n par._n 3._o james_n 2._o with_o many_o other_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o careful_a evolver_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v omit_v to_o cite_v the_o 7._o act_n 1._o parliament_n of_o king_n james_n 6._o bear_v the_o examination_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kirk_n then_o open_o and_o public_o profess_v and_o presentation_n to_o be_v make_v to_o superintendent_o or_o other_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n and_o appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o superintendent_o and_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n and_o appeal_v from_o these_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o all_o which_o gradation_n no_o mention_v of_o bishop_n but_o they_o in_o effect_n exclude_v by_o that_o contrare_fw-la distinction_n of_o the_o kirk_n then_o open_o profess_v because_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o foresay_a second_o act_n 1567._o and_o superintendent_o be_v then_o permit_v like_o temporary_a evangelist_n for_o the_o present_a necessity_n declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n ad_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la constituendam_fw-la but_o be_v abrogate_v from_o 1575._o that_o the_o constant_a policy_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la constituta_fw-la begin_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1572._o and_o 1573._o it_o be_v know_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o time_n 1573._o that_o the_o regent_n then_o labour_v hard_a to_o bring_v in_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n who_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o stand_v the_o facto_fw-la provide_v to_o the_o power_n of_o these_o titular_o of_o benefice_n to_o fortify_v his_o own_o design_n and_o counterbalance_n the_o authority_n of_o minister_n press_v the_o purity_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o can_v be_v honourable_o allege_v for_o the_o bishop_n at_o this_o time_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o authority_n but_o by_o warrant_n of_o some_o minister_n of_o his_o own_o party_n convene_v at_o leeth_n and_o be_v only_o do_v for_o a_o interim_n and_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o next_o assembly_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o by_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n the_o archbishop_n bishop_n superintendent_o or_o commissioner_n of_o diocese_n or_o province_n be_v join_v together_o which_o be_v wrongous_o omit_v in_o the_o quotation_n to_o show_v that_o no_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n quatale_n have_v any_o power_n but_o only_o be_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la stand_v provide_v in_o the_o title_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n which_o sometime_o they_o obtain_v and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n be_v name_v such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o be_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o same_o superintendent_o possessor_n and_o titular_o of_o prelacy_n as_o well_o as_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v call_v and_o convene_v for_o that_o effect_n before_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o yet_o none_o can_v say_v that_o the_o office_n of_o abbot_n pryor_n etc._n etc._n be_v then_o retain_v howbeit_o the_o benefice_n be_v not_o extinct_a and_o few_o ill_a grant_n that_o when_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n office_n be_v in_o vigour_n they_o think_v themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o say_a act_n which_o be_v also_o fraudful_o omit_v in_o the_o quotation_n 1579_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1578._o and_o 1579._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o kirk_n in_o this_o mean_a time_n from_o the_o year_n 1575._o be_v busy_v in_o abrogate_a episcopacy_n and_o establish_v the_o constant_a policy_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o print_a act_n of_o assembly_n before_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o unprint_v act_n of_o parliament_n the_o kirk_n by_o her_o commissioner_n daily_o reason_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n upon_o these_o head_n of_o policy_n whereupon_o the_o parliament_n by_o the_o say_v 69._o act_n 1579._o declare_v there_o be_v none_o other_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o this_o reform_a kirk_n and_o flow_v therefrom_o which_o extinguish_v episcopacy_n because_o it_o do_v not_o flow_v from_o this_o reform_a kirk_n neither_o can_v produce_v its_o chartor_n from_o she_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v abolish_v by_o the_o foresay_a act_n 1567._o it_o be_v condemn_v also_o in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o their_o whole_a estate_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a condemn_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1581._o so_o that_o by_o this_o act_n of_o parliam_fw-la 1579._o the_o bishop_n be_v so_o abolish_v that_o unless_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n no_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o sen_fw-mi can_v conduce_v for_o their_o establishment_n see_v this_o act_n with_o the_o other_o act_n for_o their_o abolition_n stand_v yet_o unrepealed_a and_o far_o for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1578._o if_o the_o same_o contribute_v any_o thing_n for_o episcopacy_n it_o must_v either_o be_v because_o bishop_n be_v there_o mention_v or_o for_o the_o power_n thereby_o confer_v upon_o they_o but_o both_o these_o be_v weak_a ground_n the_o first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n there_o name_v but_o such_o as_o stand_v provide_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la on_o life_n which_o be_v a_o designation_n of_o the_o benefice_n which_o be_v not_o then_o extinct_a and_o not_o of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v extinct_a the_o power_n confer_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o say_a act_n can_v give_v no_o strength_n to_o the_o argument_n because_o there_o be_v no_o jurisdiction_n grant_v thereby_o to_o they_o but_o only_a power_n to_o visit_v hospital_n which_o the_o parliam_fw-la may_v have_v grant_v to_o any_o person_n but_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o these_o idle_a titular_o of_o benefice_n who_o may_v best_o attend_v the_o same_o or_o employ_v mean_n for_o their_o reparation_n and_o this_o charge_n be_v likewise_o communicate_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o all_o chancellor_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o as_o to_o the_o 71._o act_n 1579._o we_o repeat_v the_o former_a answer_n that_o superintendent_o and_o commissioner_n be_v there_o join_v with_o the_o bishop_n to_o
show_v that_o no_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o as_o bishop_n but_o commissioner_n from_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o name_n be_v still_o use_v because_o the_o benefice_n be_v not_o extinct_a but_o they_o be_v know_v by_o that_o appellation_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1581._o be_v better_o allege_v for_o assembly_n than_o bishop_n 1581._o for_o it_o be_v a_o express_a ratification_n of_o the_o former_a act_n of_o abolition_n of_o bishop_n and_o abrogation_n of_o all_o act_n or_o constitution_n cannon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a contrare_fw-la to_o the_o religion_n then_o present_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o only_o clear_o express_v in_o the_o word_n but_o if_o they_o be_v doubtsome_a as_o they_o be_v not_o be_v manifest_a for_o these_o reason_n first_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n about_o the_o very_a same_o day_n honour_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o he_o to_o have_v condemn_v episcopacy_n whereunto_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n be_v annex_v and_o the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o function_n to_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n thereupon_o do_v supplicat_fw-la the_o parliament_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v no_o act_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o concern_v bishop_n second_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n by_o that_o act_n ratify_v all_o act_n make_v for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n present_o profess_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o purity_n thereof_o which_o present_a profession_n can_v be_v no_o other_o then_o that_o which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o kirk_n and_o assembly_n then_o present_o sit_v so_o near_o the_o parliament_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o have_v approven_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n condemn_v the_o episcopal_a and_o ratify_v the_o short_a confession_n simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la wherein_o the_o estate_n have_v swear_v to_o the_o presbyterial_a and_o abjure_v episcopal_a government_n three_o this_o ratification_n of_o the_o former_a act_n of_o parliament_n must_v be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o word_n thereof_o to_o be_v in_o all_o point_n which_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o that_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n present_o profess_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o at_o this_o time_n the_o whole_a estate_n have_v subscribe_v the_o short_a confession_n and_o so_o swear_v to_o the_o discipline_n set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o by_o this_o act_n be_v ratify_v in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o any_o special_a enumeration_n of_o particular_a act_n four_o it_o have_v be_v former_o show_v that_o in_o the_o precede_a act_n of_o parliament_n where_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n be_v name_v the_o same_o have_v be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o benefice_n and_o not_o their_o office_n which_o the_o parliament_n can_v not_o give_v they_o be_v abrogate_v by_o assembly_n or_o have_v intend_v real_o to_o give_v they_o any_o place_n will_v not_o have_v join_v superintendent_o and_o other_o commissioner_n with_o they_o or_o otherwise_o they_o be_v name_v as_o have_v equal_a power_n with_o the_o superintendent_o and_o other_o commissioner_n as_o in_o the_o convention_n at_o leeth_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o time_n especial_o 1572._o and_o 1573._o wherein_o some_o titular_o or_o possessor_n of_o prelacy_n so_o call_v in_o the_o 46._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1572._o have_v a_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n like_a unto_o superintendent_o which_o be_v not_o full_o abrogate_v until_o 1580._o but_o all_o this_o be_v without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o kirk_n her_o liberty_n to_o recall_v she_o own_o commission_n from_o these_o who_o be_v provide_v to_o prelacy_n and_o to_o condemn_v their_o episcopal_a office_n whereunto_o they_o ascrive_v the_o power_n which_o they_o real_o have_v by_o their_o commission_n as_o the_o kirk_n do_v upon_o good_a reason_n abrogate_v the_o office_n of_o superintendent_o without_o impung_v of_o the_o say_n act_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v never_o rescind_v till_o 1592._o whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o though_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1581._o ratify_v the_o former_a act_n wherein_o arch_a bishop_n bishop_n superintendent_o or_o other_o commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v name_v yet_o see_v the_o say_a act_n be_v alternative_a conceive_v the_o vigour_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o subsist_v by_o this_o ratification_n in_o the_o last_o alternative_a viz._n commissioner_n from_o the_o kirk_n dyoces_n or_o province_n see_v the_o remanent_fw-la be_v former_o condemn_v especial_o by_o this_o assembly_n of_o edinburgh_n hold_v the_o time_n of_o the_o parliament_n five_o this_o ratification_n 1581._o of_o the_o former_a act_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n repeat_v only_o the_o title_n of_o these_o act_n and_o not_o themselves_o can_v import_v any_o corroboration_n of_o the_o office_n under_o the_o title_n mention_v in_o these_o former_a act_n because_o this_o ratification_n can_v only_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n express_v in_o the_o former_a act_n which_o be_v only_o personal_a and_o circumstantial_a as_o for_o instance_n this_o act_n 1581._o can_v not_o confer_v any_o power_n or_o employment_n upon_o superintendent_o because_o that_o office_n be_v then_o abrogate_v and_o out_o of_o the_o kirk_n but_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o act_n be_v that_o ratify_v the_o substance_n and_o matter_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v intrust_v the_o execution_n to_o these_o who_o the_o kirk_n shall_v lawful_o authorise_v with_o commission_n for_o that_o end_n which_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o the_o 114._o act_n par._n 12._o 1592._o wherein_o this_o act_n 1581._o and_o all_o the_o act_n therein_o contain_v be_v ratify_v quoad_fw-la materiam_fw-la and_o yet_o all_o archbishop_n and_o commissioner_n be_v discharge_v and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n subject_v to_o presbytery_n six_o it_o can_v probable_o agree_v with_o reason_n that_o by_o this_o ratification_n the_o parliament_n above_o their_o power_n will_v endevoure_v to_o establish_v in_o the_o kirk_n any_o function_n so_o recent_o condemn_v of_o before_o by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o at_o glasgow_n and_o edinburgh_n 1581._o immediate_o before_o this_o parliament_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o be_v of_o several_a nature_n but_o they_o be_v protest_v against_o parliament_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n at_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o edinburgh_n when_o they_o be_v proclaim_v and_o as_o they_o be_v make_v in_o that_o time_n which_o be_v call_v the_o hour_n of_o darkness_n in_o this_o kirk_n tirrannize_v by_o the_o earl_n of_o arran_n so_o be_v they_o express_o repeal_v 1592._o cap._n 114._o anent_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o for_o the_o three_o estate_n and_o so_o forth_o to_o answer_v primo_n that_o the_o kirk_n from_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580_o 1581._o that_o the_o confession_n be_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o year_n 1597._o all_o this_o time_n be_v by_o continual_a act_n condemn_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n their_o spiritual_a their_o temporal_a their_o whole_a estate_n their_o confusion_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o crave_v in_o council_n and_o parliament_n the_o dissolution_n of_o prelacy_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n 2._o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la the_o former_a bishop_n be_v continual_o process_v and_o sentence_v by_o the_o kirk_n these_o who_o presume_v to_o usurp_v that_o office_n condemn_v by_o the_o kirk_n namely_o mr._n patrick_n adamson_n and_o mr._n robert_n mountgomrie_n in_o the_o year_n 1582._o 1584._o 1586._o they_o be_v deprive_v and_o excommunicate_a by_o this_o kirk_n before_o the_o parliament_n 1587._o 3._o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la no_o ecclesiastical_a bishop_n vote_v in_o parliament_n but_o mountgomry_n and_o adamson_n who_o be_v take_v in_o by_o the_o earl_n of_o arran_n unto_o the_o parliament_n hold_v in_o may_n at_o edinburgh_n 1584._o wherein_o the_o three_o estate_n ratify_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n so_o that_o as_o these_o two_o bishop_n can_v be_v call_v the_o three_o estate_n which_o do_v ratify_v so_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n can_v be_v call_v the_o three_o estate_n which_o be_v ratify_v especial_o see_v by_o that_o same_o parliament_n in_o the_o 132._o act_n bishop_n of_o the_o diocie_n be_v but_o nominate_v the_o king_n commissioner_n and_o in_o the_o last_o act_n of_o that_o same_o parliament_n print_v of_o old_a in_o black_a letter_n there_o be_v set_v down_o the_o king_n commission_n grant_v to_o the_o say_v pretend_a bishop_n adamson_n 4._o from_o 1581._o till_o the_o year_n 1597._o the_o quoter_n do_v not_o eite_v nor_o can_v cite_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n express_o nominate_v any_o ecclesiastical_a bishop_n but_o that_o in_o the_o
1584._o wherein_o he_o be_v name_v as_o one_o among_o other_o the_o king_n commissioner_n whereof_o some_o be_v mere_a secular_a person_n 5._o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o nine_o parliament_n 1584._o and_o the_o eleven_o act_n of_o the_o 10._o parliament_n 1585._o that_o bishopric_n prelacy_n abbacy_n priory_n nunnery_n be_v then_o think_v to_o be_v alike_o in_o the_o king_n hand_n be_v grant_v to_o whatsoever_o person_n be_v his_o subject_n albeit_o they_o brook_v no_o office_n in_o the_o kirk_n so_o that_o some_o of_o these_o lordship_n and_o barony_n be_v erect_v before_o 1587._o and_o exclude_v from_o the_o annexation_n 6._o as_o the_o kirk_n have_v ever_o be_v crave_v the_o dissolution_n of_o prelacy_n and_o condemn_v the_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o bishop_n by_o their_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1581._o and_o by_o their_o censure_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o strivil_v for_o admit_v montgomrie_n to_o the_o temporality_n of_o the_o bishopric_n of_o glasgow_n and_o censure_n of_o mountgomrie_n for_o aspire_a thereto_o contrare_fw-la to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1587._o juni._n so_o in_o the_o 11._o parl._n of_o king_n james_n the_o six_o 29._o of_o july_n 1587._o 29._o act_n the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n annex_v to_o the_o crown_n all_o lordship_n and_o barony_n pertain_v to_o whatsoever_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n nun_n and_o munke_n reserve_v always_o to_o archbishop_n bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n pryoress_n commendator_n and_o other_o possessor_n of_o great_a benefice_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o prelate_n and_o which_o before_o have_v or_o have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n the_o principal_a castle_n and_o fortalice_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o stylus_fw-la curiae_fw-la name_v three_o estate_n do_v no_o way_n include_v minister_n be_v bishop_n see_v no_o ecclesiastical_a bishop_n sit_v in_o that_o parliament_n nor_o can_v sit_v because_o the_o only_a two_o bishop_n of_o the_o time_n adamson_n and_o montgomery_n be_v before_o deprive_v and_o excommunicate_a and_o certain_o they_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v have_v sit_v as_o a_o estate_n in_o parliament_n to_o abrogate_v their_o own_o estate_n and_o lordship_n and_o temporal_a land_n whereupon_o that_o act_n acknowledge_v any_o right_n they_o have_v do_v depend_v 2._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n etc._n etc._n all_o alike_o vote_v in_o parliament_n of_o old_a not_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a office_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a benefice_n and_o lordship_n which_o here_o be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n for_o that_o can_v be_v relative_a to_o the_o person_n as_o unto_o pryoresses_n but_o unto_o the_o benefice_n so_o that_o minister_n vote_v not_o as_o minister_n in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o as_o possessor_n of_o these_o great_a benefice_n or_o barony_n and_o other_o who_o be_v not_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v titular_n and_o possessor_n of_o these_o great_a benefice_n both_o communi_fw-la stylâ—_n be_v call_v bishop_n abbot_n etc._n etc._n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o benefice_n without_o any_o office_n in_o the_o roll_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1587._o the_o bishopric_n of_o cathnes_n be_v say_v to_o vaike_fw-mi by_o decease_n of_o robert_n earl_n of_o march_n the_o king_n uncle_n and_o the_o assembly_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o king_n declare_v to_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o present_v and_o admit_v any_o minister_n to_o that_o bishopric_n as_o also_o some_o of_o these_o titular_o and_o possessor_n of_o the_o benefice_n albeit_o they_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a office_n do_v some_o time_n ride_v and_o vote_n in_o parliament_n 3._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o three_o estate_n by_o take_v away_o from_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n their_o lordship_n barony_n and_o temporal_a land_n they_o take_v away_o their_o vote_n in_o parliament_n which_o do_v not_o subsist_v but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o benefice_n and_o therefore_o ecclesiastical_a person_n separat_fw-la to_o the_o gospel_n for_o want_v of_o their_o great_a benefice_n have_v no_o vote_n in_o parliament_n till_o the_o 1597._o albeit_o all_o the_o interveened_a act_n be_v make_v by_o the_o three_o estate_n wherein_o the_o king_n majesty_n restore_v minister_n to_o the_o title_n and_o dignity_n of_o prelacy_n which_o show_v that_o before_o they_o be_v dispone_v to_o other_o than_o minister_n and_o provide_v that_o minister_n present_v to_o these_o title_n and_o dignity_n and_o to_o the_o benefice_n of_o bishopric_n shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n which_o show_v that_o the_o benefice_n and_o not_o the_o office_n give_v right_a to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n like_v as_o the_o very_a act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o acknowledge_v that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n of_o the_o temporality_n of_o benefice_n to_o the_o crown_n 1587._o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v indirect_o abolish_v and_o therefore_o they_o behove_v to_o rescind_v the_o act_n of_o annexation_n anent_o the_o benefice_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o these_o title_n and_o dignity_n before_o minister_n can_v vote_n in_o parliament_n but_o these_o act_n also_o be_v hereafter_o answer_v 7._o but_o as_o for_o 130._o act_n 1584._o no_o bishop_n be_v therein_o mention_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v adduce_v for_o bishop_n because_o the_o three_o estate_n be_v therein_o name_v under_o one_o of_o which_o the_o prelate_n claim_v to_o be_v comprehend_v but_o why_o more_o he_o then_o abbot_n and_o pryâ—rs_n former_o abolish_v as_o well_o as_o episcopacy_n why_o more_o by_o that_o act_n than_o many_o former_a make_v when_o bishop_n neither_o ride_v sit_v nor_o vote_v in_o parliament_n but_o be_v expugn_v out_o of_o this_o kirk_n and_o yet_o the_o act_n be_v all_o make_v by_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o albeit_o it_o need_v none_o other_o demonstration_n then_o that_o it_o be_v stylus_fw-la curiae_fw-la careful_o observe_v in_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o nobility_n baron_n and_o burrows_n be_v the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n many_o hundred_o year_n after_o christianity_n before_o any_o bishop_n be_v in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o buchanan_n and_o boetius_fw-la and_o acknowledge_v by_o lesly_n in_o his_o chronicle_n and_o after_o the_o bishop_n be_v abrogate_v express_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v continue_v and_o make_v all_o act_n of_o parliament_n yea_o after_o the_o 1592._o where_o bishop_n be_v discharge_v for_o if_o bishop_n be_v a_o estate_n there_o behove_v to_o be_v four_o estate_n of_o parliament_n as_o there_o be_v so_o many_o name_v in_o the_o commission_n grant_v by_o king_n james_n and_o king_n charles_n viz._n the_o clergy_n nobility_n baron_n and_o borrow_v and_o that_o as_o ecclesiastical_a person_n separate_v to_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o reformation_n be_v never_o warrant_v to_o voice_n in_o parliament_n while_o 1597._o so_o on_o the_o other_o part_n the_o baron_n be_v and_o have_v be_v as_o a_o estate_n of_o parliament_n in_o uncontravered_a possession_n of_o vote_v in_o parliament_n conform_v to_o the_o 101._o act_n parl._n 7._o king_n james_n the_o first_o renew_v again_o in_o the_o parliament_n 1585._o and_o 1587._o act_n 113._o wherein_o precept_n of_o the_o chancelary_a be_v ordain_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o baron_n as_o unto_o a_o estate_n of_o parliament_n even_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v direct_a unto_o other_o estate_n to_o wit_n the_o nobility_n and_o borrow_v which_o in_o that_o act_n be_v mention_v so_o in_o this_o same_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o in_o the_o narrative_a relate_v the_o by-gone_a great_a decay_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n there_o be_v express_v three_o complete_a estate_n in_o parliament_n the_o nobility_n baron_n and_o borrow_v and_o as_o in_o law_n the_o three_o estate_n be_v entire_a without_o bishop_n or_o minister_n voter_n in_o parliament_n so_o also_o it_o be_v most_o expedient_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o peace_n of_o this_o kingdom_n that_o no_o minister_n vote_n in_o parliament_n as_o be_v more_o clear_o and_o large_o prove_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n give_v into_o parliament_n against_o the_o same_o 1606._o and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n against_o civil_a place_n of_o kirk-man_n as_o for_o the_o 131._o act_n 1584._o no_o bishop_n be_v therein_o mention_v to_o get_v any_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o far_o less_o can_v the_o same_o reach_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o be_v a_o ordinare_fw-la judicatory_a allow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n like_a as_o it_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o
and_o record_n that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v give_v in_o keep_v to_o the_o house_n of_o erskine_n by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n authority_n hac_fw-la lege_fw-la expressa_fw-la &_o conditione_n ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la nisi_fw-la conventui_fw-la ordinum_fw-la reposcenti_fw-la traderent_fw-la eight_o this_o act_n be_v not_o unexampled_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o have_v many_o precedent_n both_o in_o the_o history_n of_o other_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o own_o which_o have_v many_o such_o example_n even_o do_v by_o the_o estate_n themselves_o who_o fact_n do_v make_v our_o right_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v ratify_v conform_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o loveable_a custom_n in_o punish_v rebellious_a subject_n and_o preserve_v the_o faithful_a act_n 130._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v upbraid_v for_o our_o meeting_n table_n which_o in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v call_v council_n table_n only_o by_o that_o name_n which_o by_o ordinary_a expression_n be_v due_a to_o judicatories_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o some_o unwarrantable_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o intend_v to_o do_v god_n willing_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o sober_a modest_a and_o quiet_a way_n for_o deliberate_v with_o joint_a advice_n upon_o those_o weighty_a business_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o table_n meeting_n do_v never_o emit_v nor_o send_v forth_o any_o authoritative_a command_n or_o injunction_n but_o conclude_v upon_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o advance_v that_o great_a business_n and_o facilitate_v the_o way_n of_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o overture_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o act_n lawful_a and_o approvable_a in_o the_o self_n albeit_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o force_n or_o validity_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n or_o command_n which_o be_v never_o aim_v at_o nor_o intend_v which_o meeting_n they_o may_v warrantable_o keep_v for_o that_o end_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o remove_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o subject_n no_o way_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o municipal_a law_n which_o disapprove_v such_o convention_n as_o be_v for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o usurpation_n against_o authority_n whereof_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o these_o meeting_n not_o the_o first_o because_o no_o invasion_n violence_n offer_v of_o wrong_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o any_o person_n no_o even_a to_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o just_o complain_v ensew_v upon_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o provocation_n and_o their_o fear_n false_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o malicious_o pretend_v for_o their_o stay_n out_o of_o the_o country_n not_o the_o second_o because_o their_o meeting_n be_v to_o consult_v in_o manner_n foresay_a upon_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o humble_a way_n of_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o convenient_a proposition_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o act_n be_v most_o compatible_a with_o the_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n and_o do_v no_o way_n entrench_v upon_o authority_n see_v they_o can_v never_o be_v challenge_v to_o have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o judicial_a determination_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a but_o by_o voluntary_a instruction_n and_o opinion_n every_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n do_v resolve_v what_o may_v be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a end_n and_o yet_o those_o convention_n want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o the_o nobility_n baron_n burrows_n and_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v place_n of_o propon_v reason_v and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n act_n 113._o king_n james_n the_o 6._o parl._n 11._o wherein_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v of_o the_o need_v and_o cause_n pertain_v to_o his_o love_a subject_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o therefore_o ratify_v the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1427._o give_v power_n to_o baron_n to_o propone_v all_o and_o sundry_a needs_o and_o cause_n and_o to_o hear_v treat_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n which_o necessary_a and_o true_a information_n can_v be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n king_n without_o privy_a meeting_n and_o consultation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o to_o inform_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o propone_v hear_v treat_v and_o final_o determine_v all_o needs_o and_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o meeting_n and_o advise_v upon_o that_o information_n quia_fw-la aliquo_fw-la concesso_fw-la omne_fw-la concessa_fw-la videntur_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la concessum_fw-la expediri_fw-la nequit_fw-la and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n they_o have_v likeways_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n of_o this_o land_n to_o propone_v reason_n and_o vote_n in_o assembly_n and_o be_v the_o examine_v parity_n of_o reason_n to_o keep_v precede_v meeting_n not_o to_o determinate_a or_o execute_v but_o to_o consult_v upon_o their_o necessary_a proposition_n so_o that_o these_o lawful_a meeting_n for_o the_o religious_a end_n suffer_v wrongous_o the_o invidious_a designation_n of_o council_n table_n which_o be_v only_o do_v for_o procure_v misconstruction_n against_o they_o because_o at_o these_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n they_o sit_v about_o a_o table_n which_o posture_n be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o authority_n the_o mean_a of_o mechanik_a craft_n have_v their_o own_o table_n where_o about_o they_o sit_v when_o they_o consult_v upon_o the_o small_a business_n import_v their_o trade_n and_o far_o these_o same_o meeting_n consist_v of_o commissioner_n from_o each_o sheriffedome_n and_o body_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n false_a council_n first_o and_o thereafter_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n out_o of_o their_o resentment_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o cause_n have_v numerous_o convene_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o confluence_n of_o people_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o direct_v to_o make_v choose_v forth_o of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o some_o commissioner_n from_o each_o shire_n who_o may_v meet_v to_o represent_v their_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o attend_v the_o answer_v thereof_o censure_n the_o three_o particular_a challenge_n in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v for_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v allege_v to_o have_v be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n some_o banish_v for_o teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o be_v suspend_v some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o confine_v and_o all_o by_o oath_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o although_o no_o answer_n be_v requisite_a see_v the_o person_n thereby_o mean_v be_v not_o special_o condescend_v upon_o yet_o for_o clear_v all_o man_n mind_n and_o show_v the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o proceed_n it_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o particular_a trial_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o some_o such_o surmise_n can_v not_o find_v any_o censure_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n or_o ireland_n by_o a_o lawful_a manner_n in_o a_o lawful_a ireland_n judicatory_a or_o for_o a_o lawful_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o assembly_n after_o careful_a search_n and_o examination_n find_v that_o any_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o person_n in_o scotland_n be_v only_o by_o a_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o take_v arrogant_o on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o that_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o presbytery_n but_o sit_v in_o his_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o
magistrate_n be_v describe_v to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o punish_v those_o civil_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o censure_n thereof_o without_o confound_v always_o the_o one_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o other_o and_o this_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n condescend_v upon_o in_o general_a assembly_n as_o warrant_v by_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v execute_v notwithstanding_o any_o humane_a inhibition_n be_v set_v down_o before_o the_o psalm_n in_o meet_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o expect_v that_o his_o majesty_n who_o out_o of_o his_o pious_a inclination_n to_o justice_n by_o a_o late_a proclamation_n 22._o september_n last_o have_v declare_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o his_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a will_v now_o stay_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n lawful_a and_o grave_a sentence_n of_o this_o national_a kirk_n so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o necessary_a for_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n which_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o article_n before_o mention_v have_v promise_v to_o defend_v and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o defence_n of_o excommunicate_a and_o obstinate_a person_n but_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o his_o gracious_a majesty_n will_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v that_o reverence_n and_o all_o ready_a obedience_n may_v be_v defer_v to_o the_o whole_a act_n constitution_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o all_o his_o subject_n who_o undoubted_o and_o necessary_o be_v oblige_v to_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o mother_n kirk_n if_o they_o will_v be_v account_v member_n or_o son_n thereof_o by_o all_o which_o all_o cloud_n of_o weighty_a reason_n the_o 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censure_v and_o condign_o punish_v we_o protest_v that_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n efold_o and_o faithful_o join_v and_o concur_v in_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o station_n to_o advance_v further_o and_o assist_v the_o execution_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o this_o assembly_n by_o all_o mean_n which_o their_o ability_n can_v afford_v as_o they_o affect_v the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o land_n we_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o challenge_n and_o aspersion_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o that_o our_o whole_a answer_n be_v not_o only_o true_a in_o every_o point_n but_o likewise_o sufficient_o forcible_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o unjust_a imputation_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o whole_a proceed_n and_o carriage_n which_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o blame_v likeas_n by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_a to_o the_o 12._o act._n parl._n 2._o king_n james_n 4._o and_o protest_v for_o remead_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n and_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whosoever_o and_o against_o all_o external_a and_o internal_a invasion_n and_o that_o in_o the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o national_a mother_n kirk_n that_o whatsoever_o inconvenient_n shall_v fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o observance_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o lawful_a defence_n and_o maintenance_n thereof_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o do_v yet_o still_o with_o humble_a vehemency_n beg_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a approbation_n thereunto_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v abide_v 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declaration_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n allanerly_a we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v till_o
the_o subject_n be_v discharge_v from_o yield_a obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o either_o make_v any_o such_o law_n or_o ratify_v any_o such_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n this_o position_n they_o deliver_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o 5._o reason_n in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o will_v be_v well_o weigh_v a_o four_o position_n be_v this_o the_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o discharge_v all_o subscription_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n command_v to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v interpret_v by_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n so_o leave_v we_o no_o power_n at_o all_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n which_o all_o reform_a church_n give_v their_o prince_n according_a to_o god_n law_n this_o position_n be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o conclusion_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o reason_n a_o five_o position_n be_v this_o the_o assembly_n without_o we_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a 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which_o only_o can_v redress_v it_o and_o though_o they_o call_v it_o a_o crave_v to_o redress_v it_o yet_o they_o mean_v a_o actual_a redress_v of_o it_o for_o they_o before_o a_o parliament_n be_v at_o this_o time_n indict_v have_v actual_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o stand_v upon_o their_o justification_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v so_o the_o seven_o position_n be_v this_o the_o assembly_n be_v independent_a either_o from_o king_n or_o parliament_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a this_o position_n be_v in_o their_o protestation_n against_o our_o proclamation_n of_o the_o 18._o of_o december_n 1638._o in_o their_o three_o reason_n against_o our_o gracious_a offer_n deliver_v into_o the_o assembly_n by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o be_v a_o position_n deliver_v not_o only_o in_o the_o sense_n but_o in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o jesuit_n the_o other_o position_n follow_v general_o disperse_v throughout_o their_o protestation_n and_o pamphlet_n be_v so_o obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v read_v they_o as_o the_o particular_a cytation_n of_o they_o may_v be_v forbear_v such_o as_o be_v these_o follow_v a_o eight_o position_n be_v that_o in_o all_o matter_n determine_v in_o a_o assembly_n we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v no_o further_o interest_n in_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o those_o conclude_v by_o they_o against_o act_n of_o parliament_n establish_v by_o we_o and_o our_o three_o estate_n nay_o though_o they_o concern_v secular_a business_n as_o make_v of_o salt_n and_o fish_v for_o salmon_n on_o sunday_n change_v of_o market_n from_o one_o day_n in_o the_o week_n to_o another_o and_o such_o like_a for_o in_o their_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n they_o have_v determine_v of_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o index_n of_o their_o acts._n they_o will_v not_o find_v many_o papist_n who_o have_v say_v so_o much_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o any_o jesuit_n which_o have_v say_v more_o a_o nine_o position_n be_v this_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n and_o combination_n without_o the_o king_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o the_o king_n and_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o though_o by_o two_o act_n of_o parliament_n before_o cite_v all_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v either_o contriver_n of_o or_o adherer_n to_o any_o such_o league_n be_v punishable_a with_o death_n a_o ten_o position_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o themselves_o sit_v in_o a_o assembly_n to_o indict_v a_o new_a assembly_n without_o our_o consent_n as_o they_o have_v now_o indict_v a_o new_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v in_o july_n next_o or_o out_o of_o the_o assembly_n when_o they_o please_v as_o they_o profess_v that_o now_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o we_o have_v not_o indict_v one_o though_o this_o be_v direct_o and_o express_o against_o two_o act_n of_o parliament_n before_o cite_v a_o eleven_o position_n be_v this_o if_o subject_n be_v call_v before_o we_o and_o our_o council_n for_o any_o misdemeanour_n if_o they_o who_o be_v call_v do_v any_o way_n conceive_v that_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o they_o be_v call_v do_v concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o wonder_v it_o be_v if_o any_o cause_n can_v be_v find_v which_o do_v not_o concern_v one_o of_o these_o two_o than_o they_o may_v appeal_v from_o we_o and_o our_o council_n to_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n before_o these_o appeal_n be_v either_o hear_v or_o discuss_v they_o may_v disobey_v we_o and_o our_o council_n although_o by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n before_o cite_v it_o be_v express_o make_v treason_n and_o the_o minister_n who_o appeal_v from_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n be_v upon_o that_o act_n arraign_v and_o find_v guilty_a of_o treason_n the_o twelve_o position_n be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v entreat_v to_o indict_v a_o general_a assembly_n it_o be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o our_o indiction_n but_o rather_o to_o do_v we_o honour_n and_o to_o beget_v some_o countenance_n to_o their_o proceed_n allege_v that_o the_o power_n of_o indiction_n be_v in_o we_o but_o cumulatiuè_fw-la not_o privatiuè_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v refuse_v than_o that_o power_n be_v suppletiuè_fw-la in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v always_o say_v they_o in_o all_o other_o case_n if_o the_o prince_n shall_v either_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n nor_o be_v they_o ashamed_a to_o aver_v that_o all_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v original_o in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n by_o they_o confer_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n upon_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prince_n shall_v omit_v to_o do_v his_o 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question_n to_o be_v move_v be_v express_v albeit_o now_o the_o commissioner_n have_v pretend_v the_o examine_v for_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o his_o rise_n and_o away_o go_v from_o the_o assembly_n the_o examine_v shall_v be_v cognosce_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a and_o according_o by_o warrant_n from_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n return_v to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o september_n last_o cause_v indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o november_n last_o to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o all_o good_a subject_n and_o christian_a heart_n who_o thereby_o do_v expect_v the_o perfect_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o long_a expectation_n and_o the_o final_a remedy_n of_o their_o press_a grievance_n but_o these_o hope_n be_v soon_o blast_v for_o albeit_o the_o assembly_n do_v meet_v and_o begin_v at_o the_o appoint_a day_n and_o for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v 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union_n which_o be_v make_v among_o we_o for_o that_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o impede_fw-la all_o our_o meeting_n from_o deliberate_v thereupon_o wherein_o the_o town_n of_o edinburgh_n make_v a_o considerable_a part_n not_o only_o as_o a_o important_a member_n of_o this_o conjunction_n but_o as_o a_o most_o commodious_a and_o ordinary_a place_n of_o our_o meeting_n so_o that_o when_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o persuasion_n have_v fail_v the_o mean_n of_o terror_n be_v not_o leave_v unassay_v and_o for_o that_o effect_n a_o great_a quantity_n of_o ammunition_n be_v bring_v by_o sea_n from_o foreign_a part_n to_o have_v be_v clandestin_o import_v into_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v intend_v see_v the_o examine_v be_v unload_v in_o the_o dead_a time_n of_o the_o night_n and_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o case_n the_o examine_v have_v be_v import_v into_o the_o castle_n with_o other_o provision_n and_o store_n former_o therein_o the_o examine_v may_v have_v be_v use_v &_o employ_v for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o that_o place_n and_o tend_v to_o our_o great_a prejudice_n by_o withdraw_a they_o upon_o that_o terror_n and_o displace_v we_o from_o our_o ordinary_a meeting_n upon_o these_o reason_n and_o consideration_n we_o preven_v the_o examine_v by_o such_o a_o loyal_a way_n as_o can_v be_v offensive_a to_o authority_n many_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o public_a be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o lawful_a power_n and_o supreme_a law_n and_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v former_o boast_v by_o that_o provision_n so_o to_o furnish_v the_o castle_n that_o it_o may_v beat_v down_o the_o town_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o bar_v the_o supplicant_n from_o meet_v therein_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o hinder_v that_o fetter_n of_o slavery_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o town_n and_o that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n which_o be_v among_o the_o first_o strength_n of_o the_o land_n against_o foreign_a force_n may_v be_v turn_v as_o a_o special_a engine_n of_o constraint_n against_o the_o subject_n to_o hinder_v their_o lawful_a meeting_n or_o to_o force_v the_o town_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o supplicant_n which_o great_a prejudice_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o proceed_v therein_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o first_o where_o there_o be_v any_o violent_a presumption_n of_o spoil_v of_o the_o country_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o that_o lieutenant_n raise_v the_o country_n and_o pass_v to_o such_o castle_n and_o fortalice_n where_o there_o be_v any_o unrulie_a man_n and_o take_v sovertie_n of_o the_o person_n within_o these_o house_n that_o the_o country_n and_o all_o the_o king_n have_v be_v unharmed_a and_o unskathe_v of_o the_o say_n house_n and_o of_o they_o who_o inhabit_v the_o examine_v from_o time_n forth_o and_o if_o any_o make_v difficulty_n to_o be_v arrest_v and_o find_v sovertie_n as_o