religion_n they_o grant_v liberty_n to_o hold_v synod_n no_o less_o than_o weekly_a meeting_n of_o congregation_n to_o divine_a service_n that_o french_a catholic_n who_o write_v that_o treatise_n delibertate_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la in_o defence_n of_o the_o venetian_n write_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n imperatores_fw-la cum_fw-la libertatem_fw-la religionis_fw-la edictis_fw-la suis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la concesserunt_fw-la simul_fw-la jus_o libere_fw-la cogendi_fw-la synodos_fw-la illis_fw-la attribuisse_fw-la nam_fw-la cultus_fw-la christiani_n haec_fw-la pars_fw-la est_fw-la prorsus_fw-la necessaria_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o december_n anno_fw-la 1561._o to_o some_o courteour_n take_v from_o we_o the_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n and_o take_v from_o we_o the_o evangel_n for_o without_o assembly_n how_o shall_v good_a order_n and_o unity_n in_o doctrine_n be_v keep_v see_v then_o assembly_n be_v so_o necessare_fw-la and_o christ_n have_v provide_v for_o all_o necessary_n to_o his_o kirk_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n where_o but_o few_o be_v convene_v in_o his_o name_n the_o christian_a prince_n can_v deprive_v the_o kirk_n of_o this_o liberty_n neither_o be_v this_o kirk_n deprive_v of_o liberty_n to_o hold_v her_o assembly_n by_o any_o law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n incase_o the_o prince_n will_v not_o indict_v time_n and_o place_n our_o kirk_n have_v liberty_n to_o hold_v assembly_n and_o to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n till_o the_o year_n 1592._o and_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o assembly_n call_v in_o question_n for_o sedition_n the_o assembly_n be_v frequent_v by_o man_n of_o credit_n in_o court_n about_o the_o king_n and_o his_o regent_n some_o be_v authorize_v with_o commission_n from_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o same_o commissioner_n have_v be_v direct_v from_o the_o parliament_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o commissioner_n appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n appellation_n of_o laic_a patron_n be_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o end_n and_o take_v decision_n at_o the_o general_a assembly_n superintendent_o and_o titular_o of_o prelacy_n be_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v call_v before_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o to_o be_v deprive_v incase_o they_o be_v find_v heretical_a in_o doctrine_n the_o act_n ratify_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n namely_o the_o act_n james_n 6._o par._n 6._o cap._n 69._o ratify_v consequent_o the_o general_a assembly_n where_o all_o jurisdiction_n be_v order_v and_o censure_n sometime_o exerce_v the_o parliament_n hold_v anno_o 1592._o do_v not_o grant_v liberty_n to_o hold_v assembly_n as_o if_o the_o kirk_n have_v not_o have_v such_o liberty_n before_o but_o ratify_v her_o former_a liberty_n to_o hold_v assembly_n yearly_a or_o often_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la and_o to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n for_o the_o next_o assembly_n by_o themselves_o incase_o his_o majesty_n or_o his_o commissioner_n be_v not_o present_a in_o the_o town_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v present_a it_o be_v provide_v that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v time_n and_o place_n this_o provision_n give_v not_o a_o privative_a power_n to_o his_o majesty_n to_o refuse_v a_o general_a assembly_n so_o long_o as_o he_o please_v for_o then_o the_o liberty_n of_o hold_v general_a assembly_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v ratify_v but_o only_o a_o privilege_n or_o prerogative_n to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n for_o the_o yearly_a assembly_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o which_o they_o allege_v in_o their_o declinatour_n acknowledge_v the_o indiction_n of_o time_n and_o place_n to_o appertain_v to_o his_o majesty_n but_o do_v not_o give_v a_o privative_a power_n to_o frustrate_v the_o kirk_n of_o her_o yearly_a assembly_n if_o he_o please_v which_o be_v ratify_v before_o but_o that_o be_v presuppose_v bind_v he_o to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n if_o they_o will_v infer_v that_o it_o be_v sedition_n to_o conveen_v a_o assembly_n a_o any_o time_n if_o the_o prince_n will_v not_o indict_v time_n and_o place_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o act_n 1612._o be_v only_o a_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o their_o pretend_a and_o incumbent_a assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1610._o the_o nullity_n whereof_o have_v be_v make_v evident_a at_o the_o last_o assembly_n and_o so_o they_o bewray_v their_o treachery_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o kirk_n and_o for_o consent_v to_o the_o ratification_n of_o such_o a_o declaration_n in_o parliament_n ought_v to_o be_v severe_o punish_v suppose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o offence_n to_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o yearly_a assembly_n be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o their_o course_n therefore_o that_o liberty_n must_v not_o endure_v any_o long_o but_o for_o reverence_n of_o the_o honourable_a estate_n we_o make_v the_o best_a construction_n we_o can_v howsoever_o the_o kirk_n may_v lawful_o hold_v her_o assembly_n howbeit_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o prince_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o general_a refuse_v to_o indict_v time_n and_o place_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v urgent_a be_v to_o be_v suspect_v of_o disaffection_n to_o religion_n notwithstanding_o of_o his_o external_a profession_n error_n cui_fw-la non_fw-la resistitur_fw-la approbatur_fw-la &_o veritas_fw-la cum_fw-la minimè_fw-la defensatur_fw-la opprimitur_fw-la negligere_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la possis_fw-la deturbare_fw-la perversos_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la fovere_fw-la dist._n 83._o can._n error_n the_o reader_n may_v find_v more_o to_o our_o purpose_n in_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v for_o hold_v general_a assembly_n howbeit_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n in_o november_n 1638._o be_v indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o lawful_a authorite_n yet_o they_o hold_v the_o assembly_n itself_o most_o unlawful_a and_o unorderly_o in_o sundry_a respect_n and_o their_o proceed_n void_a and_o null_a in_o law_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n follow_v which_o we_o trust_v shall_v prove_v frivolous_a their_o first_o exception_n be_v take_v from_o the_o time_n of_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n before_o the_o presbytery_n be_v authorize_v to_o make_v election_n in_o respect_n his_o majesty_n warrant_n to_o indict_v the_o assembly_n be_v not_o publish_v till_o the_o 22._o of_o september_n follow_v the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n be_v ever_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o presbytery_n when_o there_o be_v apparent_a occasion_n of_o a_o assembly_n as_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v put_v in_o full_a expectation_n both_o of_o a_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o timous_a election_n that_o the_o commissioner_n may_v have_v the_o long_a time_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o importance_n which_o be_v to_o be_v treat_v the_o baron_n and_o freeholder_a make_v choice_n of_o their_o commissioner_n to_o voice_n in_o parliament_n yearly_a howbeit_o no_o parliament_n be_v indict_v they_o themselves_o procure_v commissioner_n to_o be_v choose_v in_o sundry_a part_n anno_fw-la 1617._o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v indict_v upon_o the_o four_o of_o november_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o 25_o of_o that_o infant_n upon_o a_o report_n that_o his_o majesty_n will_v have_v a_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o five_o article_n consider_v but_o will_v not_o appoint_v the_o time_n or_o place_n till_o the_o commissioner_n be_v choose_v their_o drift_n be_v to_o hold_v or_o not_o hold_v assembly_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o commissioner_n which_o be_v choose_v will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n serve_v their_o turn_n but_o what_o need_v we_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n see_v there_o be_v no_o commission_n produce_v at_o the_o last_o assembly_n which_o be_v of_o date_n before_o the_o 22._o of_o september_n the_o time_n of_o indiction_n the_o table_n say_v they_o by_o their_o usurp_a authority_n do_v give_v order_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o presbytery_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n and_o to_o keep_v a_o fast_o upon_o the_o 16_o of_o september_n these_o who_o they_o miscall_v the_o table_n do_v not_o command_v or_o charge_v the_o presbytery_n to_o elect_v or_o fast_o but_o because_o of_o the_o expectation_n we_o have_v of_o a_o assembly_n invite_v they_o to_o seek_v god_n blessing_n with_o fast_v both_o to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o because_o we_o have_v be_v out_o of_o use_v these_o many_o year_n of_o assembly_n right_o constitute_v send_v to_o they_o their_o best_a information_n and_o caveat_n they_o except_o next_o against_o the_o commissioner_n themselves_o for_o if_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o constitute_v of_o such_o member_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v
up_o such_o a_o body_n it_o can_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o lawful_a and_o free_a assembly_n but_o how_o prove_v they_o commissioner_n admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o assembly_n not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o body_n first_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o clergy_n convene_v at_o this_o assembly_n 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 because_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 province_n or_o dyocie_n subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n nor_o have_v read_v their_o testimonial_a thereupon_o and_o the_o confession_n in_o their_o parosh_fw-mi kirk_n after_o their_o return_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1572._o that_o whereas_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1606._o to_o maintain_v the_o king_n honour_n dignity_n and_o prerogative_n royal_a to_o with_o stand_v all_o person_n power_n or_o estate_n that_o shall_v impugn_v or_o impair_v the_o same_o and_o at_o their_o admission_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o testify_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o king_n be_v suppreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o yet_o notwithstanding_o his_o majesty_n have_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o the_o liedge_n 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 or_o without_o the_o realm_n they_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 in_o their_o sermon_n and_o other_o speech_n dissuade_v deter_v and_o hinder_v other_o to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o have_v public_o protest_v against_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1572._o be_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n conform_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o and_o order_n there_o set_v down_o or_o if_o put_v in_o practice_n the_o practice_n can_v not_o endure_v long_o for_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o superindentent_n continue_v not_o long_o after_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n all_o the_o assembly_n of_o our_o kirk_n since_o the_o abolition_n of_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o we_o have_v have_v no_o lawful_a minister_n yea_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n do_v consist_v of_o many_o who_o can_v not_o produce_v a_o testimonial_a of_o their_o oath_n and_o confession_n conform_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o act_n last_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o act_n have_v be_v keep_v conform_a to_o the_o late_a act_n make_v thereanent_a and_o none_o of_o the_o minister_n convene_v at_o the_o last_o assembly_n but_o have_v subscribe_v both_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n either_o of_o late_a when_o the_o covenant_n be_v subscribe_v or_o before_o when_o they_o pass_v their_o degree_n in_o school_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n but_o what_o suppose_v that_o act_n be_v yet_o in_o force_n that_o they_o have_v neglect_v to_o take_v their_o oath_n and_o be_v therefore_o deprive_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la of_o their_o benefice_n and_o ecclesiastical_a live_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o office_n or_o can_v be_v unless_o they_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v and_o take_v their_o oath_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n authority_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o that_o act_n be_v make_v when_o some_o stand_v for_o the_o king_n mother_n and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n for_o sovereign_n during_o her_o life_n as_o for_o the_o promise_n make_v in_o parliament_n by_o the_o estate_n anno_fw-la 1606._o have_v they_o fail_v in_o performance_n or_o the_o subject_n who_o they_o represent_v have_v they_o not_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n ratify_v that_o act_n as_o to_o the_o act_n for_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n an._n 1612._o it_o concern_v only_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o any_o benefice_n and_o not_o every_o minister_n that_o act_n be_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n be_v alter_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o place_n of_o these_o word_n conservation_n and_o purgation_n of_o religion_n be_v put_v in_o supreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a which_o word_n be_v avoid_v in_o the_o same_o oath_n when_o the_o conclusion_n be_v agree_v upon_o at_o leeth_n anno_fw-la 1572._o howbeit_o they_o then_o draw_v up_o a_o plateforme_n of_o policy_n near_o to_o the_o english_a and_o put_v in_o the_o word_n conservation_n and_o purgation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n so_o they_o have_v abuse_v their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n but_o what_o have_v the_o commissioner_n do_v contrare_fw-la to_o these_o act_n oath_n or_o promise_n they_o have_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n enjoin_v by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n hinder_v other_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o proclamation_n may_v they_o not_o do_v that_o and_o not_o violate_v these_o act_n do_v the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n bind_v they_o to_o subscribe_v any_o confession_n or_o band_n in_o whatsoever_o sense_n it_o shall_v please_v his_o majesty_n to_o make_v or_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n the_o estate_n i_o be_o sure_a never_o intend_v such_o a_o meaning_n both_o must_v be_v interpret_v by_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o act_n for_o the_o king_n oath_n at_o his_o coronation_n the_o declaration_n make_v in_o parliament_n 1592._o and_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o former_a act_n concern_v the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o the_o act_n for_o the_o oath_n of_o imsupremacie_n his_o majesty_n behove_v to_o have_v a_o grant_n of_o pose_v habit_n upon_o kirk-man_n at_o the_o last_o parliament_n which_o need_v not_o if_o he_o may_v have_v do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1606_o and_o 1612._o and_o yet_o that_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n then_o to_o enjoin_v subscription_n to_o a_o confession_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o be_v receive_v at_o the_o first_o and_o second_v universal_a subscription_n for_o now_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o authority_n enjoin_v subscription_n the_o confession_n be_v make_v to_o consist_v with_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o novation_n introduce_v since_o the_o fame_n be_v first_o receive_v be_v there_o not_o reason_n then_o to_o refuse_v to_o dissuade_v other_o and_o to_o protest_v against_o it_o more_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o protestation_n it_o self_n some_o minister_n be_v urge_v with_o subscription_n and_o of_o those_o some_o yield_v who_o notwithstanding_o have_v place_n in_o the_o last_o assembly_n but_o what_o suppose_v all_o have_v protest_v and_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o council_n that_o can_v not_o have_v disable_v they_o to_o fit_v and_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v legal_o convict_v before_o of_o offence_n in_o so_o do_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o let_v the_o reader_n here_o observe_v the_o decliner_n legerdemain_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v forward_o for_o subscription_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n but_o challenge_v man_n for_o not_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n that_o be_v the_o confession_n extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o of_o no_o other_o have_v they_o make_v mention_v before_o in_o their_o declinatour_n they_o have_v vilipend_v the_o late_a confession_n and_o covenant_n in_o former_a time_n and_o we_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o this_o tax_n of_o other_o that_o they_o will_v subscribe_v this_o confession_n themselves_o without_o their_o own_o limitation_n and_o acception_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdene_n have_v do_v but_o that_o perfidious_a man_n will_v subscribe_v any_o thing_n and_o yet_o so_o impudent_a be_v they_o that_o they_o will_v have_v other_o trouble_v for_o not_o subscribe_v contrar_n to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n to_o make_v a_o party_n and_o new_a rent_n in_o this_o kirk_n they_o allege_v that_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o
be_v primat_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n in_o office_n after_o man_n invention_n allow_v for_o the_o time_n we_o acknowledge_v none_o such_o in_o our_o kirk_n their_o consecration_n to_o the_o office_n be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o our_o kirk_n and_o be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o complaint_n give_v in_o against_o they_o a_o knavish_a prat_v and_o yet_o forsooth_o they_o talk_v as_o if_o they_o be_v primat_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n in_o office_n like_o those_o of_o old_a risum_fw-la teneatis_fw-la amici_fw-la but_o what_o suppose_v they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v such_o in_o office_n shall_v they_o disdain_v commission_n from_o presbytery_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o the_o brethren_n at_o antioch_n to_o the_o council_n which_o be_v hold_v at_o jerusalem_n act_n â—5_n they_o allege_v that_o this_o do_v enforce_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o president_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 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 for_o this_o their_o presidentship_n they_o allege_v canon_n of_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o custom_n of_o old_a both_o in_o other_o nation_n and_o our_o own_v not_o yet_o restrain_v by_o any_o municipal_a law_n act_n of_o parliament_n either_o of_o late_a or_o of_o old_a have_v not_o set_v down_o any_o order_n for_o moderation_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o national_a counsel_n nor_o do_v we_o allege_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o ratify_v the_o liberty_n of_o general_a assembly_n provincial_a synod_n and_o presbytery_n for_o free_a election_n of_o their_o moderator_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o act_n against_o free_a election_n or_o for_o presidentship_n of_o bishop_n we_o have_v no_o minister_n primat_n or_o bishop_n either_o in_o stile_n or_o in_o office_n at_o that_o time_n yea_o the_o power_n grant_v before_o to_o bishop_n in_o that_o troublesome_a year_n 1584._o and_o soon_o after_o quit_v abolish_v be_v then_o grant_v by_o that_o act_n to_o presbyter_n as_o the_o right_n spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n and_o as_o for_o act_n of_o ancient_a counsel_n we_o pass_v they_o as_o no_o pattern_n to_o we_o nor_o pertinent_a for_o they_o for_o we_o have_v no_o such_o bishop_n primat_n or_o metropolitan_o as_o be_v of_o old_a as_o have_v be_v already_o answer_v and_o as_o impertinent_a it_o be_v to_o allege_v that_o this_o presidentship_n be_v so_o intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n that_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o be_v precedent_n of_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o chancellor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v place_n in_o council_n and_o session_n not_o by_o any_o act_n or_o statute_n but_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o he_o be_v chancellor_n for_o we_o know_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v our_o fourteen_o forloppen_a minister_n for_o bishop_n in_o office_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o kirk_n yea_o when_o we_o have_v superintendent_o and_o bishop_n yet_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v free_o choose_v and_o never_o a_o bishop_n choose_v but_o once_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n chap._n 7._o that_o in_o all_o assembly_n a_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n convene_v this_o freedom_n our_o assembly_n ever_o have_v since_o the_o reformation_n till_o spotswod_n sometime_o pretend_v primate_n begin_v to_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o their_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1616._o suppose_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o do_v restrain_v their_o authority_n yet_o say_v they_o the_o restraint_n be_v restore_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o and_o 1609._o and_o all_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n abrogat_fw-la but_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1606._o concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n can_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a office_n but_o only_o their_o temporal_a state_n jurisdiction_n privilege_n and_o preeminence_n belong_v thereto_o for_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1597._o when_o vote_n in_o parliament_n be_v grant_v to_o minister_n provide_v to_o prelacy_n their_o office_n in_o the_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v remit_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n to_o be_v advise_v consult_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o his_o majesty_n with_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o such_o time_n as_o his_o majesty_n shall_v think_v expedient_a to_o treat_v with_o they_o thereupon_o but_o there_o pass_v no_o agreement_n before_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o but_o rather_o caution_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o all_o pre-eminence_n or_o power_n in_o the_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o which_o ratify_v the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1610._o the_o remit_v of_o the_o estate_n in_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o be_v mention_v and_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o all_o doubtful_a and_o controvert_v point_n concern_v the_o jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o policy_n foresay_a be_v not_o determine_v till_o that_o assembly_n hold_v 1610._o how_o then_o can_v the_o act_n of_o restitution_n anno_fw-la 1606._o be_v understand_v of_o restitution_n to_o their_o old_a papal_a pre-eminence_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o policy_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n next_o if_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o all_o their_o old_a preeminence_n in_o the_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o policy_n by_o the_o act_n 1606._o what_o need_v they_o any_o assembly_n afterward_o to_o grant_v they_o some_o pre-eminence_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n why_o step_v not_o the_o pretend_a primate_n to_o the_o place_n of_o moderatorship_n at_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v anno_o 1606._o 1608._o 1610._o without_o election_n three_o how_o can_v the_o parliament_n restore_v they_o to_o any_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n or_o pre-eminence_n who_o never_o have_v it_o at_o any_o time_n before_o for_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bishop_n in_o office_n at_o any_o time_n before_o that_o they_o need_v restitution_n will_v they_o say_v because_o they_o have_v the_o title_n of_o the_o benefice_n or_o bishopric_n the_o parliament_n may_v put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o office_n then_o the_o papist_n may_v be_v move_v more_o just_o to_o call_v they_o parliamentary_a bishop_n than_o the_o english_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n who_o because_o of_o some_o rite_n and_o custom_n omit_v at_o their_o inauguration_n seek_v the_o ratification_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o supply_v as_o sanderus_n de_fw-fr schismate_fw-la anglicano_n lib._n 3._o report_v and_o therefore_o be_v call_v parliamentary_a bishop_n hinc_fw-la nomen_fw-la illis_fw-la impositum_fw-la ut_fw-la parliamentarij_fw-la episcopi_fw-la dicerentur_fw-la in_o their_o print_a declinatour_n they_o allege_v a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o same_o section_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o authority_n not_o from_o the_o parliament_n but_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spiritual_a oversight_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o charge_n this_o clause_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o declinatour_n present_v before_o the_o assembly_n in_o writ_n but_o instead_o thereof_o two_o line_n bloat_v out_o now_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v somewhat_o bold_a after_o they_o have_v consult_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o england_n who_o now_o maintain_v that_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o prince_n but_o suppose_v the_o episcopal_a authority_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n which_o be_v false_a what_o call_v have_v they_o to_o exerce_fw-la that_o authority_n they_o have_v none_o from_o the_o kirk_n and_o if_o not_o from_o the_o parliament_n than_o none_o at_o all_o and_o yet_o before_o they_o say_v their_o authority_n be_v restore_v to_o they_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o which_o seem_v to_o import_v a_o contradiction_n and_o suppose_v from_o the_o parliament_n as_o good_a as_o not_o at_o all_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1609._o concern_v the_o commissariat_n it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o former_a their_o consent_n to_o both_o these_o act_n in_o parliament_n and_o sundry_a other_o be_v one_o of_o the_o point_n of_o the_o complaint_n give_v in_o against_o they_o nay_o they_o procure_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o allege_v they_o howbeit_o to_o small_a purpose_n be_v destitute_a of_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o assembly_n they_o argue_v from_o their_o
presidentship_n in_o synod_n that_o one_o of_o they_o in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v preside_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n rather_o than_o one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n it_o be_v true_a by_o a_o act_n of_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n anno_fw-la 1610._o those_o who_o be_v style_v bishop_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o benefice_n be_v constitute_v moderator_n of_o the_o diocesan_n synod_n and_o that_o act_n be_v ratify_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1612._o but_o that_o ratification_n be_v upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o assembly_n be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o be_v desirous_a of_o that_o ratification_n none_o of_o which_o be_v they_o able_a to_o make_v good_a next_o when_o we_o have_v bishop_n and_o superintendent_o moderator_n of_o synod_n the_o general_a assembly_n choose_v other_o then_o superintendent_o or_o bishop_n to_o moderate_a by_o the_o caution_n at_o montrose_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o the_o minister_n voter_fw-mi in_o parliament_n shall_v not_o arrogat_fw-la to_o himself_o any_o further_a pre-eminence_n or_o jurisdiction_n then_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o deprivation_n where_o it_o be_v allege_v false_o in_o the_o falsify_v act_n of_o that_o null_n and_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v in_o december_n anno_fw-la 1606._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v moderator_n of_o synod_n yet_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v moderate_a and_o seek_v no_o further_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o that_o same_o falsify_v act_n that_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n certain_a leet_n be_v first_o nominate_v and_o propound_v free_o as_o use_n have_v be_v in_o time_n bypass_a so_o by_o their_o own_o grant_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o one_o of_o the_o bishop_n moderate_v the_o diocesan_n synod_n shall_v preside_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a himself_o who_o name_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o in_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n they_o answer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1580._o where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n first_o that_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o assembly_n may_v be_v no_o less_o regard_v than_o that_o of_o glasgow_n 1610._o this_o be_v transcendent_a impudency_n be_v the_o time_n corrupt_v be_v not_o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n conclude_v after_o free_a reason_n in_o many_o assembly_n precede_v be_v not_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n free_a be_v not_o liberty_n grant_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o oppone_v be_v there_o any_o rent_n or_o division_n in_o our_o kirk_n in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o the_o same_o act_n ratify_v in_o the_o assembly_n follow_v be_v not_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscrive_v by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n soon_o after_o and_o presbytery_n erect_v do_v not_o our_o church_n adhear_v to_o that_o act_n still_o after_o so_o if_o that_o time_n be_v corrupt_v the_o pure_a and_o best_a time_n follow_v be_v corrupt_a be_v ever_o that_o act_n contradict_v by_o any_o other_o act_n since_o that_o time_n to_o this_o hour_n but_o observe_v while_o without_o all_o shame_n they_o will_v impair_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n they_o suffer_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1610._o to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n next_o they_o say_v it_o be_v ordinare_fw-la for_o prio_fw-la act_n of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o give_v place_n to_o posterior_n but_o we_o maintain_v there_o be_v no_o act_n follow_v to_o repeal_v the_o former_a if_o they_o will_v allege_v the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1610._o first_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o assembly_n of_o our_o kirk_n and_o be_v declare_v null_a at_o this_o last_o assembly_n upon_o ground_n unanswerable_a next_o that_o same_o corrupt_a assembly_n do_v not_o determine_v or_o declare_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o have_v any_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o word_n nor_o do_v they_o restore_v that_o office_n as_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o man_n invention_n and_o use_v of_o old_a but_o only_o make_v synod_n and_o presbytery_n obnoxious_a in_o ordination_n deprivation_n excommunication_n and_o some_o other_o point_n to_o these_o who_o be_v then_o style_v bishop_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o benefice_n and_o not_o bishop_n in_o office_n yet_o not_o without_o limitation_n and_o upon_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o they_o allege_v the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1586_o where_o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n present_v to_o a_o benefice_n by_o the_o king_n with_o power_n to_o visit_v admit_v and_o deprive_v minister_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o presbytery_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a only_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n neither_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n declare_v by_o this_o assembly_n to_o have_v any_o ground_n or_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n or_o that_o any_o may_v be_v consecrat_fw-mi thereafter_o to_o such_o a_o office_n invent_v by_o man_n yea_o that_o assembly_n declare_v in_o the_o six_o session_n that_o there_o be_v four_o ordinare_fw-la office-bearer_n set_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o wit_n pastor_n doctor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o papistry_n but_o be_v common_a to_o all_o pastor_n in_o the_o ten_o and_o eleven_o session_n they_o declare_v that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n they_o mean_v only_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o declare_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o same_o that_o the_o pastor_n have_v they_o declare_v then_o that_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v all_o one_o and_o that_o a_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a bishop_n be_v the_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o have_v not_o a_o general_a charge_n over_o a_o whole_a diocie_n it_o be_v true_a they_o assent_v at_o that_o time_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o admit_v a_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o minister_n present_v to_o a_o benefice_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o visit_v admit_v etc._n etc._n as_o say_v be_v but_o then_o consider_v this_o assembly_n be_v the_o first_o which_o be_v hold_v after_o the_o desolation_n make_v anno_fw-la 1584._o and_o 1585._o and_o consist_v not_o only_o of_o none_o subscribe_v minister_n but_o also_o of_o many_o who_o have_v subscribe_v in_o that_o hour_n of_o darkness_n as_o bishop_n adamson_n afterward_o call_v these_o two_o year_n of_o desolation_n precede_v and_o yet_o do_v not_o allow_v more_o to_o he_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o bishopric_n then_o to_o any_o other_o minister_n to_o who_o they_o give_v the_o like_a power_n and_o with_o the_o same_o restriction_n which_o be_v prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o only_o till_o further_a order_n be_v take_v as_o that_o in_o visitation_n of_o the_o bound_n limit_v to_o he_o he_o proceed_v by_o advice_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o he_o that_o in_o receive_v presentation_n and_o give_v collation_n he_o shall_v proceed_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o certain_a assessor_n to_o be_v join_v with_o he_o at_o the_o least_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o assessor_n till_o further_a order_n may_v be_v take_v that_o if_o he_o admit_v or_o deprive_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o deprivation_n and_o the_o deed_n shall_v be_v null_a so_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o episcopal_a office_n but_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o assembly_n as_o be_v grant_v to_o other_o minister_n and_o during_o the_o time_n prescribe_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o only_o till_o further_a order_n be_v take_v and_o indeed_o this_o shadow_n of_o pre-eminence_n grant_v first_o at_o a_o conference_n in_o halyrudehouse_n not_o long_o before_o by_o some_o court_n and_o chief_a subscribe_v minister_n &_o now_o again_o at_o this_o assembly_n endure_v not_o long_o for_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o june_n 1587._o the_o admission_n of_o
when_o it_o come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n much_o opposition_n be_v make_v none_o consent_v but_o upon_o condition_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o minister_n vote_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v true_a that_o anno_fw-la 1606._o there_o be_v a_o act_n for_o restitution_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n but_o the_o kirk_n repine_v because_o the_o condition_n be_v not_o insert_v in_o the_o act_n and_o many_o minister_n subscribe_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o say_a act_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o act_n 1584._o renew_v nor_o bishop_n restore_v to_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n nor_o be_v there_o then_o any_o bishop_n have_v any_o spiritual_a estate_n whereunto_o they_o can_v be_v restore_v nor_o be_v the_o whole_a three_o estate_n restore_v which_o before_o be_v impair_v for_o that_o three_o estate_n consist_v of_o abbot_n and_o pryour_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n but_o how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o such_o as_o be_v provide_v to_o bishopric_n be_v restore_v to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n they_o be_v thereby_o restore_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n who_o be_v not_o then_o nor_o yet_o to_o this_o hour_n restore_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o how_o be_v the_o three_o estate_n impugn_a by_o call_v they_o to_o censure_v or_o trial_n see_v they_o consent_v to_o the_o act_n of_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n office_n and_o benefice_n as_o also_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o king_n proclamation_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n declaration_n give_v in_o to_o the_o last_o assembly_n bear_v express_o that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n censurable_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n their_o consent_n to_o that_o same_o act_n of_o restitution_n be_v censurable_a and_o a_o point_n of_o the_o libel_n give_v in_o against_o they_o can_v they_o not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o state_n and_o the_o person_n yea_o may_v not_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o any_o particular_a minister_n impugn_v a_o estate_n erect_v or_o restore_v in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o her_o consent_n and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o her_o liberty_n it_o be_v a_o calumny_n that_o the_o meeting_n in_o edinburgh_n which_o they_o call_v the_o table_n arrogat_fw-la to_o themselves_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o determine_v all_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o can_v arise_v contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o they_o give_v only_o their_o best_a advice_n and_o opinion_n when_o it_o be_v ask_v and_o call_v instant_o for_o a_o right_o constitute_v and_o free_a assembly_n to_o determine_v doubt_n and_o settle_v this_o kirk_n in_o peace_n they_o allege_v the_o presbytery_n have_v lose_v their_o right_n if_o they_o have_v any_o to_o direct_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v depose_v their_o moderator_n appoint_v by_o their_o bishop_n in_o their_o synod_n to_o govern_v they_o and_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o place_n contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1610_o and_o act_v of_o parliament_n 1612._o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o impudency_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o right_n of_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o commissioner_n which_o they_o have_v ever_o have_v since_o their_o erection_n the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n be_v a_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o any_o presbytery_n may_v from_o the_o beginning_n suspend_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n thereof_o till_o it_o be_v declare_v null_a in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o last_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v only_o a_o act_n ratify_v the_o act_n of_o that_o same_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o by_o their_o own_o procurement_n or_o rather_o another_o act_n add_v omit_v alter_v the_o word_n and_o clause_n of_o that_o act_n and_o that_o with_o their_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n if_o not_o by_o their_o device_n and_o procurement_n and_o therefore_o be_v censure_v in_o this_o last_o assembly_n for_o transgress_v the_o caveat_n in_o this_o point_n as_o in_o many_o other_o put_v case_n no_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v take_v against_o the_o constitution_n and_o proceed_n of_o that_o assembly_n they_o fore-falted_n their_o right_n of_o appoint_v moderator_n to_o presbytery_n at_o their_o synod_n because_o whatsoever_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o they_o be_v upon_o assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v yearly_a or_o at_o set_a time_n general_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o their_o trial_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v and_o therefore_o presbytery_n have_v rather_o faill_v in_o that_o they_o return_v not_o soon_o to_o their_o former_a liberty_n beside_o this_o the_o sometime_o pretend_a prelate_n desert_v the_o synod_n and_o appoint_v substitute_n who_o have_v not_o the_o same_o power_n to_o appoint_v moderator_n many_o moderator_n dimit_v their_o office_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o then_o the_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n itself_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o moderator_n many_o moderator_n remain_v still_o unchanged_a till_o the_o last_o assembly_n but_o put_v the_o case_n the_o presbytery_n have_v fault_v in_o displace_v their_o moderator_n the_o bishop_n substitute_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v fore-faulted_n their_o liberty_n of_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n every_o transgression_n deserve_v censure_n or_o reproof_n but_o not_o deprivation_n from_o liberty_n they_o allege_v next_o that_o the_o minister_n choosen_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n have_v not_o a_o lawful_a commission_n because_o the_o minister_n do_v associate_v to_o themselves_o a_o roll_a elder_a out_o of_o every_o pariosh_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o pariosh_fw-mi or_o man_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o bound_n do_v over-rule_v they_o both_o by_o their_o authority_n and_o number_n be_v more_o than_o the_o minister_n of_o who_o some_o be_v ordinary_o absent_a and_o five_o or_o six_o or_o so_o many_o of_o they_o put_v on_o the_o leit_n and_o remove_v there_o remain_v but_o a_o few_o minister_n to_o voice_n to_o the_o election_n the_o presbytery_n former_o never_a associate_a to_o themselves_o lay-elder_n in_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o only_o for_o their_o assistance_n in_o discipline_n and_o correction_n of_o manner_n call_v for_o they_o at_o such_o occasion_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o godly_a concurrence_n whereas_o it_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1582._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v few_o in_o number_n then_o the_o pastor_n likeas_n these_o 40._o year_n and_o upward_o they_o have_v not_o be_v call_v at_o all_o to_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o presbytery_n have_v authority_n to_o send_v these_o lay-commissioner_n the_o only_a act_n authorise_v presbytery_n to_o send_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o lay-elder_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o choose_v of_o commissioner_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n have_v be_v choosen_v elder_n we_o find_v that_o they_o have_v be_v elder_n in_o the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n soon_o after_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o see_v the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n best_o skill_v for_o government_n set_v aside_o and_o the_o mean_a sort_n not_o so_o well_o educat_fw-la and_o able_a to_o rule_v over_o they_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v for_o presbytery_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a fear_n that_o they_o will_v over-rule_v the_o presbytery_n by_o their_o authority_n minister_n moderate_v the_o meeting_n and_o go_v before_o they_o in_o reason_v and_o voice_n nor_o can_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o elect_v of_o commissioner_n to_o this_o last_o assembly_n they_o can_v not_o overswey_a their_o minister_n by_o their_o number_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v deficient_a to_o themselves_o if_o some_o minister_n be_v ordinary_o absent_a so_o may_v some_o elder_n and_o it_o have_v fall_v forth_o so_o usual_o and_o do_v so_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o five_o or_o six_o minister_n be_v put_v on_o the_o let_v and_o remove_v few_o will_v remain_v so_o five_o or_o six_o elder_n be_v remove_v there_o will_v be_v more_o minister_n to_o choose_v the_o elder_n but_o what_o hinder_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o voice_n to_o the_o election_n of_o other_o howbeit_o they_o be_v put_v on_o the_o leit_n either_o before_o or_o after_o their_o removell_n the_o