a_o explanation_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n publish_a by_o the_o l._n marquis_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n in_o scotland_n by_o the_o king_n special_a command_n r_o young_a יהוה_n justus_n vivet_fw-la fide_fw-la deus_fw-la providerit_fw-la london_n print_v by_o his_o majesty_n printer_n for_o scotland_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1639._o honi_fw-fr soit_fw-fr qvi_fw-fr mal_fw-fr y_fw-fr pense_fw-fr throughe_n whereas_o some_o have_v give_v out_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o council_n which_o explain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n late_o command_v to_o be_v swear_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v and_o receive_v when_o it_o be_v make_v and_o that_o in_o that_o confession_n defence_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n &_o discipline_n then_o establish_v be_v swear_v at_o which_o time_n episcopal_a government_n be_v as_o they_o say_v abolish_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o government_n be_v by_o this_o late_a oath_n abjure_v and_o understanding_n that_o even_o among_o those_o who_o continue_v together_o still_o at_o glasgow_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n though_o but_o a_o pretend_a and_o unlawful_a one_o this_o objection_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v of_o some_o moment_n and_o use_v by_o they_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o great_a disquiet_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n as_o have_v take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o yet_o never_o mean_v nor_o do_v mean_a to_o abjure_v episcopal_a government_n and_o to_o persuade_v other_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o same_o oath_n thus_o explain_v by_o the_o say_a act_n of_o council_n by_o so_o do_v they_o must_v likewaies_o abjure_v the_o say_a government_n we_o james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n wonder_v that_o any_o such_o scrupulous_a misconstruction_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a and_o pious_a intention_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o remove_v all_o doubt_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v poison_v by_o such_o as_o by_o force_a and_o forge_a inference_n will_v make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v actual_o by_o take_v that_o oath_n swear_v that_o which_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o very_o they_o have_v swear_v or_o ever_o intend_v to_o swear_v or_o be_v require_v by_o authority_n to_o be_v swear_v by_o they_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o consider_v that_o all_o oath_n must_v be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n intention_n and_o commandment_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o exact_v the_o oath_n and_o that_o we_o by_o special_a commandment_n from_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n command_v the_o say_a oath_n to_o be_v administer_v we_o do_v hereby_o free_o and_o ingenuous_o profess_v and_o declare_v our_o mind_n and_o meaning_n herein_o as_o we_o have_v constant_o heretofore_o do_v since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n about_o this_o employment_n viz._n that_o by_o any_o such_o word_n or_o act_n of_o council_n we_o never_o mean_v or_o intend_v that_o episcopal_a government_n shall_v be_v abjure_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o act_n of_o the_o church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v now_o in_o force_n and_o be_v so_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o have_v any_o other_o intention_n or_o meaning_n be_v clear_o warrant_v and_o express_o command_v by_o his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o exact_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o take_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n in_o that_o fair_a and_o lawful_a sense_n and_o none_o other_o neither_o in_o this_o point_n do_v we_o deliver_v our_o own_o word_n or_o his_o majesty_n mind_n ambiguous_o or_o doubtful_o so_o as_o any_o other_o sense_n to_o our_o think_n can_v be_v pick_v or_o wring_v out_o of_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o we_o do_v attest_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n whether_o we_o do_v not_o to_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o conference_n with_o they_o ever_o since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n constant_o declare_v unto_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abolish_v we_o attest_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n whether_o before_o our_o tender_v of_o that_o oath_n to_o they_o or_o their_o lordship_n take_v of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o full_o and_o free_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n mind_n in_o command_v we_o to_o see_v this_o oath_n take_v and_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o require_v they_o to_o take_v it_o be_v only_o to_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o abiur_n of_o episcopal_a government_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n now_o in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administer_a this_o oath_n which_o their_o lordship_n be_v the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a judge_n of_o the_o law_n know_v well_o can_v not_o be_v abjure_v after_o which_o perspicuous_a predeclaration_n of_o our_o mind_n their_o lordship_n undoubted_o in_o that_o same_o sense_n and_o none_o other_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o now_o good_a reader_n have_v hear_v his_o majesty_n mind_n and_o intention_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n concern_v this_o oath_n though_o reason_n to_o repel_v the_o former_a objection_n seem_v to_o be_v needless_a the_o know_a mind_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o urge_v a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o undoubted_a sense_n of_o it_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o that_o objection_n have_v of_o late_o be_v main_o urge_v for_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n and_o well_o affect_v to_o that_o government_n from_o adhere_v unto_o it_o be_v please_v to_o know_v that_o the_o former_a objection_n have_v neither_o show_n nor_o force_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a oath_n and_o that_o explanation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n episcopal_a government_n neither_o be_v nor_o possible_o can_v be_v abjure_v and_o that_o for_o many_o reason_n but_o especial_o these_o five_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o approve_v have_v cause_v to_o be_v here_o insert_v and_o leave_v they_o to_o thy_o impartial_a consideration_n first_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v command_v his_o subject_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v against_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o which_o he_o live_v unless_o that_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a until_o such_o time_n as_o that_o kingdom_n and_o church_n do_v first_o repeal_v these_o law_n and_o therefore_o episcopal_a government_n not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o be_v consonant_n unto_o it_o as_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o argue_v it_o and_o stand_v full_o establish_v both_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o abjure_v it_o before_o these_o act_n be_v repeal_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v no_o man_n will_v conceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n mean_v to_o command_v a_o thing_n absolute_o unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o pitiful_a shift_n and_o evasion_n that_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n establish_v episcopal_a government_n be_v unlawful_o and_o undue_o obtain_v certain_o if_o they_o have_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o their_o bold_a assertion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n then_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o well_o settle_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n these_o reason_n may_v be_v present_v lawful_o to_o these_o judicatories_n to_o entreat_v they_o to_o reduce_v the_o say_n act_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v strength_n and_o validity_n find_v in_o they_o but_o to_o hold_v that_o until_o such_o time_n as_o these_o judicatories_n shall_v repeal_v the_o say_n law_n they_o either_o aught_o to_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v abjure_v be_v a_o wicked_a position_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o
and_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n at_o that_o time_n in_o be_v and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o at_o that_o time_n bishop_n abbot_n and_o prior_n make_v up_o a_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n which_o give_v approbation_n to_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o this_o three_o estate_n do_v then_o abjure_v episcopacy_n or_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v at_o the_o first_o swear_v of_o that_o confession_n abolish_v but_o say_v that_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v abolish_v by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o by_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n nay_o by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v in_o force_n because_o none_o of_o they_o be_v repeal_v some_o whereof_o be_v annex_v in_o the_o sheet_n immediate_o after_o these_o reason_n which_o we_o pray_v the_o reader_n careful_o to_o peruse_v and_o ponder_v and_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o this_o oath_n and_o after_o bishop_n who_o name_n be_v well_o know_v be_v in_o be_v now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o any_o other_o well_o constitute_v republic_n that_o damnable_a jesuitical_a position_n shall_v never_o take_v place_n that_o what_o be_v once_o enact_v by_o a_o monarch_n &_o his_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n shall_v ever_o be_v hold_v repeal_v or_o repealable_a by_o any_o ecclesiastical_a national_a synod_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o explanation_n of_o that_o act_n of_o council_n so_o groundless_o urge_v can_v induce_v no_o man_n to_o imagine_v that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n late_o swear_v by_o his_o majesty_n commandment_n episcopal_a government_n which_o then_o do_v and_o yet_o do_v stand_v establish_v by_o act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n either_o be_v or_o possible_o can_v be_v abjure_v and_o have_v now_o good_a reader_n hear_v his_o majesty_n mind_n in_o his_o instruction_n to_o we_o our_o mind_n in_o require_v in_o his_o majesty_n name_n this_o oath_n to_o be_v take_v and_o these_o few_o reason_n of_o many_o which_o do_v evident_o evince_v the_o inconsequence_n of_o that_o sense_n which_o without_o any_o show_n of_o inference_n be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o those_o who_o will_v go_v on_o in_o make_v man_n still_o believe_v that_o all_o which_o they_o do_v or_o say_v be_v ground_v upon_o authority_n though_o they_o themselves_o do_v well_o know_v the_o contrary_a we_o suppose_v that_o all_o they_o who_o have_v take_v this_o oath_n will_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o they_o have_v not_o abjure_v episcopal_a government_n and_o that_o they_o who_o shall_v take_v it_o will_v take_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n which_o timely_a warning_n of_o we_o we_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o give_v because_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v that_o even_o they_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v the_o taker_n of_o this_o oath_n notwithstanding_o of_o that_o explanation_n by_o act_n of_o council_n perjure_a and_o damn_a person_n and_o in_o their_o pulpit_n call_v the_o urge_n of_o it_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n do_v now_o mean_a to_o take_v it_o themselves_o and_o urge_v other_o to_o take_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n which_o they_o make_v man_n believe_v though_o wrongful_o that_o act_n of_o council_n make_v advantageous_a to_o their_o end_n but_o we_o do_v in_o his_o majesty_n name_n require_v that_o none_o presume_v to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n 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 explain_v to_o they_o that_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o force_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_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 and_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 evangel_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 eight_o 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 and_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 gain-stand_a 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 municipal_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 and_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 church_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 &_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 &_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 judgment_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a cause_n in_o practice_n and_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_a 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 church_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 church_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_n estate_n and_o that_o the_o say_n privilege_n and_o freedom_n have_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n renew_v 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 be_v 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 church_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 church_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 second_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_n 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 finis_fw-la
very_a foundation_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n second_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o oathshould_n oblige_v the_o now_o taker_n of_o it_o far_o than_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o taker_n of_o it_o at_o first_o for_o doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o do_v oblige_v they_o then_o and_o so_o do_v it_o we_o now_o perpetual_o because_o these_o point_n in_o themselves_o be_v perpetual_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a but_o for_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o oath_n can_v bind_v the_o first_o taker_n of_o it_o no_o long_o than_o that_o discipline_n and_o government_n shall_v stand_v in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o our_o church_n in_o her_o positive_a confession_n of_o faith_n print_v among_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n artic_a 20.21_o declare_v to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o repealable_a by_o succeed_a act_n if_o the_o church_n shall_v see_v cause_n when_o a_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o a_o judge_n at_o his_o admission_n swear_v to_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o these_o law_n the_o meaning_n of_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v or_o judge_v according_a to_o they_o long_o than_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v law_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v lawful_o repeal_v both_o king_n and_o judge_n be_v free_a from_o rule_v and_o judge_v according_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v thus_o lawful_o repeal_v notwithstanding_o their_o original_a oath_n since_o therefore_o if_o the_o first_o taker_n of_o that_o oath_n be_v now_o alive_a they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v abjure_v episcopal_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n in_o her_o confession_n hold_v church_n government_n to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o repeat_v but_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v say_v to_o abjure_v that_o government_n now_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o repeat_v the_o same_o oath_n three_o how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_v this_o oath_n shall_v make_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abjure_v by_o it_o more_o than_o the_o covenanter_n require_v it_o of_o their_o associate_n in_o both_o covenant_n the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n by_o the_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o the_o contriver_n &_o urger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v subscribe_v it_o without_o abiur_v of_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o invent_v and_o make_v and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o aberdene_n quaeres_fw-la have_v full_o and_o clear_o express_v themselves_o to_o that_o sense_n hold_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o present_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o only_o refer_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o likewaies_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o last_o protestation_n against_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n bear_v date_n the_o 9_o of_o september_n in_o their_o nine_o reason_n against_o the_o subscription_n urge_v by_o his_o majesty_n do_v plain_o aver_v that_o this_o oath_n urge_v by_o his_o majesty_n do_v oblige_v the_o taker_n of_o it_o to_o maintain_v perth_n article_n and_o to_o maintain_v episcopacy_n why_o therefore_o some_o man_n swear_v the_o same_o word_n &_o syllable_n shall_v have_v their_o word_n take_v to_o another_o sense_n &_o be_v think_v to_o abjure_v episcopal_a government_n more_o than_o other_o who_o have_v take_v the_o same_o oath_n in_o the_o same_o word_n must_v needs_o pass_v the_o capacity_n of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n four_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n and_o it_o can_v bedeny_v but_o that_o oath_n minister_v unto_o we_o must_v either_o be_v refuse_v or_o else_o take_v according_a to_o the_o know_a mind_n profess_a intention_n and_o express_v command_n of_o authority_n urge_v the_o same_o a_o proposition_n not_o only_o receive_v in_o all_o school_n but_o positive_o set_v down_o by_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o say_a protestation_n totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v but_o it_o be_v notorious_o know_v even_o unto_o those_o who_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o his_o majesty_n commandment_n that_o his_o majesty_n not_o only_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n be_v a_o maintainer_n and_o upholder_n of_o episcopal_a government_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o say_a church_n and_o kingdom_n but_o that_o likewaies_o he_o be_v a_o defender_n and_o intend_v to_o continue_v a_o defender_n of_o the_o same_o government_n in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n both_o before_o the_o time_n and_o at_o the_o time_n when_o he_o urge_v this_o oath_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o my_o lord_n commissioner_n his_o preface_n both_o concern_v his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o grace_n express_v his_o majesty_n mind_n both_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n and_o the_o same_o likewaies_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o say_a protestation_n in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v their_o word_n be_v these_o and_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o his_o majesty_n mind_n intention_n and_o commandment_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o the_o confession_n be_v swear_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v already_o or_o present_o profess_v these_o two_o be_v co-incident_a altogether_o one_o and_o the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o our_o common_a form_n of_o speak_v but_o in_o all_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o thus_o as_o it_o include_v and_o continue_v within_o the_o compass_n thereof_o the_o foresaid_n novation_n and_o episcopacy_n which_o under_o that_o name_n be_v also_o ratify_v in_o the_o first_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o episcopacy_n not_o be_v take_v away_o or_o suspend_v by_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n as_o these_o other_o thing_n be_v which_o they_o call_v novation_n it_o must_v needs_o both_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o say_a protester_n no_o way_n be_v intend_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v abjure_v by_o the_o say_a oath_n now_o both_o the_o major_a and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a which_o concern_v episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v clear_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a concern_v that_o government_n in_o his_o other_o two_o kingdom_n be_v notorious_o know_v not_o only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o all_o other_o who_o know_v his_o majesty_n how_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o his_o majesty_n by_o that_o oath_n shall_v command_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v abjure_v or_o how_o any_o one_o to_o who_o his_o majesty_n mind_n concern_v episcopal_a government_n be_v know_v can_v honest_o or_o safe_o abjure_v it_o let_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o judge_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o protester_n themselves_o in_o that_o place_n above_o cite_v by_o a_o dilemma_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o themselves_o to_o answer_v have_v aver_v that_o when_o that_o act_n of_o council_n shall_v come_v out_o yet_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v abjure_v five_o and_o last_o if_o the_o explanation_n in_o that_o act_n of_o council_n be_v take_v in_o that_o not_o only_o rigid_a but_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a sense_n which_o they_o urge_v yet_o they_o can_v never_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o episcopal_a government_n at_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o administer_a of_o that_o oath_n be_v abolish_v the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o after_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v these_o receive_v believe_v defend_v by_o many_o and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n &_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o subscription_n to_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v in_o no_o other_o sense_n then_o as_o it_o be_v then_o believe_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n