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
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
sundry_a nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n magistrate_n and_o all_o other_o our_o have_v who_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v any_o minister_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a conference_n and_o speech_n or_o in_o their_o sermon_n to_o approve_v and_o allow_v the_o say_v unlawful_a assembly_n rail_v and_o utter_v any_o speech_n against_o our_o royal_a commandment_n or_o proceed_n of_o we_o or_o our_o council_n for_o punish_v or_o suppress_v such_o enormity_n that_o they_o make_v relation_n and_o report_n thereof_o to_o our_o council_n and_o furnish_v probation_n to_o the_o effect_n the_o same_o may_v be_v according_o punish_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o we_o thereupon_o certify_v they_o who_o shall_v hear_v and_o conceal_v the_o say_v speech_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v as_o allower_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v according_o be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v therefore_o without_o favour_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n we_o likewise_o 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out_o the_o corruption_n and_o settle_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n it_o please_v his_o gracious_a majesty_n out_o of_o his_o royal_a bounty_n to_o direct_v unto_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n who_o by_o many_o petition_n and_o frequent_a conference_n be_v full_o inform_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judicatorie_a which_o have_v power_n to_o remedy_v those_o evil_n be_v please_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o voyage_n to_o england_n for_o present_v the_o pitiful_a condition_n of_o our_o kirk_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n his_o grace_n return_v again_o in_o august_n last_o with_o 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episcopacy_n as_o a_o present_a
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of_o the_o covenant_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o they_o will_v acquaint_v the_o covenanter_n with_o it_o with_o who_o they_o keep_v private_a meeting_n this_o proposition_n be_v much_o debate_v among_o these_o counsellor_n they_o fall_v upon_o that_o way_n which_o they_o conceive_v will_v full_o satisfy_v or_o else_o none_o can_v which_o be_v this_o since_o the_o covenanter_n will_v not_o express_v their_o own_o desire_n in_o particular_n they_o think_v best_a to_o take_v a_o exact_a view_n of_o all_o their_o petition_n remonstrance_n grievance_n declaration_n protestation_n either_o write_v or_o print_v which_o they_o have_v since_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o these_o trouble_v exhibit_v to_o ourselves_o our_o commissioner_n our_o council_n and_o to_o extract_v out_o of_o they_o the_o particular_n of_o all_o their_o grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o represent_v they_o unto_o us._n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o our_o commissioner_n that_o the_o 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will_v be_v satisfy_v desert_n their_o leader_n and_o adhere_v to_o we_o with_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v do_v who_o sign_v this_o their_o council_n with_o their_o hand_n and_o send_v it_o up_o to_o we_o by_o our_o commissioner_n no_o soon_o be_v he_o come_v to_o we_o at_o oatland_n but_o we_o be_v astonish_v with_o his_o relation_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o he_o present_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o the_o improbability_n but_o also_o the_o impossibility_n that_o ever_o the_o ringleader_n of_o that_o rebellion_n will_v desist_v until_o they_o have_v obtain_v their_o wicked_a end_n and_o that_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o peace_n be_v place_v in_o divide_v the_o people_n from_o they_o by_o proffer_v unto_o the_o people_n such_o gracious_a favour_n as_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v reject_v and_o well_o weigh_v the_o advice_n give_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o principal_a counsellor_n and_o officer_n of_o state_n there_o 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contentiosissimo_fw-la and_o require_v doctor_n hamilton_n their_o proctor_n then_o present_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o they_o cite_v he_o to_o compeer_n die_v in_o diem_fw-la till_o sentence_n be_v give_v our_o commissioner_n first_o protest_v against_o that_o protestation_n and_o then_o discharge_v the_o bishop_n proctor_n from_o appearance_n before_o the_o assembly_n to_o which_o he_o have_v present_v no_o declinator_n but_o require_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o himself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v present_v when_o he_o shall_v require_v he_o the_o declinator_n of_o the_o bishop_n here_o ensue_v the_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n of_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o other_o their_o adherent_n within_o that_o kingdom_n against_o the_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n novemb_n 21._o 1638._o we_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o other_o under-subscribers_a for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o name_n and_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n 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parliament_n 1612._o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o convene_v without_o his_o royal_a consent_n and_o approbation_n except_o we_o will_v put_v ourselves_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o sedition_n yet_o nevertheless_o in_o sundry_a respect_n we_o can_v but_o esteem_v this_o meeting_n at_o glasgow_n most_o unlawful_a and_o disorderly_a 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 first_o before_o his_o majesty_n royal_a warrant_n to_o my_o lord_n commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o indict_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_a assembly_n the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o table_n as_o they_o call_v it_o by_o their_o missive_n and_o instruction_n do_v give_v order_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o presbytery_n to_o elect_v and_o choose_v their_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o seek_v of_o god_n blessing_n to_o it_o to_o keep_v a_o solemn_a fast_o sept._n 16._o whereas_o his_o majesty_n warrant_v for_o indict_v of_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o publish_v till_o the_o 22._o of_o that_o month_n so_o that_o they_o prevent_v and_o not_o proceed_v by_o warrant_n of_o royal_a authority_n the_o pretend_a commissioner_n be_v choose_v before_o the_o presbytery_n be_v authorize_v to_o make_v election_n can_v be_v repute_v member_n of_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n a_o lawful_a assembly_n must_v not_o only_o be_v indict_v by_o lawful_a authority_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v but_o also_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 for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o indiction_n none_o at_o all_o do_v convene_v or_o where_o the_o clergy_n be_v call_v there_o meet_v none_o but_o laic_n or_o more_o laic_n then_o of_o the_o clergy_n with_o equal_a power_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v or_o such_o of_o the_o laic_n and_o clergy_n as_o be_v not_o lawful_o authorize_v or_o be_v not_o capable_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
afterward_o by_o his_o authority_n renew_v then_o they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v sit_v one_o hour_n long_o for_o find_v of_o that_o for_o any_o man_n that_o can_v read_v may_v find_v the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o both_o to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o without_o the_o least_o alteration_n but_o if_o by_o their_o covenant_n they_o do_v understand_v their_o explication_n addition_n and_o gloss_n which_o destroy_v and_o corrupt_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n then_o certain_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v rise_v yet_o nor_o can_v have_v rise_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o will_v never_o find_v that_o these_o corrupt_a gloss_n &_o apocryphal_a addition_n of_o their_o own_o can_v consist_v with_o our_o royal_a father_n his_o confession_n and_o covenant_n upon_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o ground_n their_o own_o beside_o as_o shall_v present_o appear_v they_o have_v discharge_v all_o man_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n and_o covenant_n command_v by_o our_o authority_n which_o we_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v find_v they_o to_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o their_o word_n they_o shall_v have_v sit_v still_o and_o not_o rise_v yet_o because_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o find_v they_o to_o be_v one_o after_o their_o seven_o reason_n they_o add_v seven_o protestation_n of_o the_o same_o piece_n with_o their_o reason_n the_o first_o three_o four_o and_o five_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o read_n for_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o their_o usual_a tautology_n and_o take_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o the_o second_o and_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o six_o reason_n their_o be_v so_o much_o boldness_n express_v as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o any_o man_n who_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o name_n of_o king_n law_n authority_n or_o government_n for_o who_o ever_o hear_v that_o subject_n dare_v require_v their_o king_n commissioner_n not_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n when_o he_o himself_o have_v please_v although_o he_o have_v not_o be_v command_v by_o we_o so_o to_o do_v what_o great_a command_n can_v they_o have_v lay_v upon_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n than_o this_o by_o which_o they_o affront_v our_o commissioner_n and_o in_o he_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n but_o their_o cytation_n of_o our_o council_n who_o sign_v our_o proclamation_n to_o appear_v as_o offender_n before_o we_o and_o our_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n which_o by_o the_o way_n we_o wonder_v how_o they_o can_v be_v make_v up_o without_o bishop_n and_o to_o answer_v the_o subscription_n of_o our_o proclamation_n as_o a_o crime_n be_v a_o boldness_n that_o call_v more_o for_o admiration_n then_o refutation_n they_o cyte_v for_o this_o their_o do_v the_o twelve_o act_n of_o the_o second_o parliament_n of_o our_o royal_a progenitor_n james_n the_o four_o we_o wonder_v that_o in_o his_o day_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o warrant_n find_v for_o the_o allow_v the_o member_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n in_o any_o thing_n in_o who_o time_n a_o general_a assembly_n have_v no_o existence_n but_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n we_o wonder_v much_o more_o for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o word_n to_o be_v read_v there_o which_o can_v be_v draw_v to_o any_o show_n of_o construction_n that_o way_n that_o act_n attribute_v rather_o too_o much_o to_o privy_a counsellor_n then_o diminish_v they_o so_o that_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o act_n we_o be_v almost_o enforce_v to_o excuse_v they_o and_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o printer_n who_o have_v mistake_v the_o cytation_n until_o we_o remember_v that_o in_o their_o cytation_n both_o of_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o many_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v as_o far_o out_o as_o in_o this_o hope_v belike_o that_o the_o reader_n will_v never_o peruse_v they_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v 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