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 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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 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they_o allege_v that_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o
this_o assembly_n have_v forefault_v his_o majesty_n favour_n in_o grant_v this_o assembly_n and_o the_o liberty_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o be_v in_o the_o same_o estate_n and_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o before_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o royal_a pardon_n because_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o last_o protestation_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o at_o other_o time_n so_o at_o this_o to_o hold_v assembly_n notwithstanding_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n in_o the_o contrare_fw-la they_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 the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o and_o insist_v with_o the_o liedge_n to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o that_o in_o 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assembly_n whither_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n thereof_o or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o manner_n of_o proceed_v we_o answer_v first_o in_o general_n they_o forfault_v not_o his_o majesty_n favour_n in_o grant_v a_o assembly_n for_o his_o majesty_n do_v not_o recall_v the_o indiction_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n for_o hold_v the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o be_v here_o allege_a and_o therefore_o they_o may_v still_v conveen_v to_o the_o place_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v as_o for_o the_o particular_a point_n allege_v we_o answer_v pardon_n be_v offer_v upon_o condition_n of_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o offer_n but_o pardon_n import_v offence_n which_o be_v deny_v therefore_o the_o condition_n of_o acquiesce_v can_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o the_o offer_v in_o the_o declaration_n be_v not_o satisfactory_a to_o their_o former_a protestation_n complaint_n supplication_n the_o assembly_n be_v grant_v absolute_o without_o any_o condition_n lest_o his_o majesty_n shall_v leave_v in_o his_o subject_n mind_v the_o least_o scruple_n and_o for_o settle_v a_o certain_a peace_n they_o protest_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o be_v authorize_v with_o lawful_a commission_n as_o at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o the_o kirk_n require_v so_o in_o this_o exigence_n to_o assemble_v themselves_o at_o the_o diet_n appoint_v for_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n in_o the_o contrary_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n to_o conveen_n in_o assembly_n when_o there_o be_v urgent_a necessity_n we_o have_v set_v down_o some_o reason_n already_o and_o more_o be_v extant_a in_o print_n concern_v that_o purpose_n they_o have_v need_v to_o fear_v the_o danger_n of_o prorogation_n both_o because_o the_o present_a case_n can_v not_o suffer_v delay_n and_o doolefull_a experience_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o prorogation_n from_o diet_n to_o diet_n end_v at_o last_o in_o no_o diet_n whereby_o the_o kirk_n be_v bereave_v of_o her_o liberty_n to_o hold_v yearly_a assembly_n which_o they_o will_v now_o recover_v by_o this_o indiction_n take_v it_o for_o a_o reentry_n their_o meeting_n or_o table_n as_o the_o adversary_n call_v they_o continued_z because_o the_o cause_n continue_v prefer_v supplication_n give_v in_o complaint_n attendance_n upon_o gracious_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o make_v protestation_n when_o there_o be_v need_n and_o yet_o in_o peaceable_a manner_n not_o in_o great_a company_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n they_o have_v offer_v to_o clear_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o their_o carriage_n before_o the_o parliament_n to_o who_o they_o have_v appeal_v they_o have_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n again_o at_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n command_v after_o their_o late_a subscription_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o mention_v and_o the_o band_n for_o mantainance_n of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o tenor_n with_o the_o old_a general_a band_n subscribe_v anno_fw-la 1590._o the_o narrative_a be_v change_v some_o line_n design_v the_o papist_n and_o their_o adherent_n to_o be_v the_o party_n threaten_v danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n person_n be_v omit_v and_o no_o other_o party_n design_v in_o particular_a so_o that_o the_o band_n may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o covenanter_n themselves_o who_o have_v be_v tax_v for_o disorder_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o religion_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o majesty_n authority_n as_o they_o have_v complain_v in_o their_o protestation_n they_o continue_v in_o seek_v subscription_n to_o the_o covenant_n till_o the_o hold_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o reference_n to_o the_o assembly_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n acquiesce_v in_o their_o explanation_n of_o the_o clause_n of_o mutual_a defence_n where_o they_o declare_v their_o mutual_a defence_n of_o each_o of_o other_o be_v not_o for_o their_o own_o private_a quarrel_n but_o only_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o what_o further_o can_v be_v just_o crave_v of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_a bishop_n have_v no_o warrant_n for_o voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n unless_o they_o be_v authorize_v with_o lawful_a commission_n the_o superintendent_o and_o bishop_n presence_n of_o old_a be_v require_v more_o for_o their_o trial_n than_o any_o need_n of_o their_o voice_n but_o the_o assembly_n be_v weary_v with_o complaint_n make_v upon_o they_o and_o after_o many_o conference_n and_o much_o disputation_n find_v their_o office_n unlawful_a which_o be_v never_o since_o approve_v by_o any_o pretend_a let_v be_v lawful_a assembly_n so_o the_o custom_n of_o old_a do_v not_o serve_v such_o as_o only_o pretend_v or_o usurp_v the_o same_o office_n nor_o be_v they_o capable_a as_o minister_n of_o any_o commission_n from_o any_o presbytery_n because_o they_o have_v desert_v their_o flock_n and_o have_v no_o particular_a charge_n for_o loppen_v minister_n and_o usurp_a prelate_n shall_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n discharge_v the_o impugn_n of_o any_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o procure_v the_o innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n be_v make_v in_o a_o troublesome_a time_n in_o the_o year_n 1584._o be_v protest_v against_o when_o it_o be_v proclaim_v with_o other_o act_n that_o three_o estate_n of_o prelate_n suffer_v innovation_n and_o diminution_n of_o their_o estate_n within_o three_o year_n after_o by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n anno_fw-la 1587._o 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abbacy_n priory_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n but_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o kirk_n
such_o office_n they_o pretend_v that_o none_o of_o they_o will_v decline_v the_o lawful_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatory_a in_o the_o kingdom_n especial_o of_o a_o general_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v or_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n or_o laic_n have_v authority_n and_o commission_n from_o sovereign_a authority_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v such_o a_o judge_n as_o shall_v acquit_v they_o or_o none_o at_o all_o a_o assembly_n like_v to_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n see_v the_o whole_a pack_n of_o they_o be_v complain_v upon_o and_o for_o crime_n common_a to_o they_o all_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v other_o bishop_n and_o metropolitan_o to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o they_o what_o need_v any_o further_a answer_n but_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sundry_a passage_n of_o this_o their_o declinator_n that_o they_o will_v not_o and_o because_o guilty_a dare_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n constitut_v as_o the_o last_o be_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n and_o practice_v of_o our_o kirk_n and_o therefore_o be_v just_o cut_v off_o as_o rot_a member_n from_o the_o body_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o declinator_n and_o refusal_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n they_o come_v to_o their_o protest_n first_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o for_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o his_o kirk_n and_o to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n least_o by_o their_o silence_n they_o betray_v the_o kirk_n right_a and_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v force_v to_o protest_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v repute_n and_o hold_v null_n in_o law_n and_o that_o no_o kirk-man_n be_v hold_v to_o appear_v assist_v approve_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o no_o letter_n petition_z subscription_n interloquitor_n certification_n admonition_n or_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n establish_v nor_o to_o the_o kirk_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o nor_o to_o the_o jurisdiction_n liberty_n privilege_n rent_n benefice_n possession_n of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n council_n or_o parliament_n in_o favour_n thereof_o nor_o to_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o to_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o to_o themselves_o or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n authority_n jurisdiction_n dignity_n rent_n benefice_n reputation_n and_o good_a name_n but_o that_o all_o such_o act_n and_o deed_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_n unjust_a illegal_a and_o null_a in_o themselves_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o if_o their_o reason_n allege_v be_v find_v frivolous_a as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v clear_v so_o to_o be_v by_o this_o answer_n their_o protest_n be_v not_o worth_a a_o fig._n they_o protest_v in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n when_o as_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v her_o commissioner_n free_o choose_v nor_o her_o assembly_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n nor_o any_o other_o assembly_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o say_a order_n but_o will_v have_v this_o assembly_n and_o consequent_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v their_o party_n and_o yet_o will_v protest_v profess_v as_o they_o be_v in_o name_n and_o behalf_n of_o this_o kirk_n afraid_a be_v they_o that_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n establish_v by_o parliament_n mean_v that_o which_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o pass_v by_o the_o confession_n swear_v to_o and_o subscribe_v by_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o the_o whole_a realm_n and_o by_o themselves_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o act_n of_o null_n and_o pretend_a assembly_n we_o interpret_v not_o every_o act_n of_o council_n or_o parliament_n procure_v or_o assent_v to_o by_o they_o or_o make_v in_o their_o favour_n to_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o kirk_n herself_o must_v be_v judge_n of_o the_o favour_n bestow_v on_o she_o if_o their_o authority_n jurisdiction_n dignity_n rent_n benefice_n reputation_n good_a name_n etc._n etc._n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n jurisdiction_n liberty_n and_o the_o spiritual_a welfaire_n of_o the_o kirk_n good_a reason_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o estate_n of_o some_o few_o factious_a man_n there_o may_v be_v three_o estate_n without_o the_o bastard_n estate_n of_o bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n erect_v in_o time_n of_o popish_a darkness_n they_o protest_v next_o if_o the_o assembly_n call_v in_o question_n discuss_v and_o condemn_v thing_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o warrandable_a but_o also_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o in_o practice_v according_o to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o prejudice_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n he_o hold_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o he_o live_v and_o brand_a of_o reform_a kirk_n with_o the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n that_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v not_o redound_v to_o the_o disgrace_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n nor_o be_v repute_v a_o deed_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o assembly_n have_v condemn_v nothing_o lawful_a and_o warrandable_o define_v and_o determine_v before_o in_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n and_o practise_v according_o they_o intend_v not_o to_o weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_n his_o practice_n and_o profession_n or_o brand_v any_o reform_a kirk_n with_o soul_n aspersion_n but_o only_o to_o reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n enter_v in_o their_o own_o kirk_n and_o to_o oppose_v to_o what_o more_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v enter_v with_o the_o receive_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n without_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o kirk_n if_o any_o disgrace_n redound_v to_o other_o it_o be_v but_o per_fw-la accidens_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v retort_v that_o their_o canon_n and_o constitution_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o disgrace_n of_o our_o kirk_n which_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v next_o they_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o free_a kirkand_fw-mi a_o kirk_n lie_v in_o thraldom_n but_o the_o decliner_n will_v have_v we_o to_o refuse_v nothing_o which_o be_v receive_v in_o any_o other_o reform_v kirk_n if_o the_o same_o be_v impose_v lest_o they_o be_v disgrace_v by_o our_o refusal_n which_o be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o fine_a hotchpotch_n they_o protest_v that_o they_o embrace_v and_o hold_v the_o religion_n present_o profess_v according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1567._o as_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a error_n but_o they_o make_v no_o account_n nor_o mention_n of_o that_o confession_n where_o contrary_a error_n be_v specify_v or_o design_v and_o it_o appear_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o that_o they_o perceive_v the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o other_o innovation_n which_o they_o be_v to_o introduce_v to_o be_v abjure_v by_o that_o confession_n which_o be_v a_o tacit_a yield_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o sense_n deliver_v by_o the_o last_o assembly_n in_o their_o declaration_n they_o protest_v that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o oppose_v for_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n in_o the_o government_n or_o governor_n but_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o success_n of_o that_o government_n these_o many_o year_n bypass_v it_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o our_o kirk_n as_o unlawful_a and_o hurtful_a yet_o they_o dare_v contradict_v and_o protest_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a that_o government_n which_o be_v not_o warrand_v by_o the_o word_n and_o overthrow_v the_o joint_a government_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v warrand_v by_o the_o word_n can_v not_o but_o be_v faulty_a if_o the_o government_n be_v faulty_a the_o governor_n can_v not_o but_o be_v faulty_a in_o govern_v the_o devil_n can_v not_o envy_v the_o success_n of_o so_o faulty_a a_o government_n as_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o antichrist_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n suppose_v there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o government_n but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a but_o what_o mean_n have_v they_o come_v by_o it_o or_o what_o moderation_n have_v they_o keep_v after_o their_o usurp_n of_o it_o intrarunt_fw-la ut_fw-la vulpes_fw-la regnarunt_fw-la ut_fw-la
half_a or_o in_o part_n but_o whole_a and_o do_v not_o the_o choose_n of_o commissioner_n belong_v to_o rule_v and_o government_n minister_n themselves_o do_v not_o direct_v commissioner_n but_o as_o ruler_n they_o allege_v that_o roll_a elder_n sit_v not_o in_o presbytery_n these_o forty_o year_n and_o upward_o but_o the_o aspirer_n to_o prelacy_n begin_v the_o rent_n in_o our_o church_fw-mi forty_o year_n since_o and_o upward_o no_o wonder_n then_o suppose_v that_o with_o many_o other_o thing_n go_v out_o of_o frame_n so_o long_o as_o unity_n and_o integrity_n continue_v they_o continue_v the_o time_n of_o division_n can_v prescribe_v against_o the_o good_a order_n establish_v and_o yet_o even_o after_o the_o act_n 1597._o which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o year_n after_o division_n enter_v we_o find_v in_o the_o presbytery_n book_n of_o edinburgh_n february_n 1600._o commission_n give_v to_o some_o minister_n and_o gentleman_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1601._o baron_n direct_v from_o presbytery_n ambrose_n complain_v in_o the_o place_n above-cited_n that_o the_o conjunct_a government_n of_o elder_n which_o be_v first_o in_o the_o jewish_a kirk_n and_o after_o in_o the_o christian_a be_v wear_v out_o of_o use_n whither_o through_o sloughtfulnesse_n or_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n he_o can_v tell_v quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la absoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la volunt_fw-la the_o cause_n of_o our_o elder_n forebearing_a to_o resort_v to_o the_o presbytery_n may_v be_v diverse_a partly_o the_o pride_n of_o some_o minister_n who_o will_v not_o encourage_v and_o countenance_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o assembly_n that_o govern_v by_o themselves_o alone_o they_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o partly_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o other_o loath_a that_o gentleman_n shall_v be_v make_v privy_a to_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o offence_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v there_o by_o some_o of_o both_o sort_n and_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o at_o this_o present_a of_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o partly_o the_o division_n and_o rent_n which_o have_v vex_v this_o kirk_n these_o many_o year_n but_o see_v there_o be_v never_o a_o ordinance_n to_o exclud_v they_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o prescription_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o this_o order_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v consonant_n by_o act_n of_o assembly_n hold_v in_o october_n 1582._o and_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n the_o imminent_a danger_n to_o religion_n constrain_v they_o to_o take_v their_o own_o place_n again_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v demand_v these_o minister_n who_o be_v content_a they_o sit_v with_o they_o in_o the_o low_a and_o suppreme_a judicatorie_a the_o session_n and_o general_a assembly_n why_o they_o repine_v at_o their_o association_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n render_v it_o be_v the_o order_n set_v down_o at_o the_o conclude_a the_o constant_a policy_n and_o be_v the_o order_n observe_v in_o other_o kirk_n the_o elder_n exercise_v not_o their_o office_n full_o but_o in_o the_o presbytery_n where_o ordinare_fw-la jurisdiction_n be_v exercise_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n deposition_n admission_n etc._n etc._n they_o except_z yet_o against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a person_n meaning_n minister_n direct_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v be_v just_o think_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n to_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n for_o their_o behaviour_n in_o time_n bypass_a first_o for_o that_o by_o their_o seditious_a and_o rail_a sermon_n and_o pamphlet_n they_o have_v wound_v the_o king_n honour_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o animate_v his_o liege_n to_o rebellion_n this_o be_v impute_v to_o all_o but_o not_o verify_v of_o any_o of_o the_o number_n nor_o have_v they_o design_v any_o person_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o neither_o the_o presbytery_n send_v nor_o the_o assembly_n admit_v do_v know_v any_o such_o next_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v either_o schismatical_o refractory_a and_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o kirke_n or_o state_n or_o have_v promise_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o theìr_v ordìnar_fw-mi have_v never_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o oath_n or_o contrar_n to_o promise_n and_o practice_v have_v resiel_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o order_n or_o under_o censure_n of_o this_o kirk_n or_o conveened_a at_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o their_o ordinar_n or_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n for_o transgression_n deserve_v deprivation_n we_o know_v none_o schismatical_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n unless_o they_o mean_v such_o as_o have_v oppose_v to_o their_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o their_o shameless_a usurpation_n a_o oath_n shall_v not_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o iniquity_n or_o impiety_n the_o intrant_n do_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o establish_a order_n from_o which_o we_o have_v decline_v nor_o foresee_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o bring_v in_o so_o many_o novation_n in_o religion_n the_o oath_n to_o the_o ordinar_n be_v exact_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o act_n of_o a_o null_n and_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o that_o ordinare_fw-la be_v no_o lawful_a ordinare_fw-la but_o a_o usurper_n these_o ordinary_n have_v exact_v also_o oath_n and_o subscription_n to_o article_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o maintenance_n of_o their_o usurp_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o point_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o their_o libel_n the_o censure_n inflict_v if_o there_o be_v any_o upon_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n scots-man_n return_v from_o ireland_n to_o scotland_n be_v infflict_v for_o adhere_v to_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o voice_n in_o her_o assembly_n they_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o assembly_n by_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o interrogatory_n propon_v to_o they_o some_o of_o they_o be_v thrust_v out_o by_o themselves_o before_o they_o go_v to_o ireland_n as_o for_o such_o as_o be_v under_o censure_n in_o this_o kirk_n we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o then_o pretend_a bishop_n in_o the_o court_n of_o high_a commission_n a_o judicatorie_a erect_v without_o consent_n of_o our_o church_fw-mi or_o of_o the_o estate_n in_o parliament_n and_o discharge_v by_o proclamation_n before_o they_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n this_o be_v also_o a_o point_n of_o their_o libel_n the_o hold_v of_o such_o court_n and_o tyrannical_a domination_n in_o the_o same_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o conveened_a before_o the_o pretend_a ordinare_fw-la for_o any_o offence_n which_o may_v make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n if_o any_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o they_o or_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v process_v before_o or_o warn_v to_o compeare_v before_o this_o assembly_n see_v a_o full_a and_o free_a assembly_n be_v indict_v but_o we_o know_v none_o that_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v for_o any_o transgression_n deserve_v reproof_n far_o less_o deprivation_n the_o transgression_n impute_v be_v either_o false_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o the_o utter_n of_o rash_a and_o unreverent_a speech_n in_o their_o sermon_n against_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o their_o proceed_n reprove_v his_o majesty_n law_n and_o ordinance_n use_v application_n in_o their_o sermon_n not_o tend_v to_o edification_n intrude_a themselves_o in_o other_o man_n charge_n and_o pulpit_n without_o call_v and_o authority_n press_v the_o people_n to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n or_o be_v no_o transgression_n as_o to_o proceed_v against_o minister_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n or_o deprivation_n in_o their_o presbytery_n oppon_v to_o the_o subscribe_v of_o a_o covenant_n offer_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n or_o hold_v of_o convention_n without_o his_o majesty_n knowledge_n and_o consent_n see_v the_o end_n be_v for_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n complaint_n and_o information_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a alteration_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v intend_v they_o pretend_v that_o in_o charity_n they_o forbear_v to_o express_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o which_o too_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v direct_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n be_v guilty_a they_o have_v learn_v to_o calumniate_v bold_o upon_o hope_n that_o somewhat_o will_v stick_v in_o man_n mind_n this_o general_a imputation_n be_v more_o uncharitable_a then_o if_o they_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
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
spring_v up_o faithful_a pastor_n do_v timeous_o oppose_v both_o by_o word_n and_o writ_n lest_o it_o shall_v spread_v and_o infect_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o therefore_o forefault_v their_o right_n in_o give_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o synod_n where_o these_o error_n be_v condemn_v the_o divins_n of_o hassa_n defy_v the_o ariminians_n to_o give_v one_o example_n of_o a_o lawful_a synod_n that_o ever_o do_v the_o like_a next_o suppose_v they_o have_v all_o precondemn_v episcopal_a government_n and_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n they_o have_v condemn_v but_o that_o which_o be_v condemn_v before_o by_o our_o kirk_n and_o never_o retreat_v by_o any_o lawful_a synod_n three_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n be_v not_o absolute_o condemn_v by_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v of_o the_o other_o be_v suspend_v till_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o free_a 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the_o refusal_n of_o a_o perverse_a minister_n these_o worthy_a minister_n process_v suspend_v or_o remove_v be_v worthy_o censure_v by_o their_o presbytery_n for_o their_o arminian_n and_o popish_a doctrine_n vent_v both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a to_o the_o endanger_n of_o many_o soul_n or_o for_o their_o scandalous_a life_n be_v these_o man_n fit_a to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o decline_v the_o presbytery_n as_o competent_a judge_n can_v not_o be_v admit_v nor_o to_o appeal_v to_o any_o but_o to_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n these_o man_n who_o decline_v the_o presbytery_n have_v decline_v the_o assembly_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v upon_o what_o intent_n they_o do_v decline_v that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o subscribe_v minister_n put_v to_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o covenant_n for_o fear_n of_o keep_v back_o their_o stipend_n be_v a_o mere_a calumny_n other_o be_v postpone_v not_o for_o not_o subscribe_v but_o for_o neglect_v 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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
our_o kirk_n they_o relax_v excommunicate_a papist_n when_o they_o please_v they_o have_v interdyte_v morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n when_o they_o think_v they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n they_o have_v falsify_v the_o act_n of_o their_o own_o pretend_a synod_n they_o have_v vitiate_v interlyne_v or_o delete_v act_n and_o sentence_n of_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o assembly_n incest_n and_o adultery_n have_v fall_v forth_o by_o their_o licence_n for_o private_a marriage_n they_o have_v refuse_v to_o admit_v minister_n unless_o they_o first_o take_v on_o the_o order_n of_o deacons_n they_o exact_v unlawful_a oath_n of_o intrant_n and_o thereupon_o debar_v the_o most_o qualify_a and_o obtrude_v the_o most_o scandalous_a upon_o congregation_n they_o have_v teach_v popery_n and_o arminianism_n and_o advance_v such_o to_o the_o ministry_n as_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o same_o heretical_a and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n they_o bring_v in_o novation_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 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and_o family_n exercise_n bribery_n simony_n unhonest_a deal_n abuse_v of_o their_o vassal_n sclander_v of_o the_o kirk_n and_o stir_v up_o authority_n against_o the_o subject_n with_o their_o lie_n and_o calumny_n they_o be_v slander_v also_o for_o other_o grosser_n crime_n but_o time_n serve_v not_o for_o sufficient_a trial_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o trial_n they_o have_v decline_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o last_o assembly_n for_o which_o offence_n only_o they_o deserve_v excommunication_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n 1582._o because_o they_o complain_v in_o their_o declinator_fw-la that_o obedient_a and_o worthy_a minister_n have_v be_v remove_v from_o their_o place_n by_o the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o table_n and_o presbytery_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v decline_v and_o appeal_v from_o their_o judgement_n you_o shall_v see_v good_a reader_n what_o worth_n be_v in_o these_o minister_n and_o what_o just_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o remove_v of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a against_o some_o of_o these_o depose_a minister_n to_o wit_n mr._n david_n mitchell_n minister_n in_o edinburgh_n mr_n alexander_n gladstone_n minister_n in_o st._n andrews_n common_o call_v the_o archdean_n of_o st._n andrews_n mr._n william_n wishart_n minister_n at_o leeth_n mr._n john_n crightoun_n minister_n at_o pasley_n mr._n thomas_n foster_n minister_n at_o melrose_n mr._n roberts_n hammiltouns_o minister_n at_o lesmahago_n &_o glasfurd_n and_o other_o of_o their_o sort_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v point_n of_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n conditional_a election_n the_o power_n of_o freewill_n resistibility_n to_o effectual_a grace_n the_o extent_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o merit_n to_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n clauso_fw-la virgin_n utero_fw-la auricular_a 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to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n that_o predestination_n be_v a_o doctrine_n new_o hatch_v in_o hell_n just_o to_o be_v delete_v out_o of_o god_n word_n that_o the_o excrement_n of_o the_o romish_a religion_n and_o jesuit_n learning_n be_v better_a than_o the_o quintessence_n of_o our_o religion_n although_o it_o be_v squeeze_a in_o a_o limbeck_n that_o absolute_a active_a obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o commandment_n just_a or_o unjust_a of_o prince_n that_o they_o have_v rail_v against_o our_o reformer_n and_o reformation_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o chief_n reformer_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o deformer_n and_o have_v throw_v out_o better_a thing_n than_o they_o have_v bring_v in_o diminish_v the_o necessity_n and_o utility_n of_o preach_v commend_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o affirm_v that_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n divers_a part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n be_v abjure_v that_o they_o have_v curse_v their_o 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they_o be_v give_v to_o drink_v profane_a speech_n and_o pastime_n swear_v fight_a brawl_a with_o their_o parishioner_n that_o some_o of_o they_o go_v so_o drink_v to_o the_o pulpit_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o text_n that_o some_o of_o they_o swear_v they_o will_v rather_o renounce_v god_n than_o be_v puritan_n they_o judge_v the_o author_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n to_o be_v damn_v in_o hell_n because_o by_o his_o book_n he_o have_v make_v many_o puritan_n lady_n that_o when_o they_o be_v delate_a for_o such_o offence_n they_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n rely_v upon_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o have_v decline_v this_o last_o assembly_n because_o in_o their_o declinatour_n they_o allege_v that_o too_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n member_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o personal_a fault_n and_o enormity_n which_o in_o charity_n they_o forbear_v to_o express_v in_o this_o their_o declinatour_n you_o have_v 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david_n hume_n of_o werderburne_n knight_n elder_a presb._n of_o chirnside_n m._n george_n roul_n minister_n