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 by_o act_n of_o parl._n bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v their_o right_n in_o synod_n and_o other_o inferior_a meeting_n but_o by_o no_o law_n restrain_v nor_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o national_n assembly_n and_o the_o law_n allow_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o synod_n do_v present_v a_o list_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o who_o of_o right_a this_o place_n do_v belong_v as_o say_v be_v out_o of_o which_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v for_o be_v it_o not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n order_n and_o decency_n that_o out_o of_o moderator_n of_o synod_n a_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v then_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n subject_a to_o they_o as_o concern_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1580._o whereby_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o scripture_n if_o corruption_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n may_v be_v neglect_v no_o less_o than_o that_o at_o glosgow_n 1610._o but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a that_o prior_n act_v of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n give_v place_n to_o the_o posterior_n for_o posteriora_fw-la derogant_fw-la prioribus_fw-la and_o there_o pass_v not_o full_a six_o year_n when_o a_o general_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n find_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 and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n present_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_n and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_n only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o for_o that_o act_n at_o montrose_n let_v they_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o have_v their_o call_n by_o that_o commission_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v of_o the_o chapter_n of_o our_o cathedrall_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n by_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o approbation_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n for_o our_o temporality_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la next_o unto_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a governor_n but_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o cyprian_n his_o complaint_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 14._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la periculum_fw-la metuere_fw-la debemus_fw-la de_fw-la offensâ_fw-la domini_fw-la quando_fw-la aliqui_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la nec_fw-la evangelij_fw-la nec_fw-la loci_fw-la svi_fw-la memores_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la futurum_fw-la dei_fw-la judicium_fw-la neque_fw-la praepositum_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la omnino_fw-la sub_fw-la antecessoribus_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la contumelia_fw-la &_o contemptâ_fw-la praepositi_fw-la totum_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la atque_fw-la utinam_fw-la non_fw-la prostratâ_fw-la fratrum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la salute_v sibi_fw-la omne_fw-la vendicarent_fw-la contumelias_fw-la episcopatûs_fw-la nostri_fw-la dissimulare_fw-la &_o far_o possem_fw-la sicut_fw-la dissimulaut_fw-la semper_fw-la &_o pertuli_fw-la sed_fw-la dissimulandi_fw-la nunc_fw-la locus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quando_fw-la decipiatur_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la nostra_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la vestrum_fw-la qui_fw-la dùm_fw-la sine_fw-la ratione_fw-la restituendae_fw-la salutis_fw-la plausibiles_fw-la esse_fw-la cupiunt_fw-la magis_fw-la lapsis_fw-la obsunt_fw-la last_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o premise_n xii_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v and_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n and_o more_o absurd_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o mix_a meeting_n of_o presbyter_n and_o laic_n conveen_v without_o lawful_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o chalcedon_n can._n 9_o and_o council_n milevit_fw-la can._n 22._o and_o council_n carthag_n 2._o can._n 10._o nor_o do_v we_o 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_n assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v or_o of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n can_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n only_o we_o declare_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v against_o order_n decency_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n or_o by_o laic_n without_o authority_n and_o commission_n from_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o many_o more_o and_o for_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n lest_o by_o our_o silence_n we_o betray_v the_o church_n right_a his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o name_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_v and_o hold_v null_n in_o law_n divine_a and_o human_a and_o that_o no_o churchman_n be_v hold_v to_o appear_v before_o assist_v or_o approve_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o no_o letter_n petition_z subscription_n interlocutor_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 be_v any_o wise_a 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 or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o jurisdiction_n liberty_n privilege_n rent_n benefice_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n of_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o favour_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_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 on_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o such_o act_n and_o deed_n above_o mention_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_v and_o esteem_v 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 and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_v assemby_n do_v intend_v as_o we_o be_v inform_v to_o 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 warrantable_a but_o also_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o act_n of_o general_n 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 reform_a religion_n authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v and_o brand_a of_o reform_a church_n with_o the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n we_o protest_v before_o god_n and_o man_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 reform_a religion_n nor_o be_v repute_v a_o deed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n we_o protest_v that_o we_o embrace_v and_o hold_v that_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n thereof_o receive_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n the_o year_n 1567._o be_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o do_v detest_v all_o contrary_a error_n we_o protest_v that_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o oppose_v and_o impugn_a for_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n either_o 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 in_o this_o church_n these_o many_o year_n by_o past_a most_o evident_a in_o plant_v of_o church_n with_o able_a and_o learned_a minister_n recover_v of_o the_o church_n rend_v help_v of_o the_o minister_n stipend_n prevent_v of_o these_o jar_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n which_o in_o former_a time_n dangerous_o infest_a the_o same_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o
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_a assembly_n bolden_v at_o glasgow_n novemb_n 21._o 1638._o london_n print_v by_o john_n raworth_n for_o george_n thomason_n and_o octavian_n pullen_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v be_v their_o shop_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1639._o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n that_o this_o be_v print_v for_o the_o which_o this_o shall_v be_v your_o warrant_n hamilton_n 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 of_o scotland_n whereas_o it_o have_v please_v the_o king_n majesty_n to_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v at_o glasgow_n novemb_n 21._o 1638._o for_o compose_v and_o settle_v of_o the_o distraction_n of_o the_o same_o first_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v that_o a_o general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o orderly_o convene_v be_v a_o most_o necessary_a and_o effectual_a means_n for_o remove_v those_o evil_n wherewith_o the_o say_a church_n be_v infest_a and_o for_o settle_v that_o order_n which_o become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o wish_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o meeting_n of_o a_o peaceable_a and_o orderly_a assembly_n to_o that_o effect_n second_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v as_o become_v good_a christian_n and_o faithful_a subject_n that_o his_o majesty_n have_v authority_n by_o his_o prerogative_n royal_a to_o call_v assembly_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o and_o 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 i_o free_a general_n 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 two_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 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 parl._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 ae_z 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-appointed_n 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 dioeese_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 iii_o 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 and_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 jac._n 6._o parl._n 18._o cap._n 1._o car._n parl._n cap._n 1._o do_v proport_v 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 alledgeance_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 defond_a 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 halyrudehouse_n sept._n 24._o 1638._o and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o his_o majesty_n liedge_n 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 liedge_n 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 convene_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 assemby_a 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 iii_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_a 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_n 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 liedge_n 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_v 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 jam._n 6._o par_fw-fr 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 ja._n 6._o par_fw-fr 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_n 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_n 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_n 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 sept._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 proceed_v which_o how_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o majesty_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o that_o judgement_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v and_o do_v call_v god_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v if_o these_o be_v fit_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n intend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n giving_z and_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n iv._o aforesaid_a direct_v commissioner_n in_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o this_o meeting_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o say_v presbytery_n have_v the_o authority_n to_o direct_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n yet_o have_v they_o now_o lose_v and_o fall_v from_o all_o such_o right_a if_o any_o they_o have_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v depose_v the_o moderator_n who_o be_v lawful_o appoint_v to_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o synod_n and_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o place_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o and_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o ordain_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderator_n at_o these_o meeting_n and_o in_o their_o absence_n the_o minister_n who_o the_o bishop_n shall_v appoint_v at_o the_o synod_n so_o these_o meeting_n have_v disclaim_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n depose_v their_o lawful_a moderator_n and_o choose_v other_o without_o authority_n can_v be_v esteem_v lawful_a convocation_n that_o can_v have_v lawful_a power_n of_o send_v out_o commissioner_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o do_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o commission_n v._o flow_v from_o such_o meeting_n further_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v associate_v to_o themselves_o a_o laic_a roll_a elder_a as_o they_o call_v they_o out_o of_o every_o session_n and_o parish_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o parish_n or_o the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o bound_n do_v over-rule_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n both_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o their_o number_n be_v more_o than_o the_o minister_n whereof_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 in_o list_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 and_o in_o effect_n the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o clergy_n be_v choose_v by_o lay-man_n contrary_a to_o all_o order_n decency_n and_o custom_n observe_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n no_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v the_o presbytery_n former_o never_a associate_a to_o themselves_o lay-elder_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n 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 declare_v otherwise_o their_o meeting_n not_o necessary_a and_o provide_v express_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v equal_a but_o few_o in_o number_n then_o the_o pastor_n as_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrew_n april_n 24._o 1582._o where_o master_n andrew_n melvill_n be_v moderator_n do_v appear_v like_a as_o these_o forty_o year_n by_o go_v and_o upward_o long_o before_o the_o re-establish_a of_o bishop_n these_o lay-elder_n 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 it_o do_v no_o wise_n appear_v that_o those_o lay-elder_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o choose_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n authorise_v presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n nor_o have_v lay-elder_n sit_v ordinary_o in_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o occasion_n these_o forty_o year_n and_o upward_o nor_o ever_o have_v any_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n for_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o consequent_o these_o choose_v by_o they_o to_o this_o assembly_n have_v no_o lawful_a power_n nor_o authority_n vi_o beside_o the_o person_n ecclesiastical_a pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n have_v so_o behave_v themselves_o that_o just_o they_o may_v be_v think_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n to_o a_o sree_n and_o lawful_a assembly_n 1._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 liedge_n to_o rebellion_n aver_v that_o all_o authority_n sovereign_a be_v original_o in_o the_o collective_a body_n derive_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o negligence_n it_o be_v suppletiuè_n in_o the_o collective_a body_n as_o be_v cummunicate_a from_o the_o commontie_z to_o the_o king_n cumulatiuè_n not_o privatiuè_n but_o also_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n to_o return_v to_o the_o collective_a body_n so_o that_o rex_fw-la excidit_fw-la jure_fw-la svo_fw-la and_o that_o they_o may_v refuse_v obedience_n 2._o next_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v
such_o as_o have_v either_o be_v schismatical_o refractory_a and_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n or_o such_o as_o have_v promise_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n have_v never_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o oath_n or_o such_o as_o have_v swear_v and_o according_o practise_v yet_o contrary_a to_o their_o promise_n and_o practice_v have_v resile_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o order_n or_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n or_o convene_v at_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o the_o ordinary_n or_o a_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n for_o diverse_a transgression_n deserve_v deprivation_n as_o first_o for_o utter_v in_o their_o sermon_n rash_a and_o irreverent_a speech_n in_o pulpit_n against_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o their_o proceed_n punishable_a by_o deprivation_n by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n may_v 22._o 1590._o next_o for_o reprove_v his_o majesty_n law_n statute_n and_o ordinance_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o perth_n maij_fw-la 1._o 1596._o three_o for_o express_v of_o man_n name_n in_o pulpit_n or_o describe_v they_o vive_o to_o their_o reproach_n where_o there_o be_v no_o notorious_a fault_n against_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n four_o for_o use_v application_n in_o their_o sermon_n not_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o present_a auditory_a contrary_a to_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n five_o for_o keep_v convention_n not_o allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n contrary_a to_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n six_o for_o receive_v of_o people_n of_o other_o minister_n flock_n to_o the_o communion_n contrary_a to_o order_n act_n of_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n seven_o for_o intrude_a themselves_o into_o other_o man_n pulpit_n without_o call_v or_o authority_n eight_o for_o usurp_a the_o authority_n to_o covent_n their_o brethren_n and_o proceed_v against_o they_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n nine_o for_o press_v the_o people_n to_o subscribe_v a_o covenant_n not_o allow_v by_o authority_n and_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v 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 counsel_n beside_o many_o personal_a fault_n and_o enormity_n whereof_o many_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a which_o in_o charity_n we_o forbear_v to_o express_v but_o hereby_o it_o do_v appear_v how_o unfit_a these_o person_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n scripture_n or_o vii_o practice_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o layman_n shall_v be_v authorize_v to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n in_o that_o act_n of_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o these_o elder_n pretend_v to_o have_v this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o warrant_n express_v for_o they_o to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v their_o presence_n and_o assistance_n we_o approve_v be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o prince_n the_o king_n majesty_n presence_n in_o person_n or_o by_o his_o delegate_n we_o hold_v most_o necessary_a to_o see_v all_o thing_n orderly_a and_o peaceable_o do_v and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n nor_o do_v we_o refuse_v that_o any_o intelligent_a or_o moderate_a man_n may_v make_v remonstrance_n of_o his_o opinion_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o that_o way_n that_o become_v he_o in_o a_o national_n assembly_n due_a reverence_n be_v keep_v and_o confusion_n avoid_v but_o that_o any_o layman_n except_o he_o be_v delegate_v by_o sovereign_a authority_n shall_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o definitive_a and_o decisive_a voice_n we_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v intrusion_n upon_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o without_o warrant_n may_v we_o not_o therefore_o entreat_v my_o lord_n commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o four_o general_n council_n at_o chalcedon_n mitte_fw-la for_o as_o superstuos_a nor_o will_v a_o pious_a prince_n be_v offend_v with_o it_o but_o with_o theodosius_n the_o young_a will_v say_v illegitimum_fw-la est_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o ordine_fw-la sanctissimorum_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la ecclesiasticis_fw-la immisceri_fw-la tractatibus_fw-la and_o pulcheria_n the_o empress_n command_v strategus_n ut_fw-la clerici_fw-la monachi_fw-la &_o laici_fw-la vi_fw-la repellerentur_fw-la exceptis_fw-la paucis_fw-la illis_fw-la quos_fw-la episcopi_fw-la secum_fw-la duxerunt_fw-la upon_o this_o respect_n be_v martinus_n in_o that_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n move_v to_o say_v non_fw-la esse_fw-la suum_fw-la sed_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la tantum_fw-la subscribere_fw-la viii_o if_o these_o pretend_a commissioner_n both_o lay_v and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v lawful_o authorize_v as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o and_o for_o none_o other_o cause_n declinable_a yet_o the_o law_n do_v admit_v that_o just_o a_o judge_n may_v be_v decline_v who_o be_v probable_o suspect_v and_o of_o all_o propability_n this_o be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a when_o the_o judge_n before_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n do_v give_v sentence_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v to_o judge_v this_o make_v our_o reformer_n protestation_n against_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n valide_fw-la and_o their_o not_o compear_v justifiable_a because_o pope_n leo_n 10._o have_v precondemn_v luther_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o bull_n date_v 8._o juni_fw-la 1520_o renew_v by_o paul_n 3._o date_v in_o august_n 1535._o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o athanasius_n will_v not_o give_v his_o appearance_n at_o some_o counsel_n nor_o hosius_n of_o corduba_n nor_o maximus_n patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n but_o so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o meeting_n have_v precondemn_v episcopal_a government_n and_o condemn_v at_o least_o suspend_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n concern_v the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n have_v approven_v their_o covenant_n as_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o not_o only_o have_v give_v judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o hand_n but_o by_o most_o solemn_a oath_n have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o defend_v and_o stand_v to_o the_o same_o as_o do_v appear_v by_o their_o covenant_n petition_n protestation_n pamphlet_n libel_n and_o sermon_n and_o therefore_o by_o no_o law_n nor_o equity_n can_v these_o pretend_a commissioner_n be_v admit_v to_o determine_v in_o this_o meeting_n concern_v these_o person_n and_o point_n which_o before_o hand_n they_o have_v so_o unjust_o condemn_v further_o with_o no_o law_n nor_o reason_n can_v it_o subsist_v that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v be_v both_o judge_n and_o ix_o party_n and_o we_o appeal_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o honest_a man_n if_o all_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pretend_a commissioner_n have_v not_o declare_v themselves_o party_n to_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n for_o in_o that_o they_o have_v decline_v the_o bishop_n to_o be_v their_o judge_n as_o be_v their_o party_n as_o their_o declinator_n petition_n declaration_n and_o protestation_n do_v bear_v have_v they_o not_o simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la &_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v party_n against_o bishop_n who_o they_o have_v not_o only_o decline_v but_o persecute_v by_o their_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n vent_v by_o word_n and_o write_v in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a by_o invade_v their_o person_n oppose_v and_o oppress_v they_o by_o strength_n of_o a_o unlawful_a combination_n for_o the_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v whereof_o they_o have_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n indict_v and_o keep_v fast_n not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o church_n but_o where_o worthy_a man_n refuse_v to_o be_v accessary_a to_o these_o disorderly_a and_o impious_a course_n they_o have_v by_o aid_n of_o the_o unruly_a multitude_n enter_v their_o church_n usurp_v upon_o their_o charge_n read_v and_o cause_v to_o be_v read_v that_o unlawful_a covenant_n by_o threaten_v and_o menace_v compel_v some_o otherwise_o unwilling_a out_o of_o just_a fear_n to_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o it_o by_o processing_n suspend_v &_o remove_v obedient_a and_o worthy_a minister_n from_o their_o place_n by_o the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o their_o table_n and_o presbytery_n and_o whereas_o by_o all_o law_n and_o justice_n person_n find_v themselves_o wrong_v in_o judgement_n have_v never_o be_v deny_v the_o remedy_n of_o declinatory_n and_o appellation_n nevertheless_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o presbytery_n have_v proceed_v against_o sundry_a worthy_a minister_n who_o have_v decline_v and_o appeal_v from_o their_o judgement_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o defence_n by_o these_o mean_n
much_o less_o to_o write_v a_o book_n against_o a_o brother_n 2._o against_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o rebuke_v a_o elder_a but_o to_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n jam._n 6_o par_fw-fr 8._o discharge_v all_o person_n to_o impugn_v or_o to_o procure_v the_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o 3._o against_o all_o lawful_a and_o formal_a proceed_n special_o that_o prescribe_v by_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n at_o perth_n martij_fw-la 1._o 1596._o whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o summons_n contain_v the_o special_a cause_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o say_a libel_n do_v not_o name_a only_o general_a calumny_n reproach_n and_o aspersion_n without_o instruction_n of_o any_o particular_a but_o leave_v these_o to_o be_v fill_v up_o by_o malicious_a delation_n after_o they_o have_v defame_v their_o brethren_n by_o publish_v this_o libel_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 8._o and_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n and_o against_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrew_n april_n 24._o 1582._o whereby_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o in_o process_n of_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n there_o be_v a_o libel_v precept_n upon_o forty_o day_n warning_n be_v within_o the_o realm_n and_o threescore_o day_n be_v without_o the_o realm_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o kirk_n and_o such_o commissioner_n thereof_o as_o elect_v and_o admit_v the_o person_n complain_v of_o summon_v they_o to_o compeare_v and_o answer_v upon_o the_o complaint_n and_o in_o case_n of_o their_o absence_n at_o the_o first_o summons_n the_o second_o to_o be_v direct_v upon_o the_o like_a warning_n with_o certification_n if_o he_o fail_v the_o libel_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o probation_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la which_o form_n not_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o summons_n infer_v the_o punishment_n of_o deprivation_n the_o same_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o the_o order_n of_o that_o assembly_n 4._o against_o common_a equity_n which_o admit_v summons_n only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o judge_n before_o who_o the_o delinquent_n be_v to_o compeare_v whereby_o the_o summon_v direct_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o pretend_a presbytery_n can_v sustain_v for_o compearance_n before_o the_o general_n assembly_n nor_o can_v reference_n be_v make_v from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o party_n never_o be_v summon_v to_o compeare_v before_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o either_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o party_n or_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n the_o complaint_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o there_o be_v no_o citation_n before_o the_o reference_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o say_a instruction_n and_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o odious_a form_n it_o be_v to_o insert_v such_o a_o calumnious_a libel_n in_o the_o presbytery-book_n without_o cite_v of_o the_o party_n to_o answer_v thereto_o and_o to_o cite_v bishop_n before_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o the_o say_a libel_n by_o publish_v the_o same_o at_o church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n and_o be_v many_o mile_n distant_a we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o indifferent_a man_n 5._o against_o all_o decency_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o man_n of_o their_o place_n the_o say_a person_n be_v man_n of_o dignity_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n and_o know_v to_o be_v of_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o to_o have_v deserve_v well_o thus_o to_o be_v revile_v and_o traduce_v do_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n 6._o last_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o informality_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o we_o charge_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o they_o must_v answer_v before_o his_o great_a and_o fearful_a tribunal_n if_o they_o suspect_v and_o know_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v to_o be_v free_a of_o these_o crime_n wherewith_o they_o charge_v they_o at_o least_o of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o 11_o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n have_v therein_o libel_v the_o general_a and_o have_v yet_o to_o seek_v the_o specification_n thereof_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v furnish_v it_o by_o which_o informal_a and_o malicious_a proceed_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o our_o say_a party_n do_v seek_v our_o disgrace_n and_o overthrow_n most_o malicious_o and_o illegal_o and_o therefore_o we_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o barbarous_a and_o violent_a persecution_n that_o all_o circumstance_n be_v consider_v have_v few_o or_o none_o to_o parallel_v it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o decline_v the_o say_v pretend_a commissioner_n as_o our_o party_n moreover_o can_v these_o man_n expect_v but_o in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o enorm_a transgression_n foresay_v and_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o canon-law_n against_o the_o pope_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o any_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_n himself_o but_o to_o choose_v arbitrator_n and_o this_o may_v militate_v against_o they_o except_o they_o be_v more_o unruly_a than_o pope_n ludovicus_n bavarus_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o germany_n with_o he_o do_v plead_v this_o nullity_n against_o the_o sentence_n and_o proceed_n of_o pope_n john_n 22._o and_o of_o his_o council_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o cullen_n 1546._o do_v plead_v the_o nullity_n of_o paul_n 3._o his_o bull_n of_o excommunication_n because_o he_o protest_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o lawful_a council_n shall_v be_v open_v he_o will_v implead_v the_o pope_n as_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n censurable_a by_o the_o council_n but_o the_o late_a protestation_n do_v show_v the_o author_n x._o thereof_o to_o be_v no_o less_o injurious_a to_o our_o place_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o be_v over_o ween_v of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n have_v place_n nor_o voice_n deliberative_a or_o decisive_a in_o general_n assembly_n except_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o elect_v by_o their_o presbyterial_a meeting_n consist_v of_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o without_o warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o also_o do_v infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o precedent_n for_o matter_n xi_o of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neither_o the_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n but_o he_o who_o by_o plurality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o layman_n voice_n shall_v be_v elect_v which_o happy_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o a_o lay-person_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o whereas_o canonical_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o primate_n shall_v preside_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a can._n 6._o of_o antioch_n can._n 9_o and_o of_o the_o imperial_a law_n novel_a constitut_o 123._o cap._n 10._o and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o law_n for_o what_o place_n in_o assembly_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v in_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o same_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n in_o scotland_n and_o yet_o still_o do_v retain_v except_o by_o some_o municipal_a law_n it_o have_v be_v restrain_v which_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o authority_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n 1592._o be_v restore_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n 1606._o and_o 1609._o and_o all_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n abrogate_a neither_o do_v that_o act_n 1592._o establish_v general_n assembly_n debar_v bishop_n from_o preside_v therein_o nor_o the_o abrogation_n of_o their_o commission_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o act_n of_o parl._n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n imply_v and_o infer_v the_o abrogation_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o parl._n but_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a oversight_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o charge_n whereto_o belong_v the_o presidentship_n in_o all_o assembly_n for_o matter_n spiritual_a always_o with_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n that_o huc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o be_v