themselves_o either_o to_o justify_v or_o excuse_v that_o their_o intolerable_a riot_n and_o contempt_n first_o by_o speech_n and_o then_o by_o writ_n they_o give_v in_o the_o declinator_fw-la follow_v as_o disclaim_v themselves_o altogether_o from_o any_o subjection_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o counsel_n make_v all_o their_o action_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n by_o their_o own_o interpretation_n to_o be_v mere_a spiritual_a and_o that_o their_o meeting_n the_o second_o of_o july_n last_o at_o the_o borough_n of_o aberdene_n be_v such_o a_o essential_a ecclesiastical_a matter_n warrant_v by_o god_n word_n that_o therein_o they_o do_v no_o offence_n and_o if_o any_o they_o have_v do_v the_o counsel_n of_o any_o secular_a prince_n be_v no_o way_n to_o judge_v they_o but_o their_o own_o assembly_n a_o most_o lewd_a &_o vain_a position_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a maxim_n in_o the_o law_n that_o their_o answer_n can_v not_o exceed_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o libel_n and_o accusation_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v only_o accuse_v at_o that_o time_n for_o such_o a_o private_a and_o unlawful_a misdemeanour_n their_o declinator_fw-la can_v not_o but_o direct_o deny_v his_o majesty_n authority_n in_o that_o particular_a point_n whereof_o we_o have_v likewise_o set_v down_o the_o tenor_n my_o lord_n of_o secret_a counsel_n please_v your_o lordship_n the_o approbation_n or_o disallowance_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o matter_n and_o cause_n spiritual_a and_o always_o cognosce_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o church_n as_o judge_n competent_a within_o this_o realm_n and_o see_v we_o be_v call_v before_o your_o lordship_n to_o hear_v and_o see_v it_o be_v find_v and_o declare_v that_o we_o have_v very_o contemptuous_o and_o seditious_o convene_v and_o assemble_v ourselves_o in_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o abeirdein_n the_o first_o tuesday_n of_o july_n last_o and_o therefore_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o approbation_n thereof_o decern_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v unlawful_a as_o at_o more_o length_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o summons_n execute_v against_o we_o thereanent_a we_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o premise_n and_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v by_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o decline_v your_o lordship_n judgement_n as_o no_o way_n competent_a in_o the_o cause_n above_o specify_v and_o by_o these_o present_v we_o simpliciter_fw-la decline_v the_o same_o see_v we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n only_a judge_n competent_a by_o these_o present_v subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n as_o follow_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 24._o day_n of_o october_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1605._o year_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la m._n john_n forbes_n m._n john_n welsche_n m._n jon_n monro_n m._n androe_n duncane_n m_o alexander_n stranchane_n m._n james_n greig_n m._n william_n forbes_n m._n robert_n yongston_n m._n nathan_n inglis_n m._n charles_n farm_n m._n james_n irw_v m._n john_n scharp_n m._n robert_n durie_n john_n rosse_n this_o declinator_n be_v repel_v and_o they_o have_v use_v some_o other_o frivolous_a defence_n with_o more_o loss_n of_o time_n then_o utter_v of_o any_o matter_n at_o last_o all_o be_v repel_v they_o be_v find_v to_o have_v convene_v most_o unlawful_o contrary_a to_o his_o majesty_n warrant_n and_o charge_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o be_v return_v to_o their_o several_a prison_n upon_o advertisement_n give_v to_o his_o majesty_n of_o the_o whole_a proceed_n in_o that_o process_n before_o the_o counsel_n and_o of_o that_o proud_a presumption_n of_o those_o minister_n in_o propound_v the_o say_a declinator_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o maij_fw-la 1584._o or_o any_o pain_n which_o they_o incur_v by_o do_v thereof_o which_o be_v that_o any_o person_n either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a presume_v to_o decline_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o counsel_n in_o any_o matter_n whatsoever_o shall_v incur_v the_o pain_n of_o treason_n therefore_o his_o majesty_n present_o send_v his_o royal_a direction_n to_o his_o counsel_n that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o justice_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o his_o highness_n realm_n shall_v proceed_v against_o those_o minister_n who_o by_o the_o propound_v of_o that_o declinature_n have_v make_v a_o plain_a denial_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o of_o his_o royal_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o whereupon_o six_o of_o they_o be_v then_o in_o prison_n within_o the_o castle_n of_o blackness_a be_v upon_o the_o ten_o of_o januarie_n last_o bring_v to_o his_o majesty_n borough_n of_o lynlithgrw_n and_o there_o present_v upon_o panel_n before_o his_o highness_n justice_n be_v the_o ordinary_a judge_n of_o all_o matter_n criminal_a who_o have_v join_v to_o he_o a_o great_a number_n of_o nobleman_n and_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n counsel_n by_o his_o highness_n commission_n to_o assist_v the_o say_a justice_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o their_o indictment_n be_v ground_v upon_o that_o first_o statute_n make_v in_o maij_fw-la 1584._o and_o upon_o that_o their_o presumptuous_a fact_n in_o decline_v the_o counsel_n judgement_n when_o they_o be_v first_o bring_v to_o their_o answer_n they_o be_v then_o demand_v what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o before_o the_o matter_n shall_v pass_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o jury_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o some_o of_o their_o own_o brethren_n upon_o earnest_a request_n to_o the_o counsel_n have_v obtain_v licence_n &_o permission_n to_o confer_v with_o they_o and_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o humble_a submission_n and_o penitence_n as_o likewise_o that_o their_o two_o principal_a procurator_n and_o counsellor_n at_o law_n not_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o same_o course_n of_o humility_n wherein_o they_o deal_v with_o they_o earnest_o do_v upon_o their_o obstinacy_n direct_o refuse_v to_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o last_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o be_v public_o admonish_v by_o the_o judge_n the_o very_a time_n of_o their_o stand_n at_o the_o bar_n that_o put_v off_o that_o mask_n ot_fw-mi wilfulness_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o so_o blind_v they_o from_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n they_o will_v humble_o crave_v his_o majesty_n pardon_n of_o who_o great_a clemency_n in_o case_n of_o their_o submission_n all_o that_o be_v present_a have_v very_o great_a hope_n and_o utter_v great_a assurance_n yet_o such_o be_v their_o malignant_a and_o indurate_a obstinacy_n as_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o these_o public_a and_o private_a persuasion_n and_o admonition_n they_o wilful_o persist_v in_o justify_v their_o action_n have_v still_o the_o assistance_n of_o so_o many_o counselor_n at_o law_n as_o will_v stay_v with_o they_o and_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o can_v allege_v for_o themselves_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o assize_n be_v that_o the_o say_a statute_n of_o maij_fw-la 1584._o be_v thereafter_o interpret_v and_o limit_v by_o a_o particular_a clause_n of_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o 1592._o wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o say_a act_n make_v in_o 1584._o against_o the_o decline_a of_o the_o counsel_n judgement_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a nor_o derogate_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n or_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n special_o ground_v and_o have_v the_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o herein_o they_o do_v allege_v that_o their_o meeting_n at_o that_o time_n in_o aberdene_n be_v a_o essential_a censure_n warrant_v by_o god_n word_n they_o may_v lawful_o decline_v the_o counsel_n judgement_n from_o take_v cognition_n therein_o whereunto_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o his_o majesty_n advocate_n of_o that_o his_o highness_n kingdom_n that_o that_o their_o defence_n be_v to_o be_v repel_v because_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o assembly_n at_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o appoint_v of_o another_o assembly_n of_o new_a contrary_a to_o his_o majesty_n charge_n and_o against_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o his_o highness_n counsel_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o disassent_v of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n much_o less_o the_o keep_n of_o that_o petty_a conventicle_n in_o the_o town_n of_o aberdene_n that_o second_o of_o july_n last_o pass_v be_v not_o any_o head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n or_o essential_a censure_n whatsoever_o and_o so_o be_v no_o way_n under_o that_o limitation_n must_v of_o all_o necessity_n come_v under_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o former_a statute_n in_o the_o 84._o and_o they_o must_v have_v incur_v the_o pain_n of_o treason_n for_o decline_v the_o counsel_n judgement_n be_v call_v to_o their_o answer_n upon_o their_o contempt_n and_o likewise_o in_o that_o same_o very_a clause_n of_o interpretation_n of_o the_o former_a act_n however_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o say_a statute_n shall_v no_o way_n make_v derogation_n to_o the_o privilege_n that_o the_o office_n bearer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v give_v they_o concern_v religion_n heresy_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n wherein_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v ever_o far_o from_o the_o assume_v unto_o himself_o any_o papal_a and_o tyrannical_a authority_n over_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o that_o clause_n infer_v such_o a_o privative_a of_o his_o majesty_n sovereignty_n as_o may_v denude_v he_o of_o that_o lawful_a power_n which_o christian_n king_n have_v over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v within_o their_o dominion_n the_o matter_n go_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o assize_n these_o six_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n and_o return_v to_o their_o several_a prison_n and_o therefore_o as_o hereby_o this_o proud_a contempt_n and_o disobedience_n of_o this_o small_a handful_n of_o ministry_n to_o the_o very_a great_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n of_o all_o the_o well_o dispose_v of_o that_o profession_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v clere_o and_o true_o set_v down_o that_o the_o ignorance_n thereof_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n enforce_v this_o hard_a proceed_n against_o they_o so_o be_v the_o say_v wilful_a and_o obstinate_a person_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o just_a punishment_n for_o their_o desert_n whereunto_o they_o have_v most_o contentious_o constrain_v his_o majesty_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n extort_a the_o same_o against_o his_o will_n and_o nevertheless_o since_o there_o be_v no_o contempt_n whatsoever_o but_o have_v the_o own_o favourer_n no_o folly_n but_o by_o some_o patronise_v and_o allow_v and_o that_o upon_o vain_a curiosity_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o contrary_a some_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o maintain_v paradox_n and_o defend_v absurdity_n which_o howsoever_o in_o matter_n frivolous_a and_o of_o no_o moment_n may_v be_v overslipt_v &_o not_o regard_v yet_o in_o such_o matter_n concern_v his_o majesty_n royal_a authority_n and_o the_o excuse_v or_o justify_v of_o high_a and_o proud_a contempt_n by_o any_o sort_n or_o rank_n of_o person_n so_o far_o shall_v we_o of_o his_o highness_n counsel_n in_o our_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n to_o our_o prince_n and_o sovereign_n be_v from_o any_o sort_n of_o carelessness_n or_o negligence_n as_o hereby_o we_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o signify_v his_o majesty_n special_a pleasure_n and_o will_n that_o he_o do_v straight_o command_v &_o charge_v all_o his_o highness_n subject_n of_o this_o his_o kingdom_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n place_n calling_z function_n or_o condition_n they_o be_v that_o none_o of_o they_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a to_o murmur_v or_o call_v in_o question_n in_o any_o sort_n this_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n and_o authority_n royal_a or_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o proceed_n against_o the_o say_a minister_n or_o any_o way_n to_o make_v construction_n or_o to_o misinterprete_a that_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o year_n 1584._o concern_v the_o decline_a of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o counsel_n judgement_n otherwise_o then_o the_o same_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o manifest_a by_o this_o present_a decision_n of_o the_o justice_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o say_a minister_n with_o certification_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v contravene_v the_o same_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v real_o punish_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o seditious_a person_n and_o wilful_a contemner_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o just_a and_o lawful_a government_n give_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o seven_o day_n of_o march_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o his_o majesty_n reign_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o jreland_n 1606._o
for_o hold_v of_o a_o new_a assembly_n upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o which_o letter_n the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o their_o missive_n direct_v unto_o all_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n certify_v they_o of_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n and_o will_n concern_v the_o desert_v of_o that_o meeting_n will_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o any_o case_n send_v their_o commissioner_n to_o keep_v that_o day_n former_o appoint_v and_o now_o by_o his_o majesty_n warrant_v desert_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v expect_v the_o appoint_v of_o a_o new_a day_n and_o place_n for_o keep_v of_o a_o assembly_n but_o so_o far_o be_v some_o of_o the_o ministry_n from_o make_v any_o account_n of_o his_o majesty_n direction_n a_o thing_n most_o detestable_a in_o any_o subject_n much_o more_o in_o any_o of_o the_o ministry_n who_o doctrine_n life_n and_o whole_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v lantern_n to_o other_o of_o all_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o their_o prince_n as_o by_o the_o contrary_a in_o plain_a contempt_n thereof_o most_o seditious_o they_o convene_v at_o aberdene_n and_o be_v guilty_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o inhabilitie_n unworthiness_n and_o small_a gift_n conjoin_v with_o a_o bad_a inclination_n they_o be_v in_o despair_n that_o in_o do_v good_a they_o shall_v ever_o become_v memorable_a and_o overrule_v with_o a_o burn_a desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n resolve_v by_o overthrow_v the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o by_o induce_v all_o disorder_n thereinto_o to_o make_v themselves_o at_o least_o for_o their_o evil_n famous_a with_o that_o sometime_o burner_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o ephesus_n and_o howsoever_o the_o advertisement_n of_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n and_o will_n for_o the_o desert_v of_o the_o say_a assembly_n send_v by_o the_o commissioner_n be_v dutiful_o receive_v and_o willing_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n almost_o of_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o some_o few_o minister_n not_o exceed_v the_o number_n of_o eighteen_o or_o nineteen_o person_n at_o most_o overruling_a the_o rest_n of_o their_o poor_a brethren_n of_o their_o eight_o or_o nine_o several_a presbytery_n over_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o say_a brethren_n simplicity_n and_o their_o own_o craftiness_n they_o have_v get_v in_o time_n pass_v very_o much_o advantage_n &_o have_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n tie_v to_o their_o girdle_n to_o consent_v to_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o so_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o by_o their_o procurement_n the_o declaration_n of_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n be_v contemn_v and_o they_o themselves_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o that_o meeting_n which_o by_o his_o highness_n commandment_n be_v desert_v and_o we_o of_o his_o majesty_n counsel_n fear_v that_o the_o presumption_n of_o these_o few_o howsoever_o in_o word_n profess_v yet_o in_o their_o deed_n direct_o impugn_v his_o majesty_n authority_n royal_a under_o a_o colour_a pretext_n of_o their_o zeal_n to_o religion_n which_o alas_o be_v now_o most_o detestable_o abuse_v as_o a_o ordinary_a cover_n and_o excuse_v for_o every_o treason_n and_o trespass_n thus_o convening_n without_o regard_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v a_o dangerous_a preparative_n to_o the_o whole_a estate_n consider_v that_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o teacher_n of_o other_o be_v now_o become_v the_o only_a violator_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o their_o most_o gracious_a and_o religious_a sovereign_n therefore_o we_o direct_v sir_n alexander_n strayton_n of_o lawrenston_n knight_n to_o the_o say_a borough_n of_o aberdene_n with_o special_a warrant_n and_o commandment_n to_o prohibit_v and_o discharge_v that_o few_o number_n of_o minister_n from_o convening_n at_o all_o and_o also_o by_o a_o special_a missive_a write_v unto_o they_o we_o signify_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n concern_v the_o desert_v of_o that_o diet._n notwithstanding_o the_o publication_n of_o which_o charge_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o aberdene_n the_o day_n before_o their_o meeting_n they_o be_v all_o in_o town_n and_o of_o the_o delivery_n of_o our_o letter_n the_o next_o day_n thereafter_o they_o be_v all_o convened_a be_v so_o far_o from_o carry_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v direct_v and_o execute_v in_o his_o majesty_n name_n or_o to_o the_o missive_a send_v from_o we_o or_o to_o the_o bearer_n be_v his_o majesty_n commissioner_n in_o church_n affair_n as_o the_o first_o be_v contemn_v direct_o the_o letter_n be_v superficial_o answer_v and_o the_o bearer_n who_o presence_n at_o all_o their_o do_n be_v ordinary_o most_o necessary_a be_v nevertheless_o at_o this_o time_n exclude_v forth_o of_o door_n all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o keep_v that_o assembly_n till_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o particular_a relation_n of_o all_o which_o circumstance_n be_v faithful_o make_v to_o his_o majesty_n his_o highness_n take_v occasion_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o pen_v a_o declaration_n whereby_o not_o only_o all_o pretext_n of_o excuse_n or_o defence_n which_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o these_o minister_n be_v clear_o refute_v but_o also_o their_o proud_a contempt_n and_o disobedience_n be_v make_v so_o manifest_a as_o we_o do_v full_o assure_v ourselves_o no_o scruple_n of_o doubt_n will_v remain_v with_o any_o who_o be_v not_o perverse_o preoccupy_v to_o distrust_v all_o verity_n the_o declaration_n we_o have_v presume_v to_o insert_v in_o this_o place_n as_o it_o come_v from_o his_o majesty_n himself_o and_o be_v this_o because_o this_o unruly_a handful_n of_o minister_n that_o make_v the_o fashion_n of_o keep_v of_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n together_o with_o their_o associate_n and_o allower_n do_v so_o much_o brag_v of_o the_o equity_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o wilful_o maintain_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n be_v most_o just_a and_o necessary_a and_o if_o any_o error_n be_v therein_o it_o be_v only_o in_o form_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o necessity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unlawful_a restraint_n of_o their_o liberty_n as_o they_o allege_v we_o have_v herefore_o think_v good_a to_o set_v down_o most_o succinct_o and_o short_o the_o vine_n anatomy_n of_o their_o action_n and_o the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o power_n be_v join_v to_o reason_n as_o ever_o have_v be_v our_o constant_a form_n of_o proceed_v in_o all_o our_o government_n their_o nakedness_n be_v true_o discover_v the_o due_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o colour_n as_o well_o as_o their_o transgression_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o brag_v of_o warrant_n of_o conscience_n warrant_v of_o law_n the_o due_a observation_n of_o their_o own_o custom_n and_o liberty_n and_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o weal_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o true_a motive_n of_o this_o their_o unruly_a and_o seditious_a contempt_n the_o contrary_a of_o all_o these_o shall_v be_v make_v clear_o to_o appear_v and_o first_o for_o warrant_n of_o conscience_n for_o their_o general_a assembly_n which_o they_o term_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n they_o will_v not_o claim_v to_o any_o warrant_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n they_o can_v allege_v no_o warrant_n for_o general_a assembly_n but_o that_o convention_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o apostle_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o universal_a counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o no_o way_n like_a to_o a_o particular_a scots_a general_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v leave_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o warrant_n of_o particular_a nationall_n counsel_n to_o which_o warrant_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o claim_v in_o regard_n many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n such_o as_o vestment_n cross_n and_o confirmation_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o primitive_a church_n which_o they_o do_v utter_o abhor_v and_o since_o the_o emperor_n how_o soon_o they_o become_v christian_n have_v the_o only_a undoubted_a authority_n in_o their_o person_n of_o convening_n general_a counsel_n which_o never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o while_o the_o pope_n ascend_v to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o abomination_n how_o much_o less_o ought_v that_o authority_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a monarch_n in_o the_o assemble_v of_o a_o nationall_n council_n of_o his_o own_o subject_n who_o have_v far_o great_a and_o just_a dominion_n over_o his_o own_o people_n than_o any_o usurp_a emperor_n can_v claim_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o if_o they_o will_v allege_v the_o new_a pure_a writer_n of_o our_o day_n professor_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o by_o their_o missive_a letter_n both_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o have_v wish_v
time_n and_o that_o other_o of_o they_o have_v most_o undutiful_o in_o that_o same_o action_n make_v breach_n of_o some_o promise_n make_v by_o they_o unrequire_v to_o his_o majesty_n himself_o very_o few_o month_n before_o yet_o so_o superabundant_a be_v his_o lenity_n and_o patience_n towards_o they_o that_o after_o the_o commit_n of_o the_o contempt_n they_o be_v not_o commit_v present_o but_o suffer_v to_o stay_v at_o home_n at_o their_o own_o house_n neither_o be_v they_o present_o bring_v to_o their_o answer_n but_o his_o majesty_n most_o patient_o in_o hope_n of_o their_o repentance_n be_v please_v a_o long_a time_n to_o supersede_n the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o herewithal_o his_o majesty_n piety_n do_v most_o clear_o shine_v that_o be_v even_o since_o his_o infancy_n a_o most_o gracious_a nurse-father_n of_o the_o religion_n profess_v and_o protector_n of_o the_o professor_n but_o special_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o same_o and_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o contempt_n commit_v be_v so_o heinous_a as_o by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o justice_n his_o majesty_n may_v present_o have_v be_v avenge_v of_o those_o disdainer_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o royal_a commandment_n yet_o so_o far_o be_v his_o majesty_n from_o any_o rigorous_a proceed_n against_o they_o as_o by_o the_o contrary_a to_o the_o intent_n to_o recall_v they_o back_o who_o be_v now_o so_o far_o astray_o out_o of_o the_o pathway_n of_o obedience_n a_o most_o pitiful_a yea_o a_o most_o abominable_a thing_n in_o a_o minister_n it_o please_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n most_o gracious_o of_o himself_o to_o set_v down_o that_o former_a declaration_n that_o upon_o the_o view_n thereof_o these_o minister_n may_v see_v their_o offence_n confess_v their_o guiltiness_n and_o crave_v pardon_n wherein_o howsoever_o some_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o all_o their_o life_n and_o likewise_o at_o this_o time_n so_o rammage_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v recall_v by_o any_o lure_n yet_o be_v six_o or_o seven_o of_o that_o number_n of_o nineteen_o which_o first_o convene_v so_o move_v and_o touch_v with_o that_o open_a discovery_n make_v by_o that_o declarator_n of_o their_o oversight_n as_o in_o all_o humility_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n then_o present_a protest_v their_o great_a sorrow_n for_o their_o offence_n excuse_v themselves_o upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o purge_v themselves_o of_o all_o wilfulness_n in_o that_o action_n they_o beseech_v their_o lordship_n to_o be_v mediator_n at_o his_o majesty_n hand_n for_o a_o pardon_n to_o they_o who_o present_o upon_o their_o humble_a submission_n according_a as_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o signify_v his_o will_n and_o mind_n to_o his_o council_n be_v dismiss_v and_o send_v home_o to_o their_o house_n to_o attend_v their_o charge_n and_o ministry_n over_o their_o own_o flock_n so_o far_o be_v his_o majesty_n heart_n from_o intend_v any_o rigour_n against_o any_o of_o that_o profession_n as_o by_o the_o contrary_a by_o his_o majesty_n present_a pardon_v of_o they_o upon_o their_o submission_n it_o do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o his_o highness_n be_v far_o more_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v their_o penitence_n with_o clemency_n than_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a to_o deserve_v the_o same_o imitate_v herein_o his_o great_a king_n the_o king_n of_o all_o king_n who_o never_o desire_v the_o death_n but_o the_o amendment_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o those_o so_o dismiss_v upon_o their_o humble_a submission_n and_o repentance_n be_v man_n of_o no_o less_o gift_n but_o of_o far_o great_a sincerity_n know_v good_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o nothing_o inferior_a to_o those_o other_o which_o remain_v still_o obstinate_a but_o in_o unquietness_n of_o spirit_n haughtiness_n of_o mind_n and_o desire_v of_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o before_o any_o further_o be_v touch_v of_o their_o convent_v before_o any_o judge_n or_o that_o any_o relation_n be_v make_v how_o by_o their_o pertinacie_n of_o maintain_v the_o first_o fault_n be_v a_o most_o presumptuous_a riot_n they_o come_v next_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o no_o less_o offence_n than_o treason_n it_o be_v not_o unmeete_a that_o the_o very_a point_n of_o their_o first_o crime_n for_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o question_n to_o answer_v before_o his_o majesty_n counsel_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o as_o well_o to_o refute_v those_o vain_a subterfuge_n of_o excuse_n and_o pretext_n they_o make_v for_o their_o obstinacy_n as_o to_o remove_v from_o the_o godly_a religious_a and_o well_o dispose_v subject_n all_o scruple_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n whereof_o those_o minister_n and_o their_o favourite_n by_o lie_a rumour_n will_v sow_v the_o seed_n among_o the_o simple_a sort_n who_o they_o very_o well_o know_v and_o we_o often_o find_v to_o be_v too_o credulous_a of_o every_o false_a report_n as_o therefore_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n be_v not_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n so_o be_v it_o of_o verity_n that_o by_o this_o accusation_n against_o these_o disobedient_a minister_n there_o be_v nothing_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n nor_o yet_o of_o the_o power_n and_o limit_n thereof_o but_o that_o they_o have_v unlawful_o make_v a_o privy_a conventicle_n not_o only_o direct_o repugnant_a and_o against_o his_o majesty_n and_o counsel_n charge_n and_o direction_n but_o even_o as_o well_o against_o the_o continual_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o present_a consent_n which_o be_v well_o witness_v by_o all_o the_o presbytery_n abstain_v from_o direct_v any_o commissioner_n thither_o save_v that_o small_a number_n of_o presbytery_n already_o recite_v whereof_o they_o be_v the_o commissioner_n for_o they_o not_o only_o disobey_v his_o majesty_n authority_n who_o have_v discharge_v that_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n but_o even_o the_o will_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o own_o church_n who_o disassent_v to_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o only_o manifest_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n letter_n certify_v all_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o desert_v of_o the_o say_a assembly_n but_o also_o the_o church_n do_v by_o their_o not_o send_v of_o commissioner_n to_o that_o diet_n clear_o demonstrate_v their_o obedient_a acknowledgement_n and_o acquiesce_v to_o his_o majesty_n will_n in_o that_o behalf_n of_o who_o power_n and_o lawful_a authority_n in_o appoint_v or_o continue_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n of_o assembly_n they_o never_o doubt_v be_v so_o often_o practise_v as_o be_v already_o rehearse_v in_o his_o majesty_n own_o person_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o prerogative_n by_o that_o same_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o which_o they_o be_v warrant_v to_o keep_v the_o say_a assembly_n and_o if_o those_o minister_n who_o stand_v so_o obstinate_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o must_v confess_v have_v only_o warrant_v from_o that_o statute_n in_o 92._o will_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o prince_n may_v dispose_v of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o parliament_n itself_o as_o either_o to_o prolong_v hasten_v or_o desert_v the_o meeting_n thereof_o and_o be_v convene_v may_v dismiss_v the_o same_o without_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o therein_o what_o foolish_a prerogative_n and_o supereminence_n be_v this_o see_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v themselves_o subalteme_a which_o they_o will_v claim_v above_o the_o most_o supreme_a high_a &_o honourable_a meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n except_o it_o be_v as_o so_o many_o pope_n in_o their_o own_o conceit_n they_o will_v exemp_n themselves_o altogether_o from_o all_o saeculart_n power_n and_o so_o the_o particular_a cause_n whereupon_o these_o minister_n be_v convent_v before_o we_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o most_o seditious_o contemptuous_o and_o in_o plain_a disdain_n of_o his_o majesty_n princely_a commandment_n and_o authority_n royal_a do_v convene_v themselves_o in_o a_o privy_a conventicle_n which_o they_o wrong_v not_o only_a his_o majesty_n but_o the_o church_n as_o be_v already_o declare_v proud_o seditious_o and_o most_o false_o term_v and_o maintain_v to_o be_v a_o general_a assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o his_o highness_n pleasure_n and_o will_n signify_v to_o they_o and_o their_o presbytery_n by_o missive_n from_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n that_o the_o meet_v appoint_v at_o aberdene_n shall_v desert_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o prohibition_n by_o public_a proclamation_n at_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o aberdene_n and_o of_o our_o letter_n send_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o say_a sir_n alexander_n strayton_n and_o how_o unlawful_a and_o unduetifull_a their_o pretend_a excuse_n be_v be_v ground_v as_o they_o allege_v upon_o the_o fear_n which_o they_o conceive_v of_o the_o suppress_n
of_o their_o assembly_n and_o overthrow_v of_o their_o discipline_n by_o the_o desert_v of_o that_o assembly_n once_o appoint_v let_v the_o world_n judge_v since_o not_o only_o his_o majesty_n zeal_n and_o care_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o man_n but_o even_o in_o special_a his_o great_a love_n to_o this_o people_n in_o not_o intend_v to_o lay_v upon_o they_o any_o new_a form_n or_o ceremony_n be_v well_o manifest_v of_o late_a by_o that_o proclamation_n which_o his_o majesty_n have_v cause_v to_o be_v publish_v for_o clear_v of_o all_o such_o doubt_n out_o of_o his_o people_n heart_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o follow_v whereas_o we_o have_v ever_o since_o it_o please_v god_n to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o great_a britain_n equal_o regard_v the_o good_a of_o both_o the_o late_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n now_o happy_o unite_v in_o our_o royal_a person_n in_o one_o monarchy_n ever_o mind_v to_o maintain_v and_o continue_v the_o good_a and_o lowable_a custom_n and_o law_n whereby_o each_o of_o they_o have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n so_o worthy_o govern_v nevertheless_o some_o malicious_a spirit_n enemy_n to_o that_o common_a tranquillity_n so_o much_o desire_v by_o we_o forget_v the_o many_o proof_n both_o public_a and_o private_a which_o we_o have_v give_v of_o that_o our_o gracious_a affection_n to_o that_o our_o native_a and_o ancient_a country_n of_o north_n britain_n of_o the_o freedom_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o we_o have_v at_o all_o occasion_n take_v so_o special_a a_o patrociny_n as_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o south-britaine_n and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o estate_n of_o both_o kingdom_n have_v be_v eye_n witness_n have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o labour_v to_o pervert_v the_o mind_n of_o our_o best_a affect_a subject_n that_o whereas_o the_o insolent_a and_o factious_a carriage_n of_o some_o of_o they_o have_v merit_v most_o severe_a animadversion_n the_o will_v insinuate_v themselves_o in_o the_o commiseration_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o assume_v unto_o they_o a_o glorious_a profession_n of_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o auctorise_v discipline_n intend_v by_o we_o as_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v by_o a_o sudden_a and_o unseasonable_a lay_v upon_o they_o at_o this_o present_a the_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a order_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o kingdom_n of_o britain_n and_o as_o we_o have_v ever_o careful_o regard_v how_o convenient_a it_o be_v to_o maintain_v every_o country_n in_o that_o form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v fit_a and_o can_v best_o agree_v with_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o how_o dangerous_a alteration_n be_v without_o good_a advice_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o small_a land_n under_o our_o dominion_n we_o have_v abstain_v from_o suffer_v any_o alteration_n so_o doubt_v we_o not_o but_o our_o good_a subject_n will_v never_o be_v that_o credulous_a contrary_n to_o the_o know_a truth_n which_o have_v ever_o appear_v clear_o in_o all_o our_o action_n as_o to_o be_v in_o any_o doubt_n but_o as_o in_o all_o our_o procceding_n we_o have_v be_v a_o patron_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n then_o inseparable_a conseruer_n of_o all_o monarchy_n so_o have_v all_o our_o study_n and_o care_n ever_o be_v to_o retrench_v and_o reform_v all_o course_n that_o carry_v any_o prejudice_n to_o that_o integrity_n whereat_o we_o have_v ever_o aim_v and_o as_o by_o so_o many_o good_a law_n set_v forth_o in_o our_o government_n justice_n have_v attain_v to_o another_o perfection_n and_o splendour_n than_o it_o have_v in_o any_o our_o predecessor_n time_n and_o with_o painful_a and_o unpleasant_a business_n we_o have_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n take_v away_o innumerable_a abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v remedy_v have_v bring_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n in_o extreme_a danger_n yet_o we_o hope_v that_o none_o dare_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o by_o our_o sovereign_a power_n or_o absolute_a commandment_n we_o do_v the_o same_o although_o we_o enjoy_v our_o authority_n a_o free_o as_o any_o king_n or_o monarch_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o civil_a body_n be_v ever_o cure_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o three_o estate_n so_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o help_n and_o counsel_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a interest_n in_o they_o so_o as_o the_o presumption_n of_o our_o bygone_a action_n in_o our_o administration_n while_o we_o be_v present_a the_o proof_n of_o our_o fatherly_a care_n towards_o that_o part_n of_o our_o kingdom_n since_o our_o residence_n here_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v we_o against_o all_o such_o malicious_a calumniation_n and_o how_o ever_o in_o rule_n of_o policy_n we_o can_v but_o judge_v it_o convenient_a that_o two_o estate_n so_o inseparable_o conjoin_v shall_v be_v draw_v to_o as_o great_a conformity_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o good_a of_o both_o may_v permit_v and_o that_o no_o monarchy_n either_o in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n have_v yet_o attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n that_o it_o need_v no_o reformation_n or_o that_o infinite_a occasion_n may_v not_o arise_v whereupon_o wise_a prince_n will_v foresee_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o state_n just_a cause_n of_o alteration_n yet_o be_v we_o and_o have_v ever_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o make_v any_o sudden_a or_o hasty_a change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o kingdom_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a but_o with_o grave_a advice_n and_o consent_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a sort_n of_o they_o who_o it_o most_o proper_o concern_v much_o less_o to_o trouble_v they_o with_o any_o unnecessary_a alteration_n of_o indifferent_a and_o ceremonial_a matter_n and_o that_o upon_o such_o foresee_v advantage_n and_o prevention_n of_o confusion_n and_o evil_a to_o come_v as_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o all_o peace_n obedience_n to_o prince_n and_o order_n in_o all_o government_n shall_v not_o obtrude_v any_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o by_o god_n holy_a assistance_n we_o have_v draw_v that_o part_n of_o our_o kingdom_n out_o of_o infinite_a trouble_n faction_n and_o cruel_a barbarity_n and_o reduce_v the_o uttermost_a border_n and_o confine_n thereof_o to_o god_n obedience_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o law_n a_o estate_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o since_o this_o island_n have_v be_v inhabit_v so_o by_o the_o same_o divine_a providence_n and_o our_o fatherly_a care_n over_o the_o whole_a island_n we_o intend_v to_o transmit_v the_o same_o in_o good_a order_n happy_a quietness_n and_o flourish_a policy_n to_o that_o posterity_n wherewith_o god_n have_v bless_v we_o and_o after_o they_o to_o the_o world_n end_n like_v as_o for_o the_o more_o verification_n of_o our_o honourable_a intention_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o these_o unquiet_a spirit_n raysor_n of_o that_o false_a scandal_n of_o alteration_n we_o have_v appoint_v a_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o dundee_n the_o last_o tuesday_n of_o july_n whereat_o we_o expect_v reparation_n of_o those_o disorder_n in_o so_o far_o as_o belong_v to_o their_o censure_n and_o to_o be_v free_v in_o time_n come_v of_o all_o such_o calumny_n give_v at_o our_o honour_n of_o hampton_n court_n the_o xxuj_o day_n of_o september_n 1605._o year_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o our_o reign_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n after_o the_o publication_n and_o imprint_n of_o which_o proclamation_n for_o indiction_n of_o a_o new_a assembly_n it_o be_v still_o hope_v by_o we_o that_o those_o minister_n remain_v in_o ward_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o offence_n with_o repentance_n for_o the_o same_o shall_v humble_o have_v beseech_v his_o majesty_n for_o pardon_n yet_o do_v their_o obstinacy_n still_o continue_v justify_v all_o their_o proceed_n as_o if_o they_o have_v commit_v no_o crime_n at_o all_o whereupon_o we_o of_o his_o majesty_n counsel_n fear_v the_o imputation_n of_o unduetifull_a and_o undiligent_a servant_n if_o by_o this_o our_o procrastination_n upon_o vain_a hope_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o offence_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o every_o one_o censure_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o multitude_n according_a as_o their_o particular_a conceit_n shall_v lead_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o think_v meet_a to_o call_v they_o to_o their_o answer_n before_o we_o for_o that_o their_o most_o seditious_a proud_a and_o contemptuous_a disobedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n commandment_n and_o prohibition_n be_v call_v upon_o and_o all_o present_a and_o inquire_v what_o defence_n they_o will_v make_v for_o