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the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o foresay_a true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o also_o to_o the_o mutual_a defence_n and_o assistance_n every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n authority_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n our_o body_n mean_n and_o whole_a power_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o the_o least_o of_o we_o for_o that_o cause_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o do_v to_o we_o all_o in_o general_a and_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o direct_o nor_o indirect_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v divide_v or_o withdraw_v by_o whatsoever_o suggestion_n combination_n allurement_n or_o terror_n from_o this_o bless_a and_o loyal_a conjunction_n nor_o shall_v cast_v in_o any_o let_v or_o impediment_n that_o may_v stay_v or_o hinder_v any_o such_o resolution_n as_o by_o common_a consent_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o conduce_v for_o so_o good_a end_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a shall_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n labour_v to_o further_o and_o promove_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o such_o dangerous_a and_o divisive_a motion_n be_v make_v to_o we_o by_o word_n or_o write_v we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v either_o suppress_v it_o or_o if_o need_v be_v shall_v incontinent_a make_v the_o same_o know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timous_o obviate_v neither_o do_v we_o fear_v the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o rebellion_n combination_n or_o what_o else_o our_o adversary_n from_o their_o craft_n and_o malice_n will_v put_v upon_o we_o see_v what_o we_o do_v be_v so_o well_o warrant_v and_o arise_v from_o a_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o maintain_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o majesty_n of_o our_o king_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o common_a happiness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n and_o because_o we_o can_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o proceed_n except_o with_o our_o profession_n and_o subscription_n we_o join_v such_o a_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o beseem_v christian_n who_o have_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o therefore_o faithful_o promise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o follower_n and_o all_o other_o under_o we_o both_o in_o public_a in_o our_o particular_a family_n and_o personal_a carriage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v good_a example_n to_o other_o of_o all_o godliness_n soberness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o every_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n and_o that_o this_o our_o union_n and_o conjunction_n may_v be_v observe_v without_o violation_n 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will_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o call_v a_o parliament_n for_o those_o good_a end_n but_o that_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v conceive_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n thereby_o to_o cast_v off_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n for_o maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o being_n most_o willing_a to_o remove_v that_o as_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n therefore_o and_o for_o clear_v of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o imputation_n we_o do_v now_o in_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o 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assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o will_v undoubted_o redress_v all_o our_o evil_n settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o procure_v that_o chearfulnesse_n of_o obedience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v to_o his_o majesty_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o offer_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o best_a endeavour_n for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o do_v this_o petition_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o explication_n as_o shall_v give_v either_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n any_o satisfaction_n no_o for_o it_o contain_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o shake_v off_o their_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v give_v way_n to_o all_o their_o course_n which_o by_o this_o petition_n they_o justify_v so_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o will_v continue_v obedient_a subject_n if_o we_o will_v part_v from_o our_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o they_o will_v obey_v if_o we_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o command_v but_o where_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o to_o these_o word_n of_o their_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o mutual_a maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v have_v be_v add_v except_o the_o king_n and_o his_o successor_n that_o be_v refuse_v though_o even_o that_o can_v have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n unless_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n have_v make_v sedition_n and_o punishable_a with_o death_n upon_o notice_n give_v by_o our_o commissioner_n of_o his_o intend_a departure_n the_o debatement_n at_o their_o table_n grow_v very_o hot_a and_o fiery_a upon_o this_o point_n whether_o they_o shall_v present_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n and_o fall_v upon_o the_o violent_a course_n intend_v by_o they_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v grant_v some_o short_a time_n for_o his_o journey_n his_o stay_n with_o we_o his_o return_n to_o they_o again_o with_o our_o final_a answer_n and_o last_o resolution_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promise_v that_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o and_o continue_v all_o thing_n in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la until_o his_o return_n this_o last_o be_v agree_v unto_o though_o not_o without_o much_o contrariety_n of_o voice_n and_o so_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n come_v and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o this_o their_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o they_o will_v expect_v our_o answer_n and_o his_o return_n upon_o the_o five_o of_o august_n next_o at_o the_o further_a until_o which_o time_n they_o will_v break_v up_o their_o great_a meeting_n contain_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o by_o that_o day_n he_o do_v either_o not_o return_v or_o not_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o we_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o expect_v than_o they_o will_v hold_v themselves_o free_a and_o go_v on_o to_o prosecute_v the_o course_n which_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o us._n after_o our_o commissioner_n have_v at_o greenwich_n make_v we_o full_o acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o insolence_n we_o speedy_o dispatch_v he_o with_o new_a instruction_n and_o command_v he_o to_o return_v so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v back_o in_o scotland_n by_o the_o five_o of_o august_n and_o give_v he_o order_n for_o the_o indict_v both_o of_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o a_o parliament_n but_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v full_o satisfy_v by_o all_o information_n which_o he_o can_v convenient_o receive_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n with_o which_o perhaps_o many_o be_v not_o acquaint_v none_o have_v be_v keep_v for_o divers_a year_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v require_v good_a deliberation_n to_o agree_v both_o upon_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o for_o their_o person_n but_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o of_o what_o thing_n be_v usual_o treat_v and_o handle_v there_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o return_v into_o scotland_n but_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o much_o worse_a case_n and_o in_o a_o far_o great_a combustion_n than_o he_o leave_v they_o for_o he_o find_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faction_n be_v afraid_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v back_o with_o he_o some_o satisfactory_a accommodation_n which_o our_o subject_n may_v like_v well_o but_o they_o themselves_o resolve_v to_o reject_v have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n assure_v their_o follower_n that_o they_o may_v compass_v their_o end_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o themselves_o desire_v nay_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o untrue_a viz._n that_o our_o commissioner_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o especial_o with_o their_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o late_a explication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o use_v that_o inducement_n for_o a_o argument_n whereby_o they_o persuade_v many_o of_o all_o sort_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o stand_v out_o against_o their_o covenant_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o this_o short_a time_n of_o his_o absence_n from_o they_o and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdene_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o print_v that_o our_o commissioner_n rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o covenant_n according_a to_o their_o explication_n of_o it_o with_o which_o their_o notorious_a calumny_n he_o find_v himself_o so_o high_o injure_v in_o a_o point_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v his_o loyalty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_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 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_a 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 moderatour_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 moderatour_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 moderatour_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 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 he_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 a_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_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 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 andrews_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_n commissioner_n it_o do_v no_o way_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_a assembly_n nor_o have_v lay_v 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_a assembly_n and_o consequent_o those_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 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 free_a 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_fw-la in_o the_o collective_a body_n as_o be_v communicate_v from_o the_o commontie_z to_o the_o king_n cumulatiuè_n not_o privatiuè_a 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 refractorie_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_n 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_a assembly_n for_o divers_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 maii_n 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_v 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 convent_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 council_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 practice_n 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_a 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
unless_o they_o be_v require_v so_o to_o do_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v lawful_a authority_n from_o his_o majesty_n to_o administer_v it_o unto_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o none_o either_o will_n or_o can_v take_v the_o say_a oath_n or_o any_o other_o oath_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o may_v not_o consist_v with_o episcopal_a government_n have_v his_o majesty_n sense_n and_o so_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o lawful_a authority_n full_o explayn_v to_o they_o hamiltoun_n that_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o force_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n &_o no_o way_n abolish_v nor_o suppress_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o nor_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o scotland_n do_v evident_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n after_o mention_v first_o by_o the_o parliament_n 1567._o cap._n 2._o whereby_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o pope_n authority_n be_v abolish_v it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o say_a act_n that_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o this_o realm_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o all_o act_n not_o agree_v with_o god_n word_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o the_o estate_n in_o that_o parliament_n to_o have_v no_o effect_n nor_o strength_n in_o time_n to_o come_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reformer_n intention_n to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n but_o that_o bishop_n shall_v not_o use_v any_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n his_o authority_n &_o see_v they_o do_v allow_v episcopacy_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o do_v not_o esteem_v the_o same_o contrary_n to_o god_n word_n and_o confession_n aforesaid_a as_o appear_v more_o clear_o by_o the_o six_o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n which_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o cap._n 68_o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangell_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v now_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o now_o live_v in_o doctrine_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v in_o his_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v public_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n within_o this_o realm_n without_o any_o exception_n by_o reason_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n declare_v only_o such_o as_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n according_a to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n or_o refuse_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o ministrate_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o say_v reformer_n mind_n to_o exclude_v any_o from_o that_o society_n by_o reason_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n innovate_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o policy_n they_o find_v in_o the_o say_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n this_o be_v likewaies_o evident_a by_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n by_o the_o eigth_n act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o without_o swear_v to_o any_o innovation_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n second_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v by_o these_o subsequent_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o by_o the_o muncipall_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o first_o by_o the_o 24._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o all_o civil_a privilege_n grant_v by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n predecessor_n to_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v ratify_v in_o all_o point_n after_o the_o form_n &_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o 35._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1571._o whereby_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o act_n and_o statute_n make_v of_o before_o by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o predecessor_n anent_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 46._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1572._o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v the_o authority_n and_o be_v ordain_v to_o conveen_n and_o deprive_v all_o inferior_a person_n be_v minister_n who_o shall_v not_o subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a in_o write_v thereupon_o within_o a_o month_n after_o their_o admission_n by_o the_o 48._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v authority_n at_o their_o visitation_n to_o design_n minister_n gleibe_n by_o the_o 54._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v at_o their_o visitation_n person_n in_o every_o parochin_n for_o make_v and_o set_v of_o the_o taxation_n for_o uphold_v and_o repair_v of_o kirk_n and_o kirk-yard_n and_o to_o convene_v try_v and_o censure_v all_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o use_n the_o stone_n timber_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o pertain_v to_o kirk_n demolish_v by_o the_o 55._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1573._o whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o admonish_v person_n marry_v in_o case_n of_o desertion_n to_o adhere_v and_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n to_o direct_v charge_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o parochin_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o 63._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1578._o whereby_o bishop_n and_o where_o no_o bishop_n be_v provide_v the_o commissioner_n of_o diocese_n have_v authority_n to_o try_v the_o rent_n of_o hospital_n and_o call_v for_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o by_o the_o 69._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o whereby_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o stand_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n correction_n of_o manner_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o yet_o no_o other_o authority_n nor_o office-bearer_n allow_v and_o appoint_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o former_a act_n but_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n intend_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o authority_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o act_n follow_v first_o by_o the_o 71._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o person_n return_v from_o their_o travel_n be_v ordain_v within_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o day_n after_o their_o return_n to_o pass_v to_o the_o bishop_n superintendent_n commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o they_o arrive_v and_o reside_v and_o there_o offer_v to_o make_v and_o give_v a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o then_o within_o forty_o day_n to_o remove_v themselves_o forth_o of_o the_o realm_n by_o the_o 99_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1581._o whereby_o the_o foresaid_n act_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 130._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n have_v and_o subject_n presume_v or_o take_v upon_o hand_n to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereby_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n supreme_a court_n of_o parliament_n past_o all_o memory_n of_o man_n have_v be_v continue_v or_o to_o seek_v or_o procure_v the_o innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n by_o the_o 131._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o all_o judgement_n &_o jurisdiction_n as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a cause_n in_o practice_n &_o custom_n during_o these_o twenty_o four_o year_n bypass_a not_o approve_v
command_n and_o instance_n to_o impair_v hurt_n or_o stay_v the_o say_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n correction_n of_o manner_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o offence_n &_o enormity_n or_o to_o make_v any_o appellation_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o stop_v the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v by_o god_n word_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n within_o the_o say_v kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n summary_o without_o any_o process_n or_o admonition_n to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n by_o the_o minister_n or_o minister_n which_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o they_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v know_v that_o any_o of_o the_o say_n head_n be_v transgress_v likeas_n both_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n promise_v that_o none_o thereafter_o shall_v have_v that_o cause_n to_o complain_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n in_o july_n 1597._o and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o saint_n andrews_n 24._o april_n 1582._o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o master_n robert_n montgomrie_n the_o assembly_n do_v write_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o this_o discharge_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o see_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a charge_n the_o assembly_n do_v proceed_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o say_a master_n robert_n further_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 27._o of_o june_n 1582._o sess._n 7._o among_o the_o grievance_n present_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o king_n the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o majesty_n by_o device_n of_o some_o counsellor_n be_v move_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o only_a king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o kirk_n the_o ministry_n and_o execution_n whereof_o be_v only_o give_v to_o such_o as_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o in_o his_o majesty_n person_n some_o man_n press_v to_o erect_v a_o babble_n popedom_n as_o though_o his_o majesty_n can_v not_o be_v full_a king_n and_o head_n of_o this_o common_a wealth_n unless_o alswell_o the_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a sword_n be_v put_v in_o his_o majesty_n hand_n unless_o christ_n be_v rest_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o two_o jurisdiction_n confound_v which_o god_n have_v divide_v which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o wrack_n and_o overthrow_v of_o all_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o octob._n 1582._o sess._n 15._o summon_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n against_o the_o king_n advocate_n for_o draw_v up_o the_o king_n proclamation_n of_o that_o strain_n 7._o the_o foresay_a command_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n because_o as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n so_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o national_a assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o only_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o so_o near_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o king_n james_n 6._o and_o parl._n 1_o king_n charles_n likeas_n by_o the_o 12._o par._n 114._o act_n k._n james_n 6._o ann_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o in_o her_o presbytery_n and_o assembly_n be_v full_o and_o firm_o ratify_v with_o declaration_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a over_o all_o estate_n and_o person_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a 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 kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n especial_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o full_a power_n even_o to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n 8._o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n by_o act_n 92._o parl._n 6._o king_n james_n 6._o be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v and_o to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o council_n in_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o the_o 47._o act_n 11._o parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n and_o supersederee_n purchase_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v discharge_v as_o contempt_n do_v to_o the_o law_n as_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o have_v and_o contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o admissible_o by_o any_o judge_n nor_o effectual_a to_o the_o purchaser_n any_o way_n and_o ordain_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v justice_n siclike_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o the_o say_a supersederee_n and_o licence_n never_o have_v be_v purchase_v nor_o produce_v like_o as_o by_o the_o 106._o act_n parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o act_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n according_a to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_n notwithstanding_o of_o privy_a warrant_n or_o prohibition_n contrary_a to_o law_n which_o common_o be_v impetrate_v from_o his_o majesty_n upon_o misinformation_n to_o proceed_v and_o minister_v justice_n 9_o to_o discharge_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n stop_v the_o execution_n thereof_o protect_v and_o defend_v such_o as_o be_v delinquent_n and_o under_o the_o kirk_n censure_n do_v direct_o repugn_v to_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n wherein_o cap._n 19_o the_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v upright_o ministration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v for_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o repress_v of_o vice_n and_o so_o no_o more_o can_v be_v impede_v nor_o just_o take_v from_o the_o kirk_n then_o any_o of_o she_o other_o two_o mark_n viz._n the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o oath_n at_o the_o king_n coronation_n he_o swear_v to_o maintain_v this_o confession_n and_o these_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o particular_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresaid_n crime_n 10._o in_o the_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o renew_v by_o the_o great_a and_o kingdom_n best_a part_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o explication_n renew_v also_o at_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o power_n so_o that_o see_v this_o general_a assembly_n have_v proceed_v in_o their_o constitution_n act_n and_o whole_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1580._o and_o 1590._o contain_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o in_o both_o these_o year_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v registrate_n and_o swear_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o clear_o distinguish_v in_o the_o 1._o c._n l._n 2._o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n may_v no_o way_n stop_v or_o impede_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o in_o the_o 7._o c._n the_o eldership_n and_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n upon_o all_o transgressor_n and_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o c._n the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a
his_o profane_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o quick_a his_o canonization_n of_o man_n call_v upon_o angel_n or_o saint_n depart_v worship_v of_o imagery_n relic_n and_o cross_n dedicate_a of_o kirk_n altar_n day_n vow_n to_o creature_n his_o purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pray_v or_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n with_o his_o procession_n and_o blasphemous_a litany_n and_o multitude_n of_o advocate_n or_o mediator_n his_o manifold_a order_n auricular_a confession_n his_o desperate_a and_o uncertain_a repentance_n his_o general_n and_o doubtsome_a faith_n his_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n for_o their_o sin_n his_o justification_n by_o work_n opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la work_v of_o supererogation_n merit_n pardon_n peregrination_n and_o station_n his_o holy_a water_n baptise_v of_o bell_n conjure_v of_o spirit_n cross_v sane_v anoint_v conjure_v hallow_v of_o god_n good_a creature_n with_o the_o superstitious_a opinion_n join_v therewith_o his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n his_o three_o solemn_a vow_n with_o all_o his_o shaveling_n of_o sundry_a sort_n his_o erroneous_a and_o bloody_a decree_n make_v at_o trent_n with_o all_o the_o subscriber_n and_o approver_n of_o that_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a band_n conjure_v against_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o final_o we_o detest_v all_o his_o vain_a allegory_n rite_n sign_n and_o tradition_n bring_v in_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o true_a reform_a kirk_n to_o the_o which_o we_o join_v ourselves_o willing_o in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n discipline_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n our_o head_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o the_o pain_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o danger_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v that_o many_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n to_o promise_n swear_v subscribe_v and_o for_o a_o time_n use_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o kirk_n deceitful_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n mind_v thereby_o first_o under_o the_o external_a cloak_n of_o religion_n to_o corrupt_v and_o subvert_v secret_o god_n true_a religion_n within_o the_o kirk_n and_o afterward_o when_o time_n may_v serve_v to_o become_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o same_o under_o vain_a hope_n of_o the_o pope_n dispensation_n devise_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o his_o great_a confusion_n and_o their_o double_a condemnation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n we_o therefore_o willing_a to_o take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o of_o such_o double_a deal_n with_o god_n and_o his_o kirk_n protest_v and_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n for_o witness_n that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n do_v full_o agree_v with_o this_o our_o confession_n promise_v oath_n and_o subscription_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o move_v for_o any_o worldly_a respect_n but_o be_v persuade_v only_o in_o our_o conscience_n through_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n print_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o he_o in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o because_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o quietness_n and_o stability_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o kirk_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n and_o good_a behaviour_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o a_o comfortable_a instrument_n of_o god_n mercy_n grant_v to_o this_o country_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n among_o we_o we_o protest_v and_o promise_v with_o our_o heart_n under_o the_o same_o oath_n hand-writ_a and_o pain_n that_o we_o shall_v defend_v his_o person_n and_o authority_n with_o our_o good_n body_n and_o life_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n his_o evangel_n liberties_n of_o our_o country_n ministration_n of_o justice_n and_o punishment_n of_o iniquity_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o without_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o god_n to_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o merciful_a defender_n to_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n eternal_o like_a as_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o in_o general_n do_v abrogate_v annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o law_n statute_n act_n constitution_n canon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a with_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o practic_a penalty_n whatsoever_o make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o or_o of_o the_o true_a kirk_n discipline_n jurisdiction_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o or_o in_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o of_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n as_o act._n 3._o act._n 31._o parl._n 1_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o of_o king_n james_n the_o six_o that_o papistry_n and_o superstition_n may_v be_v utter_o suppress_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n report_v in_o act._n 5._o parl._n 20._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o to_o that_o end_n they_o ordain_v all_o papist_n and_o priest_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o manifold_a civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n as_o adversary_n to_o god_n true_a religion_n preach_v and_o by_o law_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o as_o common_a enemy_n to_o all_o christian_a government_n act._n 18._o parl._n 16._o k._n james_n 6._o as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n act._n 47._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o as_o idolater_n act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o but_o also_o in_o particular_a by_o and_o attour_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n do_v abolish_v and_o condemn_v the_o pope_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o ordain_v the_o maintainer_n thereof_o to_o be_v punish_v act._n 2._o parl._n 1_o act._n 51._o parl._n 3_o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v the_o pope_n erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o any_o other_o erroneous_a doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n public_o preach_v and_o by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o realm_n and_o ordain_v the_o spreader_n and_o maker_n of_o book_n or_o libel_n or_o letter_n or_o writ_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o be_v punish_v act._n 46._o parl._n 3_o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v all_o baptism_n conform_v to_o the_o pope_n church_n and_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o ordain_v all_o sayer_n wilful_a hearer_n and_o concealer_n of_o the_o mass_n the_o maintainer_n and_o resetter_n of_o the_o priest_n jesuit_n traffique_a papist_n to_o be_v punish_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o restriction_n act._n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 120._o parl._n 12._o act._n 164._o parl._n 13._o act._n 193._o parl._n 14._o act._n 1._o parl._n 19_o act._n 5._o parl._n 20._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v all_o erroneous_a book_n and_o writ_n contain_v erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v or_o contain_v superstitious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n papistical_a whereby_o the_o people_n be_v great_o abuse_v and_o ordain_v the_o homebringer_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v act._n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v the_o monument_n and_o dregs_n of_o bygane_n idolatry_n as_o go_v to_o cross_n observe_v the_o festival_n day_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o other_o superstitious_a and_o papistical_a rite_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o foster_a of_o great_a error_n among_o the_o people_n and_o ordain_v the_o user_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o second_o fault_n as_o idolater_n act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o like_a as_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v conceive_v for_o maintenance_n of_o god_n true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o purity_n thereof_o in_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o in_o her_o national_n synodall_n assembly_n presbytery_n session_n policy_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o as_o that_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v profess_v exercise_v preach_v and_o confess_v according_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o realm_n as_o for_o instance_n
act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o act._n 160._o parl._n 13._o k._n james_n 6._o ratify_v by_o act._n 4._o k._n charles_n so_o that_o act._n 6._o parl._n 1._o and_o act._n 68_o parl._n 6._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1579._o declare_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v raise_v up_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v then_o offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirke_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v present_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o decerne_v and_o declare_v all_o and_o sundry_a who_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n receive_v and_o approve_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o specify_v also_o in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o ratify_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n more_o particular_o do_v specify_v or_o that_o refuse_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v then_o ministrate_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o subsequent_a act._n 69._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o face_n of_o kirk_n nor_o other_o face_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v present_o at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n which_o therefore_o be_v ever_o style_v god_n true_a religion_n christ_n true_a religion_n the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a religion_n which_o by_o manifold_a act_n of_o parliament_n all_o within_o this_o realm_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v to_o subscribe_v the_o article_n thereof_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o recant_v all_o doctrine_n and_o error_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a article_n act._n 4._o and_o 9_o parl._n 1_o act._n 45.46.47_o parl._n 3_o act._n 71._o parl._n 6._o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o act._n 194._o and_o 197._o parl._n 14._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o all_o magistrate_n sheriff_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o one_o part_n be_v ordain_v to_o search_v apprehend_v and_o punish_v all_o contraviner_n for_o instance_n act._n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o act._n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n licence_n on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o way_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o papist_n and_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n act._n 106._o par._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o on_o the_o other_o part_n in_o the_o 47._o act._n parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v see_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o his_o highness_n authority_n be_v so_o join_v as_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o who_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o confession_n and_o make_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o that_o they_o who_o after_o defection_n shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o continue_v therein_o in_o time_n come_v to_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o at_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o fortify_v assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n against_o whatsoever_o enemy_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o against_o all_o such_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n estate_n or_o degree_n they_o be_v of_o that_o have_v join_v and_o bind_v themselves_o or_o have_v assist_v or_o assist_v to_o set_v forward_o and_o execute_v the_o cruel_a decree_n of_o trent_n contrary_a to_o the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v repeat_v word_n by_o word_n in_o the_o article_n of_o pacification_n at_o pearth_n the_o 23_o of_o february_n 1572._o approve_v by_o parliament_n the_o last_o of_o april_n 1573._o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1578._o and_o relate_v act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o with_o this_o addition_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o resist_v all_o treasonable_a uproar_n and_o hostility_n raise_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n majesty_n &_o the_o true_a professor_n like_a as_o all_o have_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o k._n majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o neither_o any_o law_n or_o lawful_a judicatory_n can_v be_v establish_v act._n 130._o act._n 131._o par._n 8._o k._n ja_n 6._o &_o the_o subject_n liberty_n who_o ought_v only_o to_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o king_n law_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n allanerly_a act._n 48._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 1_o act._n 79._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 4_o repeat_v in_o act._n 131._o parl._n 8._o k._n james_n 6._o which_o if_o they_o be_v innovate_v or_o prejudge_v the_o commission_n anent_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o the_o 17._o parl._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v such_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v as_o this_o realm_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o free_a monarchy_n because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n ancient_a privilege_n office_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n not_o only_o the_o princely_a authority_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a descent_n have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n maintain_v but_o also_o the_o people_n security_n of_o their_o land_n live_n right_n office_n liberty_n &_o dignity_n preserve_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v statute_n by_o act._n 8._o parl._n 1._o repeat_v in_o act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o ratify_v in_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o and_o 114._o act._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o 4._o act._n of_o k._n charles_n that_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o coronation_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o princely_a authority_n shall_v make_v their_o faithful_a promise_n by_o their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n that_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v serve_v the_o same_o eternal_a god_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n according_a as_o he_o have_v require_v in_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o precede_v and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v rule_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o foresay_a word_n and_o according_a to_o the_o lowable_a law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v in_o this_o realm_n no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a will_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o shall_v procure_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whole_a christian_a people_n true_a and_o perfect_a peace_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresay_a crime_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o his_o majesty_n at_o his_o coronation_n in_o edinburgh_n 1633._o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o coronation_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n
state_n excuse_v our_o uncessant_a and_o importune_a call_n for_o these_o present_a remedy_n do_v insinuate_v the_o continuance_n and_o execution_n of_o any_o pretend_a law_n for_o these_o innovation_n of_o worship_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n government_n and_o civil_a place_n of_o churchman_n which_o by_o our_o covenant_n we_o have_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o forbear_v and_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o he_o will_v call_v in_o his_o best_a convenience_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o and_o this_o other_o end_n of_o satisfy_v his_o subject_n judgement_n anent_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n do_v condemn_v all_o our_o former_a proceed_n even_o our_o supplicate_a complain_v protest_v subscribe_v of_o our_o covenant_n together_o and_o our_o continual_a meeting_n as_o great_a disorder_n increase_v of_o disorder_n deserve_v just_o a_o powerful_a rather_o than_o a_o persuasive_a way_n a_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n a_o perish_v in_o our_o fault_n a_o blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v threaten_v &_o denounce_v now_o once_o for_o all_o if_o we_o be_v not_o hearty_o satisfy_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o our_o obedience_n after_o this_o declaration_n but_o continue_v as_o by_o our_o former_a proceed_n to_o draw_v on_o our_o own_o ruin_n that_o albeit_o unwilling_o he_o must_v make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o for_o reclaim_v of_o so_o disobedient_a people_n therefore_o we_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o this_o land_n be_v force_v and_o compel_v out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a country_n ourselves_o and_o our_o posterity_n lest_o our_o silence_n shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n and_o salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n and_o proceed_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o solemn_a oath_n of_o our_o nation_n covenant_n with_o god_n to_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o protest_v primo_n that_o we_o do_v and_o will_v constant_o adhere_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n to_o the_o say_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n use_v of_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o innovation_n introduce_v therein_o either_o of_o old_a or_o of_o late_a secundo_fw-la we_o potest_fw-la that_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o grievance_n supplication_n and_o protestation_n give_v in_o at_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o to_o our_o late_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n and_o other_o lawful_a proceed_n against_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n as_o main_a innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o full_a of_o popish_a superstition_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o against_o the_o high_a commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a establish_a contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o destructive_a of_o other_o lawful_a judicatories_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o manner_n of_o introduction_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n can_v be_v any_o way_n rectify_v but_o absolute_o discharge_v tertio_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o we_o adhere_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o god_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o clause_n particular_o therein_o express_v and_o general_o contain_v and_o to_o our_o last_o article_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n draw_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o all_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o manner_n of_o remedy_n therein_o desire_v quarto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o this_o proclamation_n or_o act_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o act_n or_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o by_o subscription_n or_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o precondemnation_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o carriage_n before_o the_o same_o be_v lawful_o hear_v and_o try_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n to_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n or_o any_o certification_n or_o threaten_v therein_o denounce_v shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o to_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n pursuit_n mutual_a defence_n nor_o to_o our_o person_n and_o estate_n and_o shall_v no_o way_n be_v disgraceful_a either_o in_o reality_n or_o opinion_n at_o home_o or_o abroad_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o any_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o subscription_n of_o the_o council_n carry_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o declaration_n and_o condemnation_n of_o our_o proceed_n indicta_fw-la causa_fw-la be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_n &_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a &_o null_a as_o here_o before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o offer_v to_o clear_v &_o to_o verify_v both_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n and_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o act_n against_o we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o first_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n &_o parliament_n of_o the_o estate_n unto_o who_o with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a we_o do_v public_o appeal_v quinto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o see_v our_o former_a supplication_n last_o article_n &_o our_o last_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n which_o petition_v for_o the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n &_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n &_o of_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o hear_v the_o desire_n ease_v the_o grievance_n &_o settle_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o delay_v &_o in_o effect_n refuse_v to_o wit_n once_o for_o all_o till_o his_o majesty_n conveniency_n for_o the_o end_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o we_o continue_v by_o their_o present_n to_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n again_o and_o again_o for_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o same_o and_o whatsoever_o trouble_n or_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o land_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o want_v of_o these_o ordinary_a remedy_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o of_o these_o innovation_n &_o evil_n contrary_a to_o our_o supplication_n article_n &_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o beg_v these_o lawful_a remedy_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o &_o every_o one_o of_o we_o one_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n foresay_a authority_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n &_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o &_o against_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a invasion_n menace_v in_o this_o proclamation_n like_a as_o that_o in_o the_o great_a exigencie_n of_o the_o church_n necessitate_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinary_a and_o lawful_a remedy_n for_o settle_v the_o commotion_n thereof_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v leasome_a unto_o we_o to_o appoint_v hold_v and_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n our_o lawful_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n agreeble_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o the_o like_a case_n sexto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n confession_n meeting_n proceed_n and_o mutual_a defence_n of_o every_o one_o another_o in_o this_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_o mean_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n &_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v style_v nor_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o proceed_v only_o from_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a
these_o eight_o article_n compose_v and_o command_v by_o their_o table_n in_o the_o second_o article_n they_o set_v down_o to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o set_a form_n of_o a_o commission_n to_o be_v make_v to_o their_o commissioner_n which_o be_v never_o do_v before_o and_o at_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o several_a commission_n be_v read_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o commission_n be_v the_o same_o verbatim_o except_o a_o very_a few_o from_o some_o presbytery_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o table_n and_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o assembly_n than_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n shall_v continue_v it_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o will_v have_v the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o commission_n to_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o pretend_a and_o complain_v of_o innovation_n be_v corruption_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n within_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o that_o realm_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prejudge_v and_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o assembly_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o viz._n whether_o these_o thing_n complain_v of_o be_v innovation_n and_o corruption_n introduce_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v in_o the_o three_o article_n they_o appoint_v layman_n to_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n which_o have_v not_o be_v do_v for_o above_o forty_o year_n before_o nay_o and_o these_o layman_n to_o be_v equal_a in_o number_n with_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o book_n of_o discipline_n allege_v by_o they_o which_o do_v then_o order_n that_o the_o minister_n shall_v always_o exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o lay_v elder_n so_o that_o before_o this_o time_n they_o never_o be_v equal_a in_o number_n nay_o that_o these_o layman_n shall_v have_v voice_n not_o only_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o own_o lay_v elder_a but_o which_o be_v insufferable_a shall_v have_v suffrage_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o three_o minister_n commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v be_v never_o hear_v nor_o practise_v in_o that_o church_n before_o in_o the_o very_a first_o and_o strict_a time_n of_o reformation_n nor_o ever_o since_o in_o the_o four_o article_n they_o order_v a_o notable_a trick_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n whereby_o they_o be_v ascertain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n in_o any_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v any_o power_n but_o such_o as_o do_v undoubted_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a course_n for_o they_o appoint_v and_o according_o it_o be_v practise_v that_o every_o man_n suspect_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a judgement_n from_o they_o shall_v present_o be_v process_n and_o bring_v under_o the_o scandal_n of_o erroneous_a life_n or_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n according_a to_o which_o article_n there_o be_v very_o few_o minister_n in_o the_o kingdom_n who_o have_v not_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n but_o they_o be_v present_o suspend_v by_o their_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v voice_n to_o do_v it_o or_o at_o the_o least_o put_v under_o process_n by_o some_o one_o or_o other_o which_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deny_v a_o original_a process_n against_o any_o man_n who_o he_o will_v implead_v but_o yet_o this_o article_n leave_v no_o evasion_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o order_v that_o the_o rest_n who_o give_v not_o voice_n shall_v protest_v against_o the_o election_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o they_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o process_n he_o there_o and_o lay_v he_o aside_o until_o his_o process_n shall_v be_v discuss_v which_o they_o do_v put_v in_o practice_n upon_o some_o minister_n who_o do_v not_o concur_v in_o judgement_n with_o they_o at_o the_o first_o sit_v down_o of_o the_o assembly_n the_o six_o article_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o church_n then_o in_o force_n and_o till_o then_o practise_v the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v constant_o one_o as_o be_v most_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o all_o presbyterial_a action_n the_o seven_o article_n give_v order_n for_o practise_v the_o above_o mention_v equivocation_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v their_o election_n before_o they_o receive_v our_o answer_n and_o that_o they_o repair_v to_o edinburgh_n immediate_o after_o their_o election_n that_o all_o the_o commissioner_n elect_v may_v consult_v before_o hand_n upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v or_o do_v at_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o then_o to_o receive_v direction_n from_o their_o table_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o at_o the_o assembly_n and_o indeed_o to_o preconveene_n and_o hold_v the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n before_o their_o meeting_n at_o glasgow_n these_o be_v their_o public_a instruction_n which_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o avow_v and_o send_v abroad_o from_o their_o table_n as_o it_o be_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o whether_o if_o we_o our_o commissioner_n or_o council_n have_v send_v any_o such_o direction_n and_o instruction_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n they_o will_v not_o have_v exclaim_v against_o they_o as_o unsufferable_a prelimitation_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o prejudging_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o realm_n we_o do_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o these_o public_a instruction_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o private_a one_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o communicate_v to_o all_o their_o party_n but_o only_o to_o some_o one_o laic_a and_o one_o minister_n their_o special_a confident_n in_o every_o presbytery_n of_o which_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o afterward_o in_o their_o due_a place_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o the_o disorderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o covenanter_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n our_o commissioner_n the_o day_n after_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o return_n viz._n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o assemble_v our_o council_n at_o our_o palace_n of_o holy-rood-house_n and_o there_o first_o deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o letter_n from_o we_o as_o follow_v apud_fw-la holy-rood-house_n septemb_n 22._o 1638._o the_o which_o day_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n produce_v and_o exhibit_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o privy_a council_n the_o two_o missive_n underwritten_a sign_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n which_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n they_o have_v ordain_v and_o ordain_v the_o same_o to_o be_v insert_v and_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o secret_a council_n therein_o to_o remain_v ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v charles_n r._n right_o trusty_a etc._n etc._n be_v certain_o inform_v that_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v much_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o that_o these_o distraction_n have_v be_v occasion_v upon_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o popery_n and_o not_o without_o some_o suspicion_n as_o if_o we_o ourself_o be_v incline_v that_o way_n upon_o occasion_n whereof_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v of_o late_o subscribe_v a_o band_n or_o covenant_n for_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o law_n already_o establish_v and_o for_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o other_o in_o defence_n thereof_o but_o the_o same_o not_o be_v warrant_v by_o royal_a authority_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o our_o dear_a father_n time_n must_v needs_o of_o itself_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o much_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o ancient_a form_n and_o custom_n of_o government_n keep_v within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n wherefore_o we_o out_o of_o our_o inborn_a love_n to_o our_o say_a native_a country_n and_o for_o obviate_a these_o conceive_a fear_n and_o satisfy_v of_o you_o and_o all_o our_o love_a people_n have_v think_v good_a to_o ordain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n subjoin_v thereto_o of_o the_o date_n at_o edinburgh_n
inability_n and_o rebellion_n to_o god_n law_n our_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o our_o imperfect_a sanctification_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n the_o nature_n number_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n with_o all_o his_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o false_a doctrine_n add_v to_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o cruel_a judgement_n against_o infant_n depart_v without_o the_o sacrament_n his_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n his_o blasphemous_a opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n or_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o element_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o wicked_a or_o body_n of_o man_n his_o dispensation_n with_o solemn_a oath_n perjury_n and_o degree_n of_o marriage_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n his_o cruelty_n against_o the_o innocent_a divorce_v his_o devilish_a mass_n his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n his_o profane_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o quick_a his_o canonisation_n of_o man_n call_v upon_o angel_n or_o saint_n depart_v worship_v of_o imagery_n relic_n and_o cross_n dedicate_a of_o kirk_n altar_n day_n vow_n to_o creature_n his_o purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pray_v or_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n with_o his_o procession_n and_o blasphemous_a litany_n and_o multitude_n of_o advocate_n or_o mediator_n his_o manifold_a order_n auricular_a confession_n his_o desperate_a &_o uncertain_a repentance_n his_o general_n and_o doubt_v some_o faith_n his_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n for_o their_o sin_n his_o justification_n by_o work_n opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la work_v of_o supererogation_n merit_n pardon_n peregrination_n and_o station_n his_o holy_a water_n baptise_v of_o bell_n conjure_v of_o spirit_n cross_v save_v anoint_v conjure_v hallow_v of_o god_n good_a creature_n with_o the_o superstitious_a opinion_n join_v therewith_o his_o worldly_a mornarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n his_o three_o solemn_a vow_n with_o all_o his_o shavelling_n of_o sundry_a sort_n his_o erroneous_a and_o bloody_a decree_n make_v at_o trent_n with_o all_o the_o subscriber_n and_o approver_n of_o that_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a band_n conjure_v against_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o god_n and_o final_o we_o detest_v all_o his_o vain_a allegory_n rite_n sign_n and_o tradition_n bring_v in_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o true_a reform_a kirk_n to_o the_o which_o we_o join_v ourselves_o willing_o in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n discipline_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n our_o head_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o the_o pain_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o danger_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v that_o many_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n to_o promise_v swear_v subscribe_v and_o for_o a_o time_n use_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o kirk_n deceitful_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n mind_v hereby_o first_o under_o the_o external_a cloak_n of_o religion_n to_o corrupt_v and_o subvert_v secret_o god_n true_a religion_n within_o the_o kirk_n and_o afterward_o when_o time_n may_v serve_v to_o become_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o same_o under_o vain_a hope_n of_o the_o pope_n dispensation_n divise_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o his_o great_a confusion_n and_o their_o double_a condemnation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n we_o therefore_o willing_a to_o take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o of_o such_o double_a deal_n with_o god_n and_o his_o kirk_n protest_v and_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n do_v full_o agree_v with_o this_o our_o confession_n promise_n oath_n and_o subscription_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o move_v for_o any_o worldly_a respect_n but_o be_v persuade_v only_o in_o our_o conscience_n through_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n print_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o he_o in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o because_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o quietness_n and_o stability_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o kirk_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n and_o good_a behaviour_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o a_o comfortable_a instrument_n of_o god_n mercy_n grant_v to_o this_o country_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o ministration_n of_o 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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 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supreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a band_n act_n and_o promise_n whereby_o the_o say_v person_n be_v so_o strict_o bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o premise_n his_o majesty_n have_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n at_o holy-rood-house_n septem_n 24._o 1638._o and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o his_o majesty_n have_v of_o whatsoever_o estate_n degree_n or_o quality_n ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a shall_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n together_o with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o without_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a band_n and_o confession_n but_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o other_o speech_n dissuade_v deter_v impede_v and_o hinder_v other_o of_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o public_o protest_v against_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o can_v conveen_v nor_o concur_v lawful_o to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v deprive_v and_o denude_v of_o all_o place_n and_o function_n in_o the_o same_o a_o general_a assembly_n be_v condescend_v to_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a clemency_n and_o pious_a disposition_n as_o a_o royal_a favour_n to_o those_o that_o so_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o acquiesce_v to_o his_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n which_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n sept._n 1638._o do_v not_o so_o account_v of_o and_o accept_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a protestation_n whereby_o they_o protest_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o at_o other_o time_n so_o at_o this_o to_o assemble_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n to_o the_o contrary_n as_o also_o by_o continue_v their_o meeting_n and_o table_n discharge_v by_o authority_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o counsel_n command_v for_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n protest_v against_o the_o same_o still_o insist_v with_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o remit_v nothing_o of_o their_o former_a proceed_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n wrath_n be_v provoke_v thereby_o they_o be_v become_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o pardon_n and_o so_o forfeit_a the_o favour_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v just_o fear_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o in_o this_o convention_n for_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o parl._n 15._o cap._n 31._o prelacy_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o par._n 8._o cap._n 130._o all_o person_n be_v discharge_v to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o whereas_o the_o king_n by_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o for_o that_o effect_n as_o constant_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o all_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v present_a as_o appear_v by_o many_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n ordain_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o assist_v at_o the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n decemb._n 15._o 1566._o at_o edinburgh_n 6._o march_n 1572._o at_o edinburgh_n may_v 10._o 1586._o and_o by_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o assembly_n march_v 6._o 1573._o to_o the_o regent_n earnest_o desire_v his_o own_o or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o assembly_n they_o notwithstanding_o by_o the_o say_a protestation_n septemb_n 22_o declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o their_o office_n in_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v authorize_v with_o no_o lawful_a commission_n and_o to_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n and_o withal_o do_v arrogate_v to_o their_o meeting_n a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o can_v arise_v contrary_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n whether_o in_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o in_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o
afterward_o by_o his_o authority_n renew_v then_o they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v sit_v one_o hour_n long_o for_o find_v of_o that_o for_o any_o man_n that_o can_v read_v may_v find_v the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o both_o to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o without_o the_o least_o alteration_n but_o if_o by_o their_o covenant_n they_o do_v understand_v their_o explication_n addition_n and_o gloss_n which_o destroy_v and_o corrupt_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n then_o certain_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v rise_v yet_o nor_o can_v have_v rise_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o will_v never_o find_v that_o these_o corrupt_a gloss_n &_o apocryphal_a addition_n of_o their_o own_o can_v consist_v with_o our_o royal_a father_n his_o confession_n and_o covenant_n upon_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o ground_n their_o own_o beside_o as_o shall_v present_o appear_v they_o have_v discharge_v all_o man_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n and_o covenant_n command_v by_o our_o authority_n which_o we_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v find_v they_o to_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o their_o word_n they_o shall_v have_v sit_v still_o and_o not_o rise_v yet_o because_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o find_v they_o to_o be_v one_o after_o their_o seven_o reason_n they_o add_v seven_o protestation_n of_o the_o same_o piece_n with_o their_o reason_n the_o first_o three_o four_o and_o five_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o read_n for_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o their_o usual_a tautology_n and_o take_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o the_o second_o and_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o six_o reason_n their_o be_v so_o much_o boldness_n express_v as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o any_o man_n who_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o name_n of_o king_n law_n authority_n or_o government_n for_o who_o ever_o hear_v that_o subject_n dare_v require_v their_o king_n commissioner_n not_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n when_o he_o himself_o have_v please_v although_o he_o have_v not_o be_v command_v by_o we_o so_o to_o do_v what_o great_a command_n can_v they_o have_v lay_v upon_o the_o mean_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n than_o this_o by_o which_o they_o affront_v our_o commissioner_n and_o in_o he_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n but_o their_o cytation_n of_o our_o council_n who_o sign_v our_o proclamation_n to_o appear_v as_o offender_n before_o we_o and_o our_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n which_o by_o the_o way_n we_o wonder_v how_o they_o can_v be_v make_v up_o without_o bishop_n and_o to_o answer_v the_o subscription_n of_o our_o proclamation_n as_o a_o crime_n be_v a_o boldness_n that_o call_v more_o for_o admiration_n then_o refutation_n they_o cyte_v for_o this_o their_o do_v the_o twelve_o act_n of_o the_o second_o parliament_n of_o our_o royal_a progenitor_n james_n the_o four_o we_o wonder_v that_o in_o his_o day_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o warrant_n find_v for_o the_o allow_v the_o member_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n in_o any_o thing_n in_o who_o time_n a_o general_a assembly_n have_v no_o existence_n but_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n we_o wonder_v much_o more_o for_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o word_n to_o be_v read_v there_o which_o can_v be_v draw_v to_o any_o show_n of_o construction_n that_o way_n that_o act_n attribute_v rather_o too_o much_o to_o privy_a counsellor_n then_o diminish_v they_o so_o that_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o act_n we_o be_v almost_o enforce_v to_o excuse_v they_o and_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o printer_n who_o have_v mistake_v the_o cytation_n until_o we_o remember_v that_o in_o their_o cytation_n both_o of_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o many_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v as_o far_o out_o as_o in_o this_o hope_v belike_o that_o the_o reader_n will_v never_o peruse_v they_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o protestation_n that_o the_o prelate_n move_v our_o commissioner_n to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n we_o must_v aver_v upon_o our_o own_o knowledge_n to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o he_o do_v it_o by_o our_o special_a commandment_n when_o none_o of_o the_o prelate_n be_v near_o we_o to_o give_v we_o any_o such_o advice_n their_o seven_o protestation_n be_v usual_a with_o they_o and_o therefore_o now_o not_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o now_o when_o the_o reader_n have_v peruse_v both_o our_o proclamation_n for_o the_o dissolve_v of_o that_o assembly_n and_o their_o protestation_n against_o that_o our_o proclamation_n and_o have_v well_o weigh_v all_o the_o precedent_n first_o violence_n and_o then_o juggle_n for_o their_o obtain_n of_o such_o person_n only_o to_o be_v elect_v as_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v for_o such_o conclusion_n as_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o at_o their_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n we_o do_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o man_n to_o consider_v whether_o we_o can_v any_o long_o continue_v that_o assembly_n without_o endanger_n our_o own_o royal_a authority_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o supplant_v and_o betray_v into_o the_o hand_n and_o power_n of_o their_o swear_a and_o combine_v enemy_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n who_o never_o decline_v nor_o yet_o do_v decline_v the_o trial_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v they_o do_v long_o call_v for_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n we_o grant_v they_o one_o most_o free_a on_o our_o part_n and_o in_o our_o intention_n but_o as_o they_o have_v handle_v and_o mar_v the_o matter_n let_v god_n and_o the_o world_n judge_v whether_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o footstep_n of_o freedom_n can_v in_o this_o assembly_n of_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o any_o man_n who_o have_v not_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n both_o to_o his_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v his_o understanding_n and_o to_o his_o connaturall_a light_n that_o be_v his_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n to_o conceive_v that_o liberty_n and_o limitation_n be_v destructive_a one_o of_o another_o for_o that_o freedom_n which_o admit_v no_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v not_o liberty_n but_o licentiousness_n when_o therefore_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n we_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o they_o mean_v not_o a_o assembly_n in_o which_o every_o one_o both_o in_o the_o necessary_a preparation_n precede_v it_o and_o in_o the_o necessary_a proceed_n in_o it_o may_v say_v and_o do_v what_o he_o will_v but_o such_o a_o assembly_n in_o which_o no_o man_n have_v interest_n shall_v be_v bar_v either_o in_o the_o preceding_n to_o it_o or_o proceed_n in_o it_o of_o that_o liberty_n which_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o church_n in_o which_o that_o assembly_n be_v convocate_v do_v allow_v he_o which_o two_o bound_n whosoever_o shall_v transgress_v though_o they_o pretend_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n yet_o in_o all_o true_a intendment_n &_o construction_n they_o must_v be_v take_v either_o for_o profess_a &_o common_a or_o clandestine_v enemy_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o that_o assembly_n what_o wrest_v and_o wring_v be_v use_v in_o their_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n to_o charge_v our_o gracious_a proclamation_n with_o prelimitation_n be_v know_v and_o it_o be_v detest_v by_o many_o even_o of_o their_o own_o covenant_n whether_o their_o course_n especial_o in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v not_o only_a prelimitation_n of_o it_o but_o strong_a bar_n against_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o and_o such_o as_o do_v utter_o destroy_v both_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n induce_v upon_o it_o many_o and_o main_a nullity_n beside_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n let_v these_o few_o particular_n declare_v first_o whereas_o they_o refuse_v so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v from_o our_o commissioner_n of_o any_o precedent_a treaty_n for_o repair_v and_o right_a order_n of_o thing_n before_o the_o assembly_n allege_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o free_a assembly_n where_o there_o be_v any_o consultation_n before_o either_o concern_v the_o chooser_n or_o those_o to_o be_v choose_v or_o thing_n to_o be_v discuss_v in_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v treat_v of_o upon_o the_o place_n else_o the_o assembly_n must_v needs_o be_v prelimitate_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o transgress_v in_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v discern_v for_o beside_o these_o instruction_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n we_o have_v see_v and_o our_o commissioner_n at_o the_o assembly_n do_v produce_v four_o several_a paper_n of_o instruction_n send_v from_o they_o who_o call_v themselves_o the_o table_n all_o of_o
disconsolate_v subject_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o though_o unjust_o brand_v with_o many_o calumny_n yet_o never_o have_v nor_o ever_o shall_v swerve_v from_o our_o loyalty_n due_a to_o the_o lord_n anoint_a but_o will_v ready_o embrace_v any_o occasion_n to_o employ_v our_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o his_o majesty_n service_n and_o honour_n who_o we_o hearty_o pray_v god_n may_v long_o and_o happy_o ring_v over_o we_o parliament_n all_o there_o be_v annex_v to_o this_o declaration_n a_o quotation_n of_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o whereunto_o albeit_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o answer_n see_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o her_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v seek_v from_o herself_o and_o the_o register_n of_o her_o assembly_n and_o not_o from_o the_o parliament_n yet_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v special_o answer_v in_o the_o order_n that_o they_o be_v allege_v after_o these_o two_o general_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o reader_n his_o consideration_n 1._o after_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o kirk_n be_v still_o wrestle_v against_o all_o corruption_n and_o especial_o against_o episcopacy_n but_o though_o they_o clear_o and_o frequent_o condemn_v the_o same_o yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o reformation_n withstand_v they_o long_o so_o that_o her_o own_o policy_n can_v not_o be_v obtain_v ratify_v express_o &_o specifice_v in_o parliament_n till_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1592._o which_o abrogate_v all_o those_o proceed_v act_n allege_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la 2._o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v no_o more_o make_v ecclesiastical_a office_n nor_o give_v ecclesiastical_a privilege_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n can_v establish_v civil_a office_n of_o estate_n or_o grant_v to_o they_o civil_a privilege_n each_o judicatorie_a be_v proper_o confine_v within_o their_o own_o sphere_n but_o before_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v particular_o mark_v and_o cite_v 1567._o there_o be_v two_o reason_n prefix_v the_o one_o take_v from_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o cap._n 2.3.6_o and_o cap._n 68_o par._n 1579._o the_o other_o from_o the_o oath_n minister_v to_o the_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o bear_v that_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o this_o realm_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n it_o be_v evident_a hereby_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v altogether_o condemn_v as_o all_o other_o prelacy_n be_v for_o before_o that_o time_n they_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o therefore_o be_v discharge_v to_o execute_v that_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o act_n to_o execute_v any_o at_o all_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o act_n be_v manifest_a because_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a order_n and_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v no_o other_o ordinary_a office_n bearer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o ecclesia_fw-la constituta_fw-la but_o the_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_a and_o deacon_n and_o in_o her_o assembly_n at_o that_o same_o time_n be_v still_o censure_v these_o who_o be_v call_v or_o design_v bishop_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o benefice_n as_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o act_n print_v before_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n 1560._o make_v in_o the_o same_o year_n by_o these_o same_o person_n ratify_v the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n they_o provide_v only_o that_o bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n etc._n etc._n be_v protestant_n brook_v their_o revenue_n during_o their_o lifetime_n they_o sustain_v minister_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n 2._o in_o the_o year_n 1566._o which_o precede_v that_o parliament_n the_o kirk_n of_o this_o kingdom_n approve_v the_o confession_n of_o helvetia_n wherein_o the_o parity_n of_o minister_n be_v prefer_v as_o god_n ordinance_n warrand_v by_o his_o word_n to_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o humane_a consuetude_n 3._o because_o at_o that_o time_n the_o queen_n have_v restore_v the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrews_n therefore_o the_o kirk_n supplicate_v the_o nobility_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o that_o restitution_n which_o they_o condemn_v as_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n once_o wound_v within_o this_o land_n wherein_o they_o express_o ground_n themselves_o upon_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v before_o make_v in_o the_o year_n 1560._o as_o a_o certain_a abrogation_n of_o the_o archbishop_n authority_n 4._o in_o the_o 2._o book_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 11._o the_o kirk_n use_v the_o same_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o a_o abrogation_n of_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n and_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n and_o thereby_o of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n 5._o the_o kirk_n thereafter_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n declare_v their_o uniformity_n of_o this_o meaning_n by_o urge_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o print_v among_o the_o black_a act_n and_o renew_v in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v 1579._o which_o immediate_o follow_v the_o act_n here_o cite_v declare_v that_o no_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v use_v within_o this_o realm_n but_o that_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n and_o flow_v therefrom_o and_o they_o urge_v that_o none_o under_o the_o abuse_a title_n in_o papistry_n of_o prelate_n etc._n etc._n attempt_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n of_o the_o reform_v kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n whereby_o our_o kirk_n declare_v all_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n to_o be_v papistical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n his_o hirarchie_n in_o the_o short_a confession_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n can_v flow_v from_o none_o other_o but_o from_o the_o pope_n see_v it_o flow_v not_o from_o the_o kirk_n but_o be_v abolish_v and_o condemn_v by_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o register_n of_o the_o assembly_n 6._o the_o act_n do_v abolish_v all_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o all_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n because_o episcopal_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v papistical_a as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o and_o special_o by_o doctor_n poklingtun_n chaplain_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o deduce_v a_o continual_a lineal_a succession_n from_o peter_n through_o the_o whole_a pope_n unto_o the_o present_a arch_a bishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o by_o the_o quotter_n himself_o who_o allege_v albeit_o false_o that_o this_o kirk_n retain_v the_o papistical_a policy_n and_o government_n 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reason_n that_o our_o kirk_n do_v not_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o policy_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o kirk_n before_o the_o reformation_n the_o same_o be_v control_v by_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1567._o and_o for_o the_o 6._o act_n 1567._o and_o the_o 68_o act_n 1579._o the_o same_o do_v not_o only_o not_o mention_v bishop_n but_o declare_v the_o true_a kirk_n to_o consist_v only_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o live_v and_o these_o who_o thereafter_o shall_v rise_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n as_o the_o member_n thereof_o which_o direct_o exclude_v bishop_n against_o who_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n continual_o sound_v especial_o at_o that_o time_n for_o in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n by_o weekly_a meeting_n of_o minister_n elder_n and_o reform_a town_n from_o the_o year_n 1560._o to_o the_o year_n 1576._o except_o the_o interim_n of_o the_o pretend_a convention_n at_o leeth_n 1572._o and_o from_o the_o year_n 1575._o to_o the_o year_n 1581._o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v employ_v in_o abolish_n the_o corruption_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o in_o establish_v the_o settle_a policy_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o 1578._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o which_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n anent_o that_o discipline_n as_o ground_v and_o well_o warrand_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o against_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n as_o a_o unlawful_a humane_a invention_n so_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1579._o the_o bishop_n disagree_v from_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o evangel_n then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o use_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o say_a act_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o same_o act_n cite_v for_o they_o do_v sufficient_o evince_v that_o
sundry_a nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n magistrate_n and_o all_o other_o our_o have_v who_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v any_o minister_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a conference_n and_o speech_n or_o in_o their_o sermon_n to_o approve_v and_o allow_v the_o say_v unlawful_a assembly_n rail_v and_o utter_v any_o speech_n against_o our_o royal_a commandment_n or_o proceed_n of_o we_o or_o our_o council_n for_o punish_v or_o suppress_v such_o enormity_n that_o they_o make_v relation_n and_o report_n thereof_o to_o our_o council_n and_o furnish_v probation_n to_o the_o effect_n the_o same_o may_v be_v according_o punish_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o we_o thereupon_o certify_v they_o who_o shall_v hear_v and_o conceal_v the_o say_v speech_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v as_o allower_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v according_o be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v therefore_o without_o favour_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n we_o likewise_o straight_o charge_v and_o command_v all_o judge_n whatsoever_o within_o this_o realm_n clerk_n and_o writer_n not_o to_o grant_v or_o pass_v any_o bill_n summons_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o execution_n whatsoever_o upon_o any_o act_n or_o deed_n proceed_v from_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n and_o all_o keeper_n of_o the_o signet_n from_o signet_v thereof_o and_o that_o under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o because_o we_o give_v order_n and_o warrant_v to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o make_v open_a declaration_n not_o only_o of_o our_o sense_n but_o even_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o by_o which_o it_o may_v clear_o appear_v that_o as_o we_o never_o intend_v thereby_o to_o exclude_v episcopacy_n so_o by_o no_o right_a construction_n can_v it_o be_v otherways_o interpret_v as_o be_v more_o nor_o evident_a by_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o many_o more_o which_o for_o brevity_n the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v so_o clear_a be_v omit_v herefore_o we_o do_v not_o only_o prohibit_v and_o discharge_v all_o our_o subject_n from_o subscribe_v any_o band_n or_o give_v any_o writ_n subscription_n or_o oath_n to_o or_o upon_o any_o act_n or_o deed_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a assembly_n but_o also_o do_v require_v they_o not_o to_o subscribe_v nor_o swear_v the_o say_a confession_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o manifest_o emit_v by_o our_o commissioner_n under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o that_o none_o of_o our_o good_a subject_n who_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o bind_v obedience_n to_o we_o shall_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o say_a pretend_a assembly_n or_o any_o of_o the_o pretend_a act_n constitution_n warrant_n or_o direction_n proceed_v therefrom_o may_v have_v just_a ground_n of_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o harm_n by_o do_v thereof_o we_o do_v by_o these_o promise_n and_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n oblige_v ourselves_o by_o all_o the_o royal_a authority_n and_o power_n wherewith_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o person_n fortune_n and_o good_n against_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v dare_v or_o presume_v to_o call_v in_o question_n trouble_n or_o any_o way_n molest_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o therefore_o and_o our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o charge_v you_o strait_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o edinburgh_n and_o other_o place_n needful_a wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v from_o our_o court_n at_o whitehall_n the_o eight_o day_n of_o december_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o fourteen_o year_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la this_o our_o proclamation_n publish_v only_o to_o make_v our_o people_n acquaint_v with_o our_o gracious_a proceed_n at_o glasgow_n which_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o leader_n have_v either_o be_v conceal_v from_o they_o or_o misreport_v to_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o all_o our_o former_a gracious_a proffer_n with_o a_o very_a undutiful_a windy_a and_o bluster_a protestation_n so_o full_a of_o word_n but_o withal_o so_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o sense_n as_o we_o be_v once_o resolve_v not_o to_o have_v insert_v it_o here_o neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o necessary_a it_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v stuff_v with_o the_o idle_a and_o superfluous_a repetition_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o former_a protestation_n especial_o their_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o glasgow_n with_o which_o indeed_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o verbatim_o yet_o because_o we_o know_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v out_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o assure_v their_o follower_n that_o it_o be_v omit_v because_o of_o the_o unanswerable_a pregnancy_n of_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o it_o here_o you_o shall_v have_v it_o but_o without_o any_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o to_o their_o former_a protestation_n have_v be_v give_v there_o be_v very_o little_a in_o it_o which_o be_v new_a and_o so_o not_o answer_v before_o or_o what_o be_v in_o it_o new_a be_v either_o very_a false_a or_o very_o impertinent_a both_o which_o falsity_n and_o impertinency_n shall_v only_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o margin_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o reader_n will_v easy_o find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o worthy_a of_o any_o large_a answer_n the_o protestation_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n make_v at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o 18._o of_o december_n 1638._o we_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n burghe_n and_o it_o university_n now_o convene_v and_o yet_o sit_v in_o a_o full_a and_o free_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o monarch_n of_o his_o own_o kirk_n and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o subscriber_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v it_o know_v that_o where_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n of_o all_o degree_n consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o many_o and_o great_a innovation_n and_o corruption_n late_o by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n introduce_v into_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o have_v be_v before_o in_o great_a purity_n to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n establish_v among_o we_o be_v move_v to_o present_v many_o earnest_a desire_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n for_o grant_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a legal_a and_o ready_a mean_a to_o try_v these_o innovation_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o corruption_n and_o settle_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n it_o please_v his_o gracious_a majesty_n out_o of_o his_o royal_a bounty_n to_o direct_v unto_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n who_o by_o many_o petition_n and_o frequent_a conference_n be_v full_o inform_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judicatorie_a which_o have_v power_n to_o remedy_v those_o evil_n be_v please_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o voyage_n to_o england_n for_o present_v the_o pitiful_a condition_n of_o our_o kirk_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n his_o grace_n return_v again_o in_o august_n last_o with_o power_n to_o indict_v a_o assembly_n but_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o false_a prelimitation_n as_o do_v both_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o can_v no_o way_n cure_v the_o present_a disease_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o be_v make_v so_o clear_o apparent_a to_o his_o possible_a grace_n that_o for_o satisfy_v the_o reasonable_a desire_n of_o the_o subject_n groan_v under_o the_o weariness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o longsome_a attendance_n he_o be_v again_o please_v to_o undertake_v another_o journey_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o promise_v to_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n without_o any_o prelimitation_n either_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o proceed_v so_o that_o if_o any_o question_n shall_v arise_v concern_v these_o particular_n whereof_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v elder_n as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o the_o examination_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o present_a
law_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v streinied_a thereto_o james_n 2._o parliament_n 2._o act_n 3._o and_o therefore_o now_o see_v there_o be_v not_o only_o violent_a presumption_n but_o great_a menace_v from_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o country_n and_o their_o adherent_n of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o country_n and_o harm_v of_o the_o examine_v and_o especial_o his_o majesty_n have_v within_o edinburgh_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a provision_n of_o munition_n to_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o that_o by_o the_o said_n bishop_n plot_n from_o his_o majesty_n prime_a officer_n who_o in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n shall_v preveene_n that_o inconvenient_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o act_n therefore_o upon_o their_o default_n the_o country_n itself_o and_o the_o king_n have_v in_o who_o favour_n the_o act_n be_v make_v may_v provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unharmed_a by_o that_o castle_n or_o any_o inhabitant_n thereof_o and_o so_o preveen_v the_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n thereunto_o conform_v to_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n pen._n second_o as_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o certain_a other_o castle_n and_o land_n be_v the_o king_n undoubted_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o what_o cause_n they_o be_v annex_v by_o who_o annex_v upon_o what_o condition_n and_o how_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o for_o the_o only_a cause_n express_v in_o the_o annexation_n thereof_o 41._o act._n james_n 2._o parliament_n 11._o be_v that_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v ofttimes_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o act_n make_v no_o mention_n that_o the_o king_n be_v annexer_n of_o the_o castle_n and_o land_n to_o the_o crown_n but_o only_o that_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o full_a council_n of_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v so_o statute_n and_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o advice_n deliverance_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n so_o that_o be_v thus_o annex_v to_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o realm_n itself_o for_o avoid_v a_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o realm_n and_o be_v annex_v with_o condition_n not_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n and_o for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n justice_n and_o equity_n will_v require_v that_o these_o castle_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o poverty_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o capital_a town_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o of_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n there_o convene_v for_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n and_o prepare_v overture_n to_o the_o future_a parliament_n for_o redress_v of_o our_o just_a grievance_n but_o now_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a provision_n to_o the_o castle_n be_v threaten_v with_o ruin_n and_o exterminion_n they_o may_v stop_v the_o misemploy_v of_o that_o benefit_n grant_v to_o the_o realm_n eo_fw-la animo_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la hunc_fw-la finem_fw-la for_o the_o well_o of_o the_o realm_n while_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n give_v their_o humble_a advice_n to_o his_o majesty_n thereanent_fw-la three_o by_o the_o 9_o act._n 9_o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n dumbartane_a stirling_n and_o blaknesse_n be_v four_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v safe_o keep_v to_o the_o king_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o for_o keep_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n there_o be_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n both_o money_n and_o victual_n a_o great_a part_n whereof_o be_v forth_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n which_o three_o in_o december_n 1561._o be_v decern_v and_o ordain_v by_o queen_n marie_n with_o advice_n of_o her_o council_n and_o other_o of_o the_o nobility_n then_o present_a to_o be_v up_o take_v and_o employ_v for_o these_o two_o use_n viz._n sustain_v of_o minister_n and_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o be_v also_o enact_v act_n 10._o parl._n 1_o james_n 6._o and_o thereafter_o ratify_v act_n 121._o parl._n 12._o james_n 6._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o as_o the_o castle_n be_v the_o king_n undeniable_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o shall_v be_v safe_o keep_v to_o his_o majesty_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o keep_n thereof_o rend_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n forth_o out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n estimate_n by_o the_o estate_n in_o eum_fw-la usum_fw-la for_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o not_o loyal_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v main_a interest_n to_o divert_v the_o convert_n of_o this_o strength_n to_o the_o weaken_n or_o ruin_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o threaten_v by_o this_o unusual_a provision_n and_o open_o denounce_v by_o our_o say_a enemy_n four_o by_o the_o 125._o act_n 7._o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o king_n castle_n and_o strength_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o only_a use_n of_o key_n be_v for_o keep_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o preservation_n and_o not_o for_o spartle_v disperse_v or_o perdition_n so_o that_o the_o realm_n and_o collective_a body_n thereof_o can_v hardly_o be_v disallow_v for_o contribute_v their_o loyal_a endeavour_n to_o the_o good_a keep_n of_o their_o kingdom_n own_o key_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_a end_n these_o key_n be_v use_v against_o the_o country_n and_o realm_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v the_o key_n of_o safety_n as_o by_o the_o say_a act_n be_v declare_v five_o by_o the_o same_o act_n all_o violent_a detainer_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n from_o he_o or_o constrainer_n of_o the_o king_n regent_n do_v redeem_v his_o own_o house_n and_o all_o maker_n of_o any_o such_o bargain_n merchandise_n or_o market_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n be_v only_o ordain_v to_o rander_n and_o deliver_v again_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o reddition_n of_o the_o say_n castle_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v action_n for_o repetition_n thereof_o as_o necessary_o give_v for_o the_o time_n and_o wrongous_o receive_v for_o unlawful_a cause_n and_o our_o proceed_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v deserve_v so_o harsh_a construction_n where_o the_o part_n best_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v constrain_v for_o indemnity_n of_o their_o person_n and_o good_n do_v neither_o take_v nor_o detain_v the_o castle_n but_o only_o withhold_v importation_n first_o clandestin_o intend_v and_o thereafter_o open_o threaten_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o warlike_a and_o invasive_a furniture_n which_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o the_o harm_n and_o annoyance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v convene_v for_o the_o just_a occasion_n foresaid_n who_o deserve_v and_o expect_v approbation_n and_o they_o thanks_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n for_o keep_v his_o evil_a counselor_n and_o bad_a patriot_n from_o put_v hand_n in_o his_o best_a subject_n six_o by_o the_o 25._o act_n 6._o parliament_n james_n 2._o sundry_a point_n of_o treason_n be_v ennumerate_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o be_v the_o assail_a without_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n the_o castle_n or_o place_n where_o the_o king_n person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v and_o now_o the_o king_n person_n not_o be_v in_o this_o castle_n but_o out_o of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o subject_n best_a and_o most_o loyal_a part_n of_o his_o subject_n both_o for_o number_n and_o fidelity_n implore_v his_o majesty_n authority_n for_o convocate_a the_o estate_n to_o take_v order_n with_o these_o who_o presume_v upon_o his_o majesty_n absence_n be_v bold_a to_o give_v he_o sinistrous_a information_n and_o counsel_n these_o who_o do_v no_o way_n assail_v the_o castle_n but_o bar_n these_o evil_a patriot_n from_o put_v in_o execution_n their_o damnable_a suggestion_n by_o their_o supercherie_n violence_n and_o terrification_n from_o that_o castle_n before_o the_o convention_n of_o estate_n can_v in_o law_n and_o equity_n be_v challenge_v in_o their_o carriage_n so_o necessary_a to_o they_o in_o the_o interim_n while_o the_o estate_n convene_v in_o a_o parliament_n which_o now_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o proclaim_v seven_o it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o chronicle_n
and_o record_n that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v give_v in_o keep_v to_o the_o house_n of_o erskine_n by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n authority_n hac_fw-la lege_fw-la expressa_fw-la &_o conditione_n ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la nisi_fw-la conventui_fw-la ordinum_fw-la reposcenti_fw-la traderent_fw-la eight_o this_o act_n be_v not_o unexampled_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o have_v many_o precedent_n both_o in_o the_o history_n of_o other_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o own_o which_o have_v many_o such_o example_n even_o do_v by_o the_o estate_n themselves_o who_o fact_n do_v make_v our_o right_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v ratify_v conform_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o loveable_a custom_n in_o punish_v rebellious_a subject_n and_o preserve_v the_o faithful_a act_n 130._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v upbraid_v for_o our_o meeting_n table_n which_o in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v call_v council_n table_n only_o by_o that_o name_n which_o by_o ordinary_a expression_n be_v due_a to_o judicatories_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o some_o unwarrantable_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o intend_v to_o do_v god_n willing_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o sober_a modest_a and_o quiet_a way_n for_o deliberate_v with_o joint_a advice_n upon_o those_o weighty_a business_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o table_n meeting_n do_v never_o emit_v nor_o send_v forth_o any_o authoritative_a command_n or_o injunction_n but_o conclude_v upon_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o advance_v that_o great_a business_n and_o facilitate_v the_o way_n of_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o overture_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o act_n lawful_a and_o approvable_a in_o the_o self_n albeit_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o force_n or_o validity_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n or_o command_n which_o be_v never_o aim_v at_o nor_o intend_v which_o meeting_n they_o may_v warrantable_o keep_v for_o that_o end_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o remove_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o subject_n no_o way_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o municipal_a law_n which_o disapprove_v such_o convention_n as_o be_v for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o usurpation_n against_o authority_n whereof_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o these_o meeting_n not_o the_o first_o because_o no_o invasion_n violence_n offer_v of_o wrong_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o any_o person_n no_o even_a to_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o just_o complain_v ensew_v upon_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o provocation_n and_o their_o fear_n false_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o malicious_o pretend_v for_o their_o stay_n out_o of_o the_o country_n not_o the_o second_o because_o their_o meeting_n be_v to_o consult_v in_o manner_n foresay_a upon_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o humble_a way_n of_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o convenient_a proposition_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o act_n be_v most_o compatible_a with_o the_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n and_o do_v no_o way_n entrench_v upon_o authority_n see_v they_o can_v never_o be_v challenge_v to_o have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o judicial_a determination_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a but_o by_o voluntary_a instruction_n and_o opinion_n every_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n do_v resolve_v what_o may_v be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a end_n and_o yet_o those_o convention_n want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o the_o nobility_n baron_n burrows_n and_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v place_n of_o propon_v reason_v and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n act_n 113._o king_n james_n the_o 6._o parl._n 11._o wherein_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v of_o the_o need_v and_o cause_n pertain_v to_o his_o love_a subject_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o therefore_o ratify_v the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1427._o give_v power_n to_o baron_n to_o propone_v all_o and_o sundry_a needs_o and_o cause_n and_o to_o hear_v treat_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n which_o necessary_a and_o true_a information_n can_v be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n king_n without_o privy_a meeting_n and_o consultation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o to_o inform_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o propone_v hear_v treat_v and_o final_o determine_v all_o needs_o and_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o meeting_n and_o advise_v upon_o that_o information_n quia_fw-la aliquo_fw-la concesso_fw-la omne_fw-la concessa_fw-la videntur_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la concessum_fw-la expediri_fw-la nequit_fw-la and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n they_o have_v likeways_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n of_o this_o land_n to_o propone_v reason_n and_o vote_n in_o assembly_n and_o be_v the_o examine_v parity_n of_o reason_n to_o keep_v precede_v meeting_n not_o to_o determinate_a or_o execute_v but_o to_o consult_v upon_o their_o necessary_a proposition_n so_o that_o these_o lawful_a meeting_n for_o the_o religious_a end_n suffer_v wrongous_o the_o invidious_a designation_n of_o council_n table_n which_o be_v only_o do_v for_o procure_v misconstruction_n against_o they_o because_o at_o these_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n they_o sit_v about_o a_o table_n which_o posture_n be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o authority_n the_o mean_a of_o mechanik_a craft_n have_v their_o own_o table_n where_o about_o they_o sit_v when_o they_o consult_v upon_o the_o small_a business_n import_v their_o trade_n and_o far_o these_o same_o meeting_n consist_v of_o commissioner_n from_o each_o sheriffedome_n and_o body_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n false_a council_n first_o and_o thereafter_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n out_o of_o their_o resentment_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o cause_n have_v numerous_o convene_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o confluence_n of_o people_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o direct_v to_o make_v choose_v forth_o of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o some_o commissioner_n from_o each_o shire_n who_o may_v meet_v to_o represent_v their_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o attend_v the_o answer_v thereof_o censure_n the_o three_o particular_a challenge_n in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v for_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v allege_v to_o have_v be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n some_o banish_v for_o teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o be_v suspend_v some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o confine_v and_o all_o by_o oath_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o although_o no_o answer_n be_v requisite_a see_v the_o person_n thereby_o mean_v be_v not_o special_o condescend_v upon_o yet_o for_o clear_v all_o man_n mind_n and_o show_v the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o proceed_n it_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o particular_a trial_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o some_o such_o surmise_n can_v not_o find_v any_o censure_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n or_o ireland_n by_o a_o lawful_a manner_n in_o a_o lawful_a ireland_n judicatory_a or_o for_o a_o lawful_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o assembly_n after_o careful_a search_n and_o examination_n find_v that_o any_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o person_n in_o scotland_n be_v only_o by_o a_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o take_v arrogant_o on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o that_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o presbytery_n but_o sit_v in_o his_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o
magistrate_n be_v describe_v to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o punish_v those_o civil_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o censure_n thereof_o without_o confound_v always_o the_o one_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o other_o and_o this_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n condescend_v upon_o in_o general_a assembly_n as_o warrant_v by_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v execute_v notwithstanding_o any_o humane_a inhibition_n be_v set_v down_o before_o the_o psalm_n in_o meet_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o expect_v that_o his_o majesty_n who_o out_o of_o his_o pious_a inclination_n to_o justice_n by_o a_o late_a proclamation_n 22._o september_n last_o have_v declare_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o his_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a will_v now_o stay_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n lawful_a and_o grave_a sentence_n of_o this_o national_a kirk_n so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o necessary_a for_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n which_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o article_n before_o mention_v have_v promise_v to_o defend_v and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o defence_n of_o excommunicate_a and_o obstinate_a person_n but_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o his_o gracious_a majesty_n will_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v that_o reverence_n and_o all_o ready_a obedience_n may_v be_v defer_v to_o the_o whole_a act_n constitution_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o all_o his_o subject_n who_o undoubted_o and_o necessary_o be_v oblige_v to_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o mother_n kirk_n if_o they_o will_v be_v account_v member_n or_o son_n thereof_o by_o all_o which_o all_o cloud_n of_o weighty_a reason_n the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o just_a proceed_n do_v evident_o appear_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o challenge_n adduce_v against_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o therefore_o for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n we_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o we_o represent_v and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o before_o mention_v do_v solemn_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o protest_v they_o that_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o incumbent_n to_o we_o as_o good_a christian_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a subject_n towards_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n and_o we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v and_o shall_v continue_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n have_v grant_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n that_o it_o be_v and_o be_v most_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o fit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n until_o after_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o try_v judge_v and_o censure_v all_o the_o bygone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n whereof_o the_o general_a and_o principal_a act_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o the_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n and_o such_o like_a that_o whosoever_o presume_v to_o utter_v any_o undutiful_a speech_n against_o the_o same_o may_v be_v due_o censure_v and_o condign_o punish_v we_o protest_v that_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n efold_o and_o faithful_o join_v and_o concur_v in_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o station_n to_o advance_v further_o and_o assist_v the_o execution_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o this_o assembly_n by_o all_o mean_n which_o their_o ability_n can_v afford_v as_o they_o affect_v the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o land_n we_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o challenge_n and_o aspersion_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o that_o our_o whole_a answer_n be_v not_o only_o true_a in_o every_o point_n but_o likewise_o sufficient_o forcible_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o unjust_a imputation_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o whole_a proceed_n and_o carriage_n which_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o blame_v likeas_n by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_a to_o the_o 12._o act._n parl._n 2._o king_n james_n 4._o and_o protest_v for_o remead_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n and_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whosoever_o and_o against_o all_o external_a and_o internal_a invasion_n and_o that_o in_o the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o national_a mother_n kirk_n that_o whatsoever_o inconvenient_n shall_v fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o observance_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o lawful_a defence_n and_o maintenance_n thereof_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o do_v yet_o still_o with_o humble_a vehemency_n beg_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a approbation_n thereunto_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v abide_v to_o any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n do_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v as_o they_o true_o be_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o realm_n we_o protest_v that_o none_o hereafter_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n former_o subscribe_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o council_n as_o they_o will_v eschew_v the_o danger_n of_o a_o contradictory_n oath_n but_o that_o all_o &_o every_o one_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n renew_v in_o february_n last_o and_o that_o with_o this_o sense_n meaning_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o subscribe_v the_o same_o conform_a to_o the_o determination_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n allanerly_a we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v till_o
our_o commissioner_n sit_v in_o assembly_n shall_v deny_v our_o voice_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o to_o we_o appear_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o our_o law_n yet_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v conclude_v by_o most_o voice_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o then_o we_o be_v bind_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o see_v all_o these_o conclusion_n make_v in_o despite_n of_o we_o obey_v by_o all_o our_o subject_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o these_o act_n and_o if_o our_o councillor_n or_o judge_n shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v the_o like_a than_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o so_o be_v deprive_v not_o only_o of_o their_o place_n but_o of_o their_o estate_n a_o position_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v they_o will_v never_o gain_v the_o consent_n of_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n put_v in_o authority_n under_o they_o a_o fourteen_o position_n be_v this_o a_o assembly_n may_v abrogate_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o discharge_v our_o subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o they_o any_o way_n reflect_v upon_o business_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o wonder_v that_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n and_o burrowes_n can_v endure_v for_o as_o it_o do_v derogate_v principal_o from_o our_o authority_n so_o do_v it_o proportionable_o from_o they_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o parliament_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v at_o how_o any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o government_n can_v endure_v it_o for_o it_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n but_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v call_v the_o high_a court_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o a_o general_a assembly_n may_v rescind_v the_o act_n of_o it_o and_o that_o power_n which_o may_v repeal_v one_o act_n of_o it_o may_v repeal_v more_o nay_o all_o act_n of_o it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o exercise_v that_o power_n and_o say_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n a_o fifteen_o position_n be_v this_o the_o protestation_n of_o subject_n against_o law_n establish_v whether_o it_o be_v make_v coram_fw-la judice_fw-la or_o non_fw-la judice_fw-la before_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o people_n themselves_o who_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v judge_v do_v void_a all_o obedience_n to_o these_o law_n and_o discharge_v all_o the_o protester_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o live_v under_o they_o before_o ever_o these_o protestation_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v discuss_v before_o the_o competent_a judge_n of_o they_o nay_o although_o they_o be_v repel_v by_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o they_o be_v make_v all_o which_o since_o these_o trouble_n begin_v in_o that_o kingdom_n have_v be_v usual_o practise_v by_o the_o covenanter_n who_o have_v sometime_o make_v protestation_n against_o our_o law_n before_o our_o council_n sometime_o before_o our_o commissioner_n sometime_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n who_o repel_v they_o all_o than_o they_o make_v they_o before_o the_o people_n their_o own_o associate_n in_o the_o public_a market-place_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v hold_v these_o protestation_n sufficient_o admit_v and_o themselves_o discharge_v from_o obedience_n to_o all_o these_o law_n against_o which_o they_o protest_v allege_v perhaps_o that_o they_o be_v unjust_o and_o undue_o enact_v which_o course_n if_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o protestation_n before_o they_o be_v discuss_v may_v discharge_v subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o law_n what_o subject_n will_v yield_v obedience_n to_o any_o law_n by_o which_o he_o find_v himself_o press_v or_o inconvenience_v when_o the_o remedy_n of_o a_o protestation_n whether_o admit_v or_o not_o admit_v be_v so_o ready_a at_o hand_n a_o sixteen_o and_o last_o position_n be_v this_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o for_o it_o be_v both_o the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v such_o a_o shameful_a one_o that_o they_o have_v not_o print_v it_o in_o terminis_fw-la but_o it_o follow_v by_o a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n upon_o many_o of_o their_o print_a position_n as_o all_o of_o they_o do_v follow_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o current_a with_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v almost_o in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o number_n of_o man_n be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a and_o in_o that_o sense_n say_v they_o the_o more_o considerable_a part_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v conceive_v to_o be_v conducible_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o this_o great_a part_n especial_o meet_v in_o a_o representative_a assembly_n may_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o against_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o we_o and_o our_o council_n and_o our_o judge_n declaration_n of_o it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o kingdom_n choose_v some_o few_o nobleman_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o burgess_n who_o under_o the_o name_n of_o committee_n or_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v choose_v from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n shall_v sit_v and_o determine_v of_o thing_n concern_v the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o king_n council_n nor_o judge_n in_o the_o land_n they_o complain_v of_o a_o high_a commission_n erect_v by_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o high_a commission_n than_o that_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a judgement_n they_o answer_v for_o themselves_o only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v it_o as_o be_v put_v in_o authority_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v say_v they_o a_o court_n independent_a from_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v erect_v what_o court_n it_o will_v without_o we_o and_o may_v appoint_v what_o commissioner_n it_o will_v to_o sit_v for_o that_o court_n so_o they_o meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o ecclesiastical_a business_n but_o let_v the_o reader_n consider_v how_o many_o wicked_a and_o insufferable_a absurdity_n this_o their_o answer_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o now_o do_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v indict_v they_o can_v not_o be_v then_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n next_o who_o give_v the_o general_a assembly_n power_n to_o erect_v any_o such_o table_n of_o commissioner_n they_o find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v with_o the_o high_a commission_n establish_v by_o we_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o court_n establish_v either_o by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o parliament_n and_o now_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n give_v the_o assembly_n power_n to_o erect_v any_o such_o table_n of_o commissioner_n three_o in_o the_o erection_n of_o this_o table_n they_o outdo_v any_o thing_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v either_o say_v or_o do_v by_o the_o jesuit_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o her_o visible_a head_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n for_o they_o do_v never_o yet_o affirm_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v but_o by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o these_o man_n do_v hold_v that_o nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n may_v execute_v this_o authority_n but_o they_o say_v they_o do_v not_o exercise_v it_o as_o any_o such_o lay-man_n but_o as_o ruling-elders_a and_o so_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o can_v there_o any_o child_n be_v find_v who_o will_v not_o laugh_v at_o this_o if_o ever_o he_o have_v hear_v but_o the_o common_a name_n of_o churchman_n and_o layman_n can_v these_o two_o be_v confound_v can_v the_o call_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o elder_a make_v he_o a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n if_o by_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n he_o be_v never_o to_o discharge_v any_o office_n of_o a_o churchman_n they_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o parliament_n council_n or_o any_o secular_a judicatorie_a because_o these_o place_n be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o place_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o shall_v not_o lay-person_n be_v as_o incapable_a at_o least_o to_o meddle_v with_o divine_a and_o ecclesiastical_a business_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v then_o let_v these_o ecclesiastical_a elder_n renounce_v their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o other_o secular_a court_n of_o justice_n and_o become_v ruling-elders_a only_o four_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o meddle_v only_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n although_o it_o be_v unlawful_a
none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o yet_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n whether_o our_o refuse_v of_o the_o intrusion_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o the_o extrusion_n of_o episcopal_a government_n can_v be_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n a_o sufficient_a warrant_n or_o ground_n for_o his_o take_a arm_n against_o his_o lawful_a king_n and_o sovereign_a for_o now_o their_o very_a leader_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o rest_n make_v these_o two_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o their_o arm_n and_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o of_o our_o subject_n covenanter_n if_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n at_o the_o first_o they_o do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o take_v arm_n against_o we_o for_o these_o two_o point_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o episcopal_a government_n if_o they_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o we_o in_o their_o other_o grievance_n and_o fear_v innovation_n as_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v we_o be_v confident_a that_o no_o such_o matter_n be_v then_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o thought_n we_o then_o have_v full_o remove_v those_o pretend_a fear_n which_o occasion_v their_o covenant_n we_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o our_o seduce_a subject_n will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n but_o for_o their_o seducer_n we_o know_v that_o some_o of_o they_o from_o the_o very_a first_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n this_o grand_a imposture_n and_o calumny_n with_o the_o other_o three_o be_v remove_v we_o will_v now_o declare_v full_o and_o free_o to_o all_o our_o subject_n of_o our_o three_o kingdom_n and_o to_o all_o foreigner_n beside_o the_o true_a and_o only_a cause_n which_o do_v enforce_v we_o at_o this_o time_n to_o use_v force_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o insolence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o shall_v stand_v out_o against_o we_o 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devastation_n of_o kingdom_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o conclave_n do_v usurp_v that_o unlawful_a and_o unlimited_a power_n which_o be_v in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n in_o all_o these_o late_a trouble_n practise_v against_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o same_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v unless_o the_o offender_n betake_v themselves_o to_o our_o mercy_n second_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n without_o our_o consent_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o parliament_n shall_v destroy_v any_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n which_o they_o in_o their_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n have_v go_v about_o to_o do_v three_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v call_v but_o by_o our_o indiction_n according_a to_o a_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v or_o that_o it_o shall_v continue_v after_o that_o we_o by_o our_o 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judge_n and_o legal_o discuss_v before_o they_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o covenanter_n all_o the_o time_n of_o these_o tumult_n six_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o our_o subject_n shall_v enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n or_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n without_o our_o leave_n ask_v and_o obtain_v it_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n for_o this_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o rebellion_n seven_o and_o principal_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o table_n or_o committee_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o under_o any_o other_o name_n title_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o shall_v sit_v without_o our_o consent_n and_o authority_n and_o order_n business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o the_o same_o by_o we_o our_o council_n or_o judge_n shall_v appeal_v from_o we_o and_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o either_o allege_v that_o they_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o none_o but_o by_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o immediate_a council_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o dependencie_n from_o or_o subordination_n either_o to_o our_o council_n or_o judge_n or_o our_o parliament_n which_o be_v the_o council_n of_o our_o kingdom_n and_o so_o that_o both_o churchman_n and_o lay-man_n under_o ecclesiastical_a name_n shall_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o and_o our_o law_n and_o the_o assembly_n itself_o shall_v hold_v the_o member_n of_o it_o free_a from_o be_v judge_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o assembly_n by_o any_o but_o by_o itself_o which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n be_v treason_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n cite_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o narration_n now_o all_o this_o have_v be_v practise_v and_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o which_o call_v themselves_o of_o the_o table_n from_o all_o which_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o offence_n which_o we_o resolve_v to_o punish_v in_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n do_v not_o concern_v religion_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n high_a commission_n nay_o nor_o whether_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o lay-elder_n in_o assembly_n or_o no_o episcopal_a government_n though_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o one_o and_o retain_v the_o other_o but_o the_o question_n indeed_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o whether_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n shall_v be_v any_o more_o king_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o if_o these_o traitorous_a position_n shall_v be_v maintain_v and_o make_v good_a by_o force_n of_o arm_n than_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n can_v be_v no_o more_o king_n there_o our_o parliament_n council_n and_o judge_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n there_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v give_v over_o to_o be_v king_n and_o so_o betray_v and_o desert_n that_o charge_n wherewith_o god_n have_v entrust_v we_o we_o must_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o our_o hand_n and_o by_o fair_a just_a and_o legal_a way_n to_o our_o great_a grief_n force_v they_o to_o obedience_n these_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n which_o have_v force_v we_o to_o undertake_v this_o journey_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o arm_n and_o aid_n of_o our_o loyal_a subject_n here_o for_o the_o security_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o safeguard_n of_o our_o person_n as_o likewise_o of_o the_o arm_n and_o aid_n of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o here_o first_o we_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v what_o a_o unwelcome_a journey_n this_o be_v unto_o we_o and_o how_o unwilling_o we_o do_v undertake_v it_o second_o we_o
his_o subject_n be_v not_o only_o the_o jesuitical_a tenet_n but_o their_o very_a word_n and_o syllable_n and_o as_o they_o be_v allege_v here_o very_o false_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o confession_n contain_v not_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o government_n discipline_n and_o ceremony_n beside_o this_o confession_n be_v first_o enjoin_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n before_o it_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o church_n how_o then_o our_o royal_a father_n if_o he_o be_v now_o live_v shall_v receive_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o from_o the_o church_n after_o he_o have_v subscribe_v it_o and_o command_v his_o household_n to_o do_v so_o or_o we_o shall_v now_o receive_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o from_o the_o general_a assembly_n after_o it_o be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o commandment_n we_o can_v apprehend_v apprehend_v nay_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v prefer_v for_o if_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n have_v explain_v it_o contrary_n to_o our_o meaning_n our_o declaration_n come_v after_o shall_v be_v prefer_v to_o their_o misinterpretation_n answer_v to_o the_o first_o reason_n reason_n the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v quite_o omit_v though_o in_o it_o lie_v the_o principal_a explication_n of_o this_o first_o reason_n reason_n how_o many_o of_o they_o have_v determine_v so_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o comparable_a in_o number_n to_o those_o who_o have_v determine_v the_o contrary_a contrary_a most_o false_a answer_v to_o the_o second_o reason_n reason_n because_o in_o the_o xxi_o article_n cite_v the_o word_n ceremony_n be_v use_v therefore_o they_o will_v infer_v that_o this_o reason_n suppose_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v but_o a_o ceremony_n but_o weak_o for_o the_o reason_n consist_v in_o the_o word_n policy_n which_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o and_o episcopal_a government_n be_v a_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n they_o hold_v the_o one_o alterable_a as_o all_o they_o do_v who_o adhere_v to_o that_o xxi_o article_n must_v needs_o hold_v the_o other_o so_o too_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o reason_n that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v maintain_v by_o it_o to_o be_v alterable_a but_o that_o they_o themselves_o and_o that_o xxi_o article_n do_v hold_v it_o to_o be_v so_o so_o the_o assembly_n desire_v it_o but_o do_v ever_o our_o royal_a father_n do_v so_o answer_v to_o the_o three_o reason_n reason_n we_o defy_v any_o man_n live_v to_o produce_v from_o any_o jesuit_n or_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o equivocation_n yet_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o wicked_a position_n as_o this_o that_o the_o swearer_n be_v neither_o bind_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o exacter_n of_o the_o oath_n nor_o to_o his_o own_o meaning_n who_o take_v the_o oath_n but_o to_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n swear_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o explicate_v by_o the_o competent_a judge_n for_o than_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v what_o he_o swear_v when_o he_o swear_v if_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o competent_a judge_n shall_v come_v after_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o he_o who_o set_v down_o this_o proposition_n have_v set_v his_o hand_n to_o it_o that_o the_o world_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o for_o a_o ignorant_a fool_n and_o a_o arrant_a knave_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o johnston_n find_v out_o another_o he_o must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o man_n because_o his_o hand_n be_v at_o this_o foolish_a pamphlet_n answer_v to_o the_o four_o reason_n reason_n this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o own_o protestation_n against_o our_o proclamation_n date_v the_o nine_o of_o september_n see_v their_o nine_o reason_n in_o that_o protestation_n against_o the_o subscription_n to_o our_o covenant_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o flat_o contradictory_n to_o this_o which_o they_o affirm_v now_o now_o they_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o yet_o in_o all_o their_o write_n declare_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o that_o their_o new_a fancy_a government_n contain_v in_o their_o imaginary_a book_n of_o discipline_n be_v only_o according_a unto_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o five_o reason_n reason_n but_o it_o be_v most_o notorious_a that_o at_o those_o parliament_n which_o be_v hold_v when_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o swear_v unto_o bishop_n have_v voice_n and_o be_v present_a and_o so_o then_o episcopal_a government_n can_v not_o be_v abjure_v for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o parliament_n roll_v insert_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o answer_n answer_n let_v any_o kingdom_n which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o parliament_n consist_v of_o a_o monarch_n and_o his_o three_o estate_n digest_v this_o proposition_n and_o then_o the_o parliament_n can_v be_v no_o more_o the_o high_a court_n of_o the_o kingdom_n kingdom_n a_o most_o false_a position_n as_o if_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n or_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o scotland_n have_v power_n to_o reconcile_v the_o two_o kingdom_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o reduce_v popery_n into_o they_o and_o to_o restore_v to_o the_o church_n all_o the_o abbey_n land_n notwithstanding_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o both_o kingdom_n to_o the_o contrary_n conclusion_n anent_o act_n of_o parliament_n parliament_n for_o the_o cavil_v here_o make_v against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n cite_v in_o the_o explanation_n they_o will_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v if_o the_o reader_n will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v the_o act_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o these_o exception_n be_v not_o only_o weak_a but_o none_o at_o all_o answer_v to_o the_o act_n 1567._o anent_o the_o six_o act_n 1567._o anent_o the_o king_n oath_n anent_o the_o act_n 1572._o &_o 1573._o anent_o the_o act_n 1578._o &_o 1579_o anent_o the_o act_n 1581._o anent_o the_o act_n 1584._o and_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n anent_o the_o act_n 1587._o anent_o the_o act_n 1592._o anent_o the_o act_n 1597._o anent_o the_o act_n 1606._o anent_o the_o act_n 1609._o anent_o the_o act_n 1617._o conclusion_n conclusion_n false_a for_o there_o be_v not_o after_o our_o commissioner_n leave_v of_o the_o assembly_n any_o one_o commissioner_n from_o any_o university_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o do_v not_o desert_n it_o it_o false_a false_a more_o false_a than_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a possible_a false_a and_o sufficient_o before_o disprove_v disprove_v it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o man_n can_v be_v find_v who_o dare_v aver_v such_o a_o untruth_n when_o the_o proclamation_n at_o glasgow_n be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o counsellor_n let_v the_o reader_n turn_v back_o to_o it_o and_o be_v judge_n anent_o our_o protestation_n anent_o our_o watch_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n edinburgh_n they_o confess_v it_o within_o eight_o line_n after_o this_o this_o true_a but_o we_o and_o our_o council_n and_o our_o judge_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o loyal_a subject_n be_v the_o public_a mutineer_n and_o rebel_n be_v but_o a_o private_a and_o schismatical_a part_n though_o never_o so_o many_o many_o but_o not_o without_o or_o against_o the_o king_n command_n his_o general_n much_o less_o any_o lieutenant_n of_o his_o can_v do_v that_o that_o all_o this_o which_o follow_v concern_v the_o guard_n of_o our_o castle_n and_o fort_n and_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o they_o contain_v no_o less_o than_o treason_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v answer_v with_o a_o pen._n pen._n which_o the_o covenanter_n be_v not_o not_o whether_o shall_v the_o king_n or_o his_o subject_n keep_v the_o key_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n kingdom_n but_o the_o covenanter_n be_v the_o worst_a part_n part_n we_o do_v not_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v thanks_o from_o we_o for_o 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country_n and_o our_o posterity_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o of_o his_o majesty_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o humble_a desire_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o article_n unto_o the_o which_o we_o adhere_v again_o and_o again_o as_o we_o will_v eschew_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n follow_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v certain_o expect_v according_a to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o accustom_a goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n after_o a_o true_a information_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n will_v present_o indict_v these_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o our_o just_a supplication_n complaint_n 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