up_o such_o a_o body_n it_o can_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o a_o lawful_a and_o free_a assembly_n but_o how_o prove_v they_o commissioner_n admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o assembly_n not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o body_n first_o they_o allege_v that_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o clergy_n convene_v at_o this_o assembly_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la deprive_v and_o their_o place_n void_a as_o if_o they_o be_v natural_o dead_a because_o they_o have_v never_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o province_n or_o dyocie_n subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n nor_o have_v read_v their_o testimonial_a thereupon_o and_o the_o confession_n in_o their_o parosh_fw-mi kirk_n after_o their_o return_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1572._o that_o whereas_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1606._o to_o maintain_v the_o king_n honour_n dignity_n and_o prerogative_n royal_a to_o with_o stand_v all_o person_n power_n or_o estate_n that_o shall_v impugn_v or_o impair_v the_o same_o and_o at_o their_o admission_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o testify_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o king_n be_v suppreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o yet_o notwithstanding_o his_o majesty_n have_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o the_o liedge_n 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 or_o without_o the_o realm_n they_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 in_o their_o sermon_n and_o other_o speech_n dissuade_v deter_v and_o hinder_v other_o to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o have_v public_o protest_v against_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1572._o be_v never_o put_v in_o practice_n conform_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o and_o order_n there_o set_v down_o or_o if_o put_v in_o practice_n the_o practice_n can_v not_o endure_v long_o for_o archbishop_n bishop_n and_o superindentent_n continue_v not_o long_o after_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n all_o the_o assembly_n of_o our_o kirk_n since_o the_o abolition_n of_o bishop_n and_o superintendent_o may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o we_o have_v have_v no_o lawful_a minister_n yea_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n do_v consist_v of_o many_o who_o can_v not_o produce_v a_o testimonial_a of_o their_o oath_n and_o confession_n conform_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o act_n last_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o act_n have_v be_v keep_v conform_a to_o the_o late_a act_n make_v thereanent_a and_o none_o of_o the_o minister_n convene_v at_o the_o last_o assembly_n but_o have_v subscribe_v both_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o king_n authority_n either_o of_o late_a when_o the_o covenant_n be_v subscribe_v or_o before_o when_o they_o pass_v their_o degree_n in_o school_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n but_o what_o suppose_v that_o act_n be_v yet_o in_o force_n that_o they_o have_v neglect_v to_o take_v their_o oath_n and_o be_v therefore_o deprive_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la of_o their_o benefice_n and_o ecclesiastical_a live_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o office_n or_o can_v be_v unless_o they_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v and_o take_v their_o oath_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n authority_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o that_o act_n be_v make_v when_o some_o stand_v for_o the_o king_n mother_n and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n for_o sovereign_n during_o her_o life_n as_o for_o the_o promise_n make_v in_o parliament_n by_o the_o estate_n anno_fw-la 1606._o have_v they_o fail_v in_o performance_n or_o the_o subject_n who_o they_o represent_v have_v they_o not_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n ratify_v that_o act_n as_o to_o the_o act_n for_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n an._n 1612._o it_o concern_v only_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o any_o benefice_n and_o not_o every_o minister_n that_o act_n be_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n be_v alter_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o place_n of_o these_o word_n conservation_n and_o purgation_n of_o religion_n be_v put_v in_o supreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a which_o word_n be_v avoid_v in_o the_o same_o oath_n when_o the_o conclusion_n be_v agree_v upon_o at_o leeth_n anno_fw-la 1572._o howbeit_o they_o then_o draw_v up_o a_o plateforme_n of_o policy_n near_o to_o the_o english_a and_o put_v in_o the_o word_n conservation_n and_o purgation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n so_o they_o have_v abuse_v their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n but_o what_o have_v the_o commissioner_n do_v contrare_fw-la to_o these_o act_n oath_n or_o promise_n they_o have_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n enjoin_v by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n hinder_v other_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o proclamation_n may_v they_o not_o do_v that_o and_o not_o violate_v these_o act_n do_v the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n bind_v they_o to_o subscribe_v any_o confession_n or_o band_n in_o whatsoever_o sense_n it_o shall_v please_v his_o majesty_n to_o make_v or_o be_v it_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n the_o estate_n i_o be_o sure_a never_o intend_v such_o a_o meaning_n both_o must_v be_v interpret_v by_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o act_n for_o the_o king_n oath_n at_o his_o coronation_n the_o declaration_n make_v in_o parliament_n 1592._o and_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o former_a act_n concern_v the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o the_o act_n for_o the_o oath_n of_o imsupremacie_n his_o majesty_n behove_v to_o have_v a_o grant_n of_o pose_v habit_n upon_o kirk-man_n at_o the_o last_o parliament_n which_o need_v not_o if_o he_o may_v have_v do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1606_o and_o 1612._o and_o yet_o that_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n then_o to_o enjoin_v subscription_n to_o a_o confession_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o be_v receive_v at_o the_o first_o and_o second_v universal_a subscription_n for_o now_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o authority_n enjoin_v subscription_n the_o confession_n be_v make_v to_o consist_v with_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o novation_n introduce_v since_o the_o fame_n be_v first_o receive_v be_v there_o not_o reason_n then_o to_o refuse_v to_o dissuade_v other_o and_o to_o protest_v against_o it_o more_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o protestation_n it_o self_n some_o minister_n be_v urge_v with_o subscription_n and_o of_o those_o some_o yield_v who_o notwithstanding_o have_v place_n in_o the_o last_o assembly_n but_o what_o suppose_v all_o have_v protest_v and_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o council_n that_o can_v not_o have_v disable_v they_o to_o fit_v and_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v legal_o convict_v before_o of_o offence_n in_o so_o do_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o let_v the_o reader_n here_o observe_v the_o decliner_n legerdemain_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v forward_o for_o subscription_n of_o that_o confession_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n but_o challenge_v man_n for_o not_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n that_o be_v the_o confession_n extant_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o of_o no_o other_o have_v they_o make_v mention_v before_o in_o their_o declinatour_n they_o have_v vilipend_v the_o late_a confession_n and_o covenant_n in_o former_a time_n and_o we_o doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o this_o tax_n of_o other_o that_o they_o will_v subscribe_v this_o confession_n themselves_o without_o their_o own_o limitation_n and_o acception_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o aberdene_n have_v do_v but_o that_o perfidious_a man_n will_v subscribe_v any_o thing_n and_o yet_o so_o impudent_a be_v they_o that_o they_o will_v have_v other_o trouble_v for_o not_o subscribe_v contrar_n to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n to_o make_v a_o party_n and_o new_a rent_n in_o this_o kirk_n they_o allege_v that_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o
number_n of_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o pariosh_n not_o according_a to_o their_o absence_n or_o presence_n which_o be_v casual_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v more_o minister_n in_o a_o presbytery_n then_o can_v be_v of_o elder_n take_v but_o one_o out_o of_o a_o pariosh_n for_o in_o some_o burghe_v there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o or_o four_o or_o eight_o minister_n as_o for_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o doubt_v propon_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n 1583._o in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n agree_v upon_o after_o reason_v and_o deliberation_n in_o many_o assembly_n it_o be_v conclude_v there_o shall_v resort_v some_o elder_n out_o of_o every_o parosh_fw-mi to_o the_o presbytery_n which_o import_v that_o more_o than_o one_o out_o of_o a_o parosh_n may_v resort_v minister_n be_v ordain_v to_o subscribe_v the_o book_n by_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n anno_fw-la 1590._o and_o 1591._o and_o consequent_o after_o 1582._o next_o that_o act_n provide_v that_o the_o proportion_n be_v keep_v in_o the_o few_o number_n but_o there_o be_v never_o such_o a_o proportion_n determine_v and_o till_o it_o be_v determine_v it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o no_o act_n for_o otherwise_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o ever_o presbytery_n to_o appoint_v what_o number_n they_o please_v three_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n make_v before_o and_o ratify_v after_o that_o act_n that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o minister_n send_v from_o every_o particular_a kirk_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v likewise_o one_o rule_v elder_a at_o the_o least_o for_o one_o kirk_n have_v no_o more_o privilege_n than_o another_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o that_o every_o eldership_n of_o the_o particular_a kirkes_n send_v to_o the_o class_n which_o we_o call_v the_o presbytery_n a_o minister_n and_o a_o elder_a and_o from_o every_o class_n to_o the_o synod_n two_o minister_n and_o two_o elder_n so_o that_o the_o number_n be_v make_v equal_a not_o only_o in_o presbytery_n but_o in_o synod_n also_o and_o bucerus_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr gubernation_n ecclesiae_fw-la page_n 101._o say_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v a_o like_a number_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n send_v to_o their_o provincial_a synod_n it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o roll_a elder_n be_v call_v to_o the_o presbytery_n only_o at_o such_o occasion_n as_o the_o minister_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o godly_a concurrence_n for_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n that_o the_o common_a eldership_n that_o be_v the_o presbytery_n shall_v consist_v of_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o rule_v elder_n and_o so_o they_o be_v constitute_v at_o their_o first_o erection_n by_o act_n of_o that_o same_o assembly_n april_n 1582._o the_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o resort_v to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o all_o time_n but_o for_o matter_n of_o weight_n to_o urge_v they_o strict_o and_o who_o doubt_v but_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n entrust_v with_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o weight_n that_o the_o act_n make_v at_o dundie_n anno_fw-la 1597._o be_v the_o only_a act_n authorise_v presbytery_n to_o send_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v as_o false_a it_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a practice_n of_o our_o kirk_n since_o the_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n that_o presbytery_n direct_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o april_n 1582._o we_o have_v this_o direction_n it_o be_v not_o think_v expedient_a that_o the_o presbytery_n be_v astrict_v to_o direct_v their_o moderator_n to_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi whereby_o appear_v that_o order_n be_v establish_v before_o that_o presbytery_n direct_v their_o commissioner_n the_o act_n 1597._o then_o do_v not_o first_o or_o only_o authorise_v presbytery_n with_o this_o power_n but_o only_o circumscribe_v the_o number_n meet_a it_o be_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v this_o power_n because_o they_o be_v ordinare_fw-la assembly_n have_v their_o power_n of_o ordinary_a jurisdiction_n admit_v depose_v excommunicate_v and_o therefore_o have_v their_o meeting_n weekly_o and_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n ready_a to_o direct_v commissioner_n neither_o be_v that_o act_n 1597._o the_o only_a act_n authorise_v presbytery_n to_o direct_v rule_v elder_n or_o as_o they_o call_v they_o lay-commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o see_v presbytery_n direct_v minister_n in_o commission_n the_o roll_a elder_n can_v be_v direct_v by_o none_o other_o after_o the_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v ordain_v in_o june_n 1563._o that_o every_o superintendent_n cause_n warn_v the_o shire_n town_n and_o parosh-kirks_a within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o send_v their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o july_n 1568._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o commissioner_n of_o shire_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o gentleman_n at_o the_o synod_n after_o the_o erection_n of_o presbytery_n we_o find_v they_o in_o the_o register_n book_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o have_v be_v direct_v from_o presbytery_n and_o special_o anno_fw-la 1592._o when_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v make_v for_o ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o assembly_n synod_n presbytery_n etc._n etc._n and_o july_n 1595._o march_n 1595._o and_o anno_fw-la 1596._o for_o proof_n likewise_o see_v in_o the_o presbytery_n book_n of_o edinburgh_n gentleman_n direct_v in_o commission_n with_o minister_n anno_fw-la 1593._o and_o 1596._o that_o the_o roll_a elder_n have_v hand_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n when_o they_o sit_v in_o the_o presbytery_n appear_v evident_o for_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o july_n 1568._o where_o order_n be_v set_v down_o for_o choose_v of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o power_n to_o vote_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o commissioner_n of_o shyr_n be_v choose_v at_o the_o synodall_n convention_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o gentleman_n mean_v roll_a elder_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o presbytery_n be_v create_v and_o have_v the_o power_n to_o direct_v commissioner_n minister_n and_o elder_n can_v not_o be_v choose_v but_o in_o like_a manner_n by_o minister_n and_o elder_n common_a consent_n such_o like_a when_o the_o act_n 1597._o ordain_v that_o every_o presbytery_n direct_v no_o more_o minister_n than_o three_o and_o but_o one_o in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o presbytery_n direct_v they_o before_o but_o only_o define_v the_o number_n it_o can_v be_v mean_v that_o minister_n shall_v choose_v minister_n and_o the_o gentleman_n elder_n one_o in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n or_o that_o minister_n shall_v choose_v both_o minister_n and_o baron_n nor_o be_v it_o reasonble_a but_o it_o be_v say_v of_o both_o alike_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v direct_v from_o the_o presbytery_n by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n the_o roll_a elder_n office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o hold_v all_o sort_n of_o assembly_n presbyterial_a synodall_n national_a with_o the_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n for_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o execution_n of_o discipline_n to_o treat_v of_o thing_n concern_v the_o kirk_n to_o choose_v a_o moderator_n with_o common_a consent_n to_o send_v forth_o visitour_n for_o the_o bound_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o presbyterial_a meeting_n to_o make_v constitution_n for_o decent_a order_n in_o their_o particular_a kirk_n without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o rule_v set_v down_o by_o provincial_a or_o general_a assembly_n to_o excommunicate_a to_o elect_v and_o depose_v ecclesiastical_a office-bearer_n for_o these_o be_v grant_v to_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o elder_n conjunct_o and_o as_o ambrose_n write_v upon_o 1._o tim._n 5._o of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n nothing_o be_v do_v without_o they_o vnde_fw-la &_o synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la sine_fw-la quorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la if_o they_o may_v have_v a_o hand_n in_o excommunication_n election_n and_o deposition_n of_o office-bearer_n choose_v the_o moderator_n make_v constitution_n establish_v good_a order_n and_o general_o to_o treat_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o church_fw-mi ought_v they_o not_o to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n nay_o rather_o in_o this_o than_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v they_o be_v call_v rule_v elder_n and_o governor_n not_o
half_a or_o in_o part_n but_o whole_a and_o do_v not_o the_o choose_n of_o commissioner_n belong_v to_o rule_v and_o government_n minister_n themselves_o do_v not_o direct_v commissioner_n but_o as_o ruler_n they_o allege_v that_o roll_a elder_n sit_v not_o in_o presbytery_n these_o forty_o year_n and_o upward_o but_o the_o aspirer_n to_o prelacy_n begin_v the_o rent_n in_o our_o church_fw-mi forty_o year_n since_o and_o upward_o no_o wonder_n then_o suppose_v that_o with_o many_o other_o thing_n go_v out_o of_o frame_n so_o long_o as_o unity_n and_o integrity_n continue_v they_o continue_v the_o time_n of_o division_n can_v prescribe_v against_o the_o good_a order_n establish_v and_o yet_o even_o after_o the_o act_n 1597._o which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o year_n after_o division_n enter_v we_o find_v in_o the_o presbytery_n book_n of_o edinburgh_n february_n 1600._o commission_n give_v to_o some_o minister_n and_o gentleman_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n hold_v anno_fw-la 1601._o baron_n direct_v from_o presbytery_n ambrose_n complain_v in_o the_o place_n above-cited_n that_o the_o conjunct_a government_n of_o elder_n which_o be_v first_o in_o the_o jewish_a kirk_n and_o after_o in_o the_o christian_a be_v wear_v out_o of_o use_n whither_o through_o sloughtfulnesse_n or_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n he_o can_v tell_v quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la absoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la volunt_fw-la the_o cause_n of_o our_o elder_n forebearing_a to_o resort_v to_o the_o presbytery_n may_v be_v diverse_a partly_o the_o pride_n of_o some_o minister_n who_o will_v not_o encourage_v and_o countenance_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o assembly_n that_o govern_v by_o themselves_o alone_o they_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o partly_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o other_o loath_a that_o gentleman_n shall_v be_v make_v privy_a to_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o offence_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v there_o by_o some_o of_o both_o sort_n and_o fear_v there_o be_v some_o at_o this_o present_a of_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o partly_o the_o division_n and_o rent_n which_o have_v vex_v this_o kirk_n these_o many_o year_n but_o see_v there_o be_v never_o a_o ordinance_n to_o exclud_v they_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o prescription_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereunto_o this_o order_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v consonant_n by_o act_n of_o assembly_n hold_v in_o october_n 1582._o and_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n the_o imminent_a danger_n to_o religion_n constrain_v they_o to_o take_v their_o own_o place_n again_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v demand_v these_o minister_n who_o be_v content_a they_o sit_v with_o they_o in_o the_o low_a and_o suppreme_a judicatorie_a the_o session_n and_o general_a assembly_n why_o they_o repine_v at_o their_o association_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n render_v it_o be_v the_o order_n set_v down_o at_o the_o conclude_a the_o constant_a policy_n and_o be_v the_o order_n observe_v in_o other_o kirk_n the_o elder_n exercise_v not_o their_o office_n full_o but_o in_o the_o presbytery_n where_o ordinare_fw-la jurisdiction_n be_v exercise_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n deposition_n admission_n etc._n etc._n they_o except_z yet_o against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a person_n meaning_n minister_n direct_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v be_v just_o think_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n to_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n for_o their_o behaviour_n in_o time_n bypass_a first_o for_o that_o by_o their_o seditious_a and_o rail_a sermon_n and_o pamphlet_n they_o have_v wound_v the_o king_n honour_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o animate_v his_o liege_n to_o rebellion_n this_o be_v impute_v to_o all_o but_o not_o verify_v of_o any_o of_o the_o number_n nor_o have_v they_o design_v any_o person_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o neither_o the_o presbytery_n send_v nor_o the_o assembly_n admit_v do_v know_v any_o such_o next_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v either_o schismatical_o refractory_a and_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o kirke_n or_o state_n or_o have_v promise_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o theìr_v ordìnar_fw-mi have_v never_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o oath_n or_o contrar_n to_o promise_n and_o practice_v have_v resiel_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o order_n or_o under_o censure_n of_o this_o kirk_n or_o conveened_a at_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o their_o ordinar_n or_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n for_o transgression_n deserve_v deprivation_n we_o know_v none_o schismatical_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n unless_o they_o mean_v such_o as_o have_v oppose_v to_o their_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o their_o shameless_a usurpation_n a_o oath_n shall_v not_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o iniquity_n or_o impiety_n the_o intrant_n do_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o establish_a order_n from_o which_o we_o have_v decline_v nor_o foresee_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o bring_v in_o so_o many_o novation_n in_o religion_n the_o oath_n to_o the_o ordinar_n be_v exact_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o act_n of_o a_o null_n and_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o that_o ordinare_fw-la be_v no_o lawful_a ordinare_fw-la but_o a_o usurper_n these_o ordinary_n have_v exact_v also_o oath_n and_o subscription_n to_o article_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o maintenance_n of_o their_o usurp_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o point_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o their_o libel_n the_o censure_n inflict_v if_o there_o be_v any_o upon_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n scots-man_n return_v from_o ireland_n to_o scotland_n be_v infflict_v for_o adhere_v to_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o voice_n in_o her_o assembly_n they_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o assembly_n by_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o interrogatory_n propon_v to_o they_o some_o of_o they_o be_v thrust_v out_o by_o themselves_o before_o they_o go_v to_o ireland_n as_o for_o such_o as_o be_v under_o censure_n in_o this_o kirk_n we_o know_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o then_o pretend_a bishop_n in_o the_o court_n of_o high_a commission_n a_o judicatorie_a erect_v without_o consent_n of_o our_o church_fw-mi or_o of_o the_o estate_n in_o parliament_n and_o discharge_v by_o proclamation_n before_o they_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n this_o be_v also_o a_o point_n of_o their_o libel_n the_o hold_v of_o such_o court_n and_o tyrannical_a domination_n in_o the_o same_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v any_o conveened_a before_o the_o pretend_a ordinare_fw-la for_o any_o offence_n which_o may_v make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n if_o any_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o they_o or_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v process_v before_o or_o warn_v to_o compeare_v before_o this_o assembly_n see_v a_o full_a and_o free_a assembly_n be_v indict_v but_o we_o know_v none_o that_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v for_o any_o transgression_n deserve_v reproof_n far_o less_o deprivation_n the_o transgression_n impute_v be_v either_o false_o impute_v to_o they_o as_o the_o utter_n of_o rash_a and_o unreverent_a speech_n in_o their_o sermon_n against_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o their_o proceed_n reprove_v his_o majesty_n law_n and_o ordinance_n use_v application_n in_o their_o sermon_n not_o tend_v to_o edification_n intrude_a themselves_o in_o other_o man_n charge_n and_o pulpit_n without_o call_v and_o authority_n press_v the_o people_n to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n or_o be_v no_o transgression_n as_o to_o proceed_v against_o minister_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n or_o deprivation_n in_o their_o presbytery_n oppon_v to_o the_o subscribe_v of_o a_o covenant_n offer_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n or_o hold_v of_o convention_n without_o his_o majesty_n knowledge_n and_o consent_n see_v the_o end_n be_v for_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n complaint_n and_o information_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a alteration_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v intend_v they_o pretend_v that_o in_o charity_n they_o forbear_v to_o express_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o which_o too_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v direct_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n be_v guilty_a they_o have_v learn_v to_o calumniate_v bold_o upon_o hope_n that_o somewhat_o will_v stick_v in_o man_n mind_n this_o general_a imputation_n be_v more_o uncharitable_a then_o if_o they_o
have_v design_v the_o person_n and_o express_v the_o fault_n in_o particular_a but_o they_o can_v otherwise_o ease_v their_o own_o vindictive_a spirit_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o commission_n be_v valide_fw-la suppose_v afterward_o they_o shall_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o allege_v and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v too_o credulous_a namely_o when_o man_n declare_v infamous_a do_v calumniate_v they_o except_o next_o against_o laymens_n decisive_a voice_n it_o stand_v not_o with_o reason_n scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n say_v they_o that_o layman_n shall_v be_v authorize_v by_o minister_n to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o a_o general_a assembly_n that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o those_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 deliberat_fw-la and_o determine_v so_o by_o layman_n they_o mean_v our_o roll_a elder_n who_o be_v not_o mere_a lay-man_n but_o office_n bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n and_o be_v call_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n ecclesiastical_a person_n next_o observe_v that_o they_o except_v not_o only_o against_o the_o assembly_n hold_v last_o at_o glasgow_n but_o also_o against_o all_o the_o assembly_n hold_v since_o the_o reformation_n for_o the_o elder_n have_v have_v power_n to_o voice_n in_o assembly_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o order_n of_o choose_v commissioner_n with_o power_n to_o voice_n be_v set_v down_o first_o anno_fw-la 1568._o among_o which_o be_v the_o gentleman_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n there_o be_v no_o need_n therefore_o to_o express_v the_o act_n 1597._o which_o be_v conclude_v before_o anno_fw-la 1568._o the_o 7._o chap._n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o continual_o practise_v since_o the_o reformation_n the_o general_a assembly_n be_v call_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n the_o general_a eldership_n of_o the_o kirk_n if_o their_o reason_n be_v good_a minister_n have_v no_o warrant_n by_o that_o act_n 1597._o to_o voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o there_o be_v no_o express_a mention_n in_o that_o act_n of_o minister_n power_n to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o act_n do_v not_o touch_v but_o presuppose_v the_o power_n of_o both_o and_o only_o define_v the_o number_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o baron_n to_o be_v direct_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o assembly_n so_o you_o see_v they_o profess_v plain_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o of_o our_o former_a assembly_n in_o the_o pure_a time_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o time_n to_o come_v constitute_v after_o the_o like_a manner_n nor_o the_o national_a counsel_n in_o other_o reform_a kirk_n for_o lawful_a assembly_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o answer_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o our_o kirk_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o this_o one_o passage_n in_o their_o declinatour_n deserve_v condign_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v so_o malapert_o impunge_v the_o establish_a order_n of_o our_o kirk_n because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v to_o a_o assembly_n right_o constitute_v yet_o howbeit_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v decisive_a voice_n to_o lay-man_n they_o allow_v they_o presence_n and_o assistance_n so_o will_v the_o papist_n but_o they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o prince_n which_o condition_n be_v not_o require_v by_o the_o papist_n they_o allow_v that_o his_o majesty_n in_o person_n or_o by_o his_o delegate_n may_v see_v good_a order_n keep_v have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n and_o may_v delegat_v by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n such_o lay-man_n as_o he_o please_v to_o have_v definitive_a and_o decisive_a voice_n without_o which_o delegation_n it_o be_v presumptuous_a intrusion_n upon_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n by_o the_o act_n 1597._o which_o be_v make_v by_o their_o own_o procurement_n to_o restrain_v the_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n direct_v from_o presbytery_n to_o oppose_v to_o their_o corrupt_a course_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o baron_n or_o gentleman_n shall_v be_v nominat_fw-la by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o have_v have_v after_o that_o decisive_a voice_n in_o assembly_n how_o many_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n only_o call_v for_o by_o the_o king_n letter_n and_o not_o delegat_n as_o commissioner_n have_v voice_v at_o their_o own_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o help_v to_o carry_v matter_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n but_o now_o it_o appear_v that_o after_o they_o have_v serve_v their_o turn_n with_o they_o to_o set_v they_o up_o they_o be_v to_o bide_v they_o a_o due_a hereafter_o item_fw-la for_o as_o laici_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la vobis_fw-la locus_fw-la icy_a yea_o they_o entreat_v the_o king_n commissioner_n in_o the_o word_n utter_v by_o the_o father_n at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedom_n mitte_fw-la for_o as_o superfluos_fw-la send_v forth_o the_o superflous_a that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o clerk_n and_o monk_n who_o come_v to_o trouble_v the_o council_n because_o they_o have_v embrace_v the_o error_n of_o eutyches_n they_o apply_v to_o the_o roll_a elder_n nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n choose_v lawful_o commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n for_o such_o insolent_a and_o contumelious_a speech_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v severe_o censure_v howbeit_o there_o have_v be_v no_o libel_n give_v in_o against_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o allege_v the_o direction_n give_v by_o pulcheria_n the_o empress_n to_o strategus_n commander_n or_o captain_n of_o bythinia_n to_o drive_v by_o force_n out_o of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n such_o monk_n clerk_n and_o ley-man_n as_o do_v but_o pester_v the_o council_n and_o suffer_v none_o but_o such_o as_o the_o bishop_n bring_v with_o they_o this_o also_o be_v for_o avoid_v of_o disturbance_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o see_v that_o layman_n not_o appoint_v by_o the_o prince_n but_o bring_v by_o the_o bishop_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n but_o how_o agree_v that_o say_n of_o theodosius_n the_o young_a that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a bishop_n to_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a treaty_n and_o affair_n it_o seem_v to_o cross_v that_o which_o they_o grant_v before_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o delegate_n for_o how_o can_v he_o or_o they_o if_o this_o be_v true_a have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n or_o a_o decisive_a voice_n yea_o by_o this_o say_n minister_n or_o preach_v presbyter_n ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v not_o set_v in_o the_o rank_n of_o bishop_n this_o say_n of_o theodosius_n be_v allege_v by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o definitive_a voice_n of_o emperor_n and_o prince_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conjecture_v whereunto_o their_o course_n do_v tend_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o fair_a show_n they_o make_v a_o little_a before_o but_o as_o for_o that_o say_n of_o theodosius_n extant_a in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n whittaker_n de_fw-fr conciliis_fw-la prove_v it_o to_o be_v forge_v quia_fw-la non_fw-la habetur_fw-la in_o antiquis_fw-la exemplaribus_fw-la it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o old_a copy_n and_o it_o be_v false_a in_o itself_o for_o he_o do_v meddle_v and_o howbeit_o theodosius_n be_v not_o present_v himself_o at_o the_o council_n yet_o he_o send_v candidianus_n who_o inform_v he_o of_o their_o proceed_n three_o the_o word_n be_v not_o right_o translate_v for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o the_o order_n or_o rank_n of_o bishop_n but_z the_o catalogue_n of_o bishop_n mean_v that_o none_o shall_v meddle_v with_o the_o affair_n and_o question_n to_o be_v treat_v in_o the_o council_n but_o such_o as_o be_v send_v from_o their_o kirk_n and_o be_v write_v up_o in_o the_o catalogue_n which_o their_o bishop_n bring_v with_o they_o this_o be_v observe_v by_o junius_n for_o the_o same_o respect_n which_o theodosius_n have_v martinus_n be_v move_v say_v they_o to_o say_v at_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n non_fw-la esse_fw-la suumse_v episcoporum_fw-la tantum_fw-la subscribere_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o part_n but_o the_o bishop_n only_o to_o subscribe_v how_o can_v they_o urge_v he_o to_o subscribe_v if_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o bishop_n this_o famous_a man_n martin_n be_v a_o abbot_n or_o the_o father_n of_o many_o monk_n he_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v because_o he_o favour_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o error_n of_o eutyches_n another_o monkish_a father_n always_o we_o see_v what_o assembly_n they_o intend_v to_o have_v have_v even_o just_a like_o the_o popish_a bishop_n only_o have_v decisive_a voice_n and_o no_o other_o assembly_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o their_o
lean_v but_o how_o prove_v they_o the_o success_n of_o their_o government_n to_o have_v be_v such_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o but_o envy_v it_o by_o the_o plant_n of_o kirk_n with_o able_a and_o learned_a miinister_n recover_v of_o the_o kirk_n rent_n help_v of_o minister_n stipend_n prevent_v jar_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o kirk_n which_o in_o former_a time_n do_v dangerous_o infest_v the_o same_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o obedience_n and_o supprese_v of_o poprie_fw-la which_o be_v never_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n as_o before_o the_o stir_n they_o have_v plant_v many_o kirk_n with_o unsufficient_a or_o scandalous_a minister_n or_o corrupter_n of_o religion_n and_o perverter_n of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v recover_v great_a rent_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v recover_v the_o rent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prelacy_n to_o build_v up_o the_o crownest_n again_o they_o have_v procure_v by_o the_o moyen_fw-fr they_o have_v augmentation_n of_o stipend_n to_o tie_v minister_n to_o dependence_n upon_o they_o or_o to_o tie_v they_o to_o their_o fat_a stipend_n that_o no_o alteration_n in_o religion_n shall_v loose_v their_o grip_n and_o yet_o no_o kirk_n worse_o provide_v than_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o their_o own_o benefice_n they_o have_v hinder_v the_o augmentation_n of_o stipend_n to_o such_o minister_n as_o will_v not_o dance_v to_o their_o pipe_v they_o have_v raise_v jar_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o kirk_n itself_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o more_o easy_o their_o intent_n but_o how_o they_o keep_v peace_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o people_n may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o instruction_n send_v up_o to_o court_v anno_fw-la 1609._o the_o many_o threaten_a letter_n send_v down_o from_o court_n and_o proclamation_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o most_o of_o all_o by_o their_o deal_n at_o this_o present_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o obedience_n there_o will_v be_v little_a peace_n or_o obedience_n in_o the_o country_n their_o favour_n bear_v to_o papist_n process_v or_o to_o be_v process_v their_o familiarity_n with_o they_o more_o than_o common_a and_o employment_n of_o they_o may_v let_v we_o see_v that_o if_o poprie_fw-la be_v suppress_v it_o be_v not_o suppress_v by_o they_o but_o by_o other_o mean_n as_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o clear_n of_o controversy_n wherewith_o our_o kirk_n be_v trouble_v or_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n in_o place_n and_o credit_n in_o the_o country_n but_o we_o doubt_v that_o popry_n be_v at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v see_v till_o the_o light_n of_o this_o present_a reformation_n discover_v they_o sure_o we_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o popry_n piece_n and_o piece_n be_v not_o the_o mean_a to_o suppress_v poprie_fw-la they_o protest_v that_o see_v these_o who_o for_o scrouple_n of_o conscience_n do_v mislike_v the_o service_n book_n canon_n or_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v apprehend_v or_o give_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o kirk_n have_v now_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v all_o offence_n by_o past_a in_o these_o stir_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n may_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o love_n lay_v aside_o envy_n hatred_n and_o bitterness_n and_o if_o any_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v that_o they_o bear_v the_o blame_n and_o be_v think_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n may_v ensue_v and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o nor_o to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o man_n under_o his_o majesty_n obedience_n who_o have_v commit_v nothing_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o kirk_n which_o may_v give_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o wish_v any_o harm_n to_o any_o man_n in_o his_o person_n or_o estate_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o injury_n and_o indignity_n they_o have_v suffer_v that_o for_o quench_v this_o present_a combustion_n they_o can_v be_v content_a after_o clear_v their_o innocence_n not_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o bishopric_n at_o this_o majesty_n foot_n but_o also_o if_o it_o so_o please_a god_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o this_o atonement_n we_o answer_v other_o for_o scrouple_n of_o conscience_n mislike_v the_o service_n book_n canon_n or_o high_a commission_n but_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o who_o make_v any_o scrouple_n how_o can_v we_o who_o mislike_v like_v they_o to_o be_v minister_n far_o less_a governor_n in_o our_o kirk_n who_o do_v not_o mislike_v they_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v we_o receive_v by_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o book_n see_v other_o book_n more_o corrupt_a may_v be_v impose_v afterward_o see_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o condemn_v but_o avouch_v to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o beat_v out_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n see_v they_o themselves_o be_v not_o take_v order_n with_o for_o their_o corrupt_a disposition_n and_o intend_v to_o obtrud_v they_o and_o to_o raise_v persecution_n for_o they_o they_o may_v do_v in_o and_o by_o the_o council_n as_o much_o as_o may_v trouble_v minister_n and_o professor_n howbeit_o they_o sit_v not_o in_o the_o court_n of_o high_a commission_n the_o book_n be_v but_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o stir_n but_o they_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n author_n and_o procurer_n of_o the_o trouble_n the_o five_o article_n which_o have_v wrought_v much_o disquietness_n these_o twenty_o year_n bypass_a be_v not_o quit_v but_o the_o practice_n leave_v free_a whereby_o division_n can_v not_o but_o be_v entertain_v can_v religion_n be_v settle_v in_o peace_n or_o religion_n be_v preserve_v in_o purity_n their_o government_n continue_v they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o 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