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
of_o benefice_n visitation_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n without_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v power_n to_o suspend_v deprive_v command_n and_o inhibit_v excommunication_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o fine_a confine_v imprison_v banish_v minister_n and_o other_o professor_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n appoint_v their_o moderator_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n prorogate_a their_o diet_n stay_v their_o proceed_n against_o papist_n sorcerer_n adulterer_n and_o other_o gross_a offender_n by_o exact_v of_o contribution_n to_o such_o commissioner_n as_o he_o please_v to_o send_v to_o court_n for_o his_o own_o and_o his_o colleague_n affair_n by_o deprive_v and_o ordain_v of_o minister_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o by_o ordain_v of_o scandalous_a and_o unqualified_a minister_n and_o deprive_v of_o learned_a and_o religious_a pastor_n by_o ordain_v minister_n after_o a_o form_n not_o allow_v of_o in_o this_o church_n by_o silence_v minister_n for_o not_o read_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n by_o interdict_v after_o a_o popish_a manner_n the_o exercise_n of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n in_o their_o church_n by_o release_n of_o excommunicate_v papist_n by_o contradict_v and_o cross_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o their_o pleasure_n by_o their_o pretend_a negative_a vote_n direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o caution_n by_o enact_v decree_n of_o synod_n without_o demand_v their_o vote_n by_o change_v and_o falsify_v their_o act_n when_o most_o vote_n have_v carry_v the_o contrary_a by_o many_o way_n have_v they_o fail_v in_o this_o caution_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o your_o wisdom_n that_o we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o the_o same_o when_o we_o be_v require_v whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o caution_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o provincial_n and_o general_a assembly_n he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n yet_o the_o foresay_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v not_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n at_o these_o meeting_n he_o disdain_v to_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n or_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n he_o sit_v and_o over-ruleth_a in_o provincial_n assembly_n rather_o as_o a_o lord_n then_o a_o moderator_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v by_o threaten_v and_o silence_v prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o lawful_a commissioner_n when_o they_o propound_v reason_v or_o conclude_v matter_n conduce_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n he_o force_v they_o to_o conclude_v thing_n contrary_a that_o whereas_o it_o be_v conclude_v at_o mount_n rose_n that_o none_o of_o they_o who_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n shall_v come_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o have_v vote_n in_o it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v unless_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o commission_n from_o their_o own_o presbytery_n for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v though_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n by_o commission_n from_o any_o presbytery_n have_v usurp_v to_o give_v vote_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n registrate_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o in_o all_o assembly_n a_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n assemble_v together_o and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o practise_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n till_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n begin_v to_o break_v the_o caution_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v usurp_v the_o place_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o rather_o domineer_v than_o moderate_v to_o bring_v in_o novation_n yea_o further_o have_v direct_v mandate_n from_o themselves_o as_o from_o the_o representative_a church_n of_o scotland_n which_o name_n and_o power_n be_v only_o competent_a to_o general_a assembly_n he_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o innovation_n in_o the_o royal_a chapel_n in_o the_o abbey_n church_n and_o his_o pretend_a cathedral_n he_o have_v labour_v not_o only_o to_o hinder_v the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n by_o obtain_v letter_n and_o charge_n from_o authority_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o also_o have_v labour_v what_o in_o he_o lay_v to_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n the_o privilege_n of_o hold_v general_a assembly_n yearly_a belong_v to_o she_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o another_o caution_n that_o crimen_fw-la ambitus_fw-la shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o deprivation_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o be_v foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o say_a crime_n in_o seek_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o promise_v and_o give_v good_a deed_n for_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n feb._n an._n 1569._o and_o december_n 1565._o &_o 1567._o that_o marriage_n shall_v not_o be_v solemnize_v without_o ask_v of_o bane_n three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n before_o yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v licence_n to_o sundry_a minister_n to_o solemnize_v marriage_n without_o ask_v three_o several_a sabbath_n before_o upon_o which_o have_v follow_v divers_a inconvenience_n a_o man_n have_v be_v marry_v to_o a_o woman_n her_o husband_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o not_o divorce_v some_o have_v be_v marry_v to_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v commit_v adultery_n before_o and_o some_o have_v be_v marry_v without_o the_o consent_n or_o knowledge_n of_o their_o parent_n whereas_o by_o the_o book_n of_o fast_v authorize_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o prefix_v before_o the_o psalm_n no_o set_n or_o yearly_a fast_n be_v allow_v but_o disallow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o exercise_n a_o fast_a yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v appoint_v yearly_a fast_n and_o trouble_v some_o godly_a professor_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o whereas_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o book_n of_o common_a order_n before_o the_o psalm_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o have_v no_o meddle_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o by_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n chapter_n 23._o minister_n call_v unto_o particular_a flock_n have_v only_a power_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v a_o power_n to_o certain_a divine_n who_o they_o make_v deacon_n man_n not_o admit_v to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o preach_v deacon_n and_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v diverse_a man_n to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o order_n whereas_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v receive_v ordination_n to_o the_o ministry_n without_o a_o present_a admission_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v separate_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o act_n of_o admission_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o ordination_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n shall_v be_v public_a in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v ordination_n to_o some_o man_n in_o other_o place_n not_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n &_o violent_o have_v thrust_v upon_o they_o scandalous_a minister_n whereas_o minister_n who_o teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_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
conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v this_o urge_a service_n we_o have_v this_o long_a time_n past_a wink_v at_o some_o former_a alteration_n be_v put_v in_o hope_n that_o no_o further_a novation_n shall_v follow_v but_o now_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o our_o just_a fear_n to_o see_v ourselves_o deprive_v of_o that_o liberty_n in_o serve_v god_n which_o ever_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o place_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v constrain_v to_o embrace_v another_o which_o have_v neither_o be_v agitate_a nor_o receive_v either_o by_o general_a assembly_n or_o parliament_n in_o such_o extremity_n we_o be_v most_o humble_o to_o supplicate_v your_o lordship_n to_o consider_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o that_o this_o business_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n as_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o needless_a noise_n of_o simple_a woman_n but_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a desire_n 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manner_n attend_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n against_o the_o service_n book_n impose_v upon_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o show_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o upon_o the_o introduction_n thereof_o must_v ensue_v we_o be_v without_o any_o know_a desert_n far_o by_o our_o expectation_n surprise_v and_o charge_v by_o public_a proclamation_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o town_n within_o twenty_o four_o hour_n thereafter_o under_o pain_n of_o rebellion_n by_o which_o peremptory_a and_o unusual_a charge_n our_o fear_n of_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o strict_a course_n of_o proceed_v be_v augment_v and_o course_n of_o our_o supplication_n interrupt_v wherefore_o we_o be_v constrain_v out_o of_o the_o deep_a grief_n of_o our_o heart_n humble_o to_o remonstrate_v that_o whereas_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v draw_v up_o and_o set_v forth_o and_o cause_v to_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o set_v forth_o and_o enjoin_v upon_o the_o subject_n two_o book_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o call_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n not_o only_o be_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o divers_a superstition_n idolatry_n and_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n but_o also_o the_o service_n book_n of_o england_n be_v abuse_v especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o communion_n by_o addition_n subtraction_n interchange_v of_o word_n and_o sentence_n falsify_v of_o title_n and_o misplace_v of_o collect_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o romish_a mass_n be_v in_o the_o more_o substantial_a point_n make_v up_o therein_o as_o we_o offer_v to_o instruct_v in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a quite_o contrary_a unto_o and_o for_o reverse_v the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o the_o popery_n bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n in_o the_o other_o book_n call_v canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o have_v ordain_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o worship_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n whereof_o heretofore_o and_o now_o we_o most_o just_o complain_v do_v contain_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v corrupt_v superstitious_a or_o unlawful_a in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n or_o archbishop_n of_o the_o province_n after_o his_o repentance_n and_o public_a revocation_n of_o this_o his_o wicked_a error_n beside_o one_o hundred_o canon_n more_o many_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o revive_n and_o foster_a of_o abolish_v superstition_n and_o error_n and_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n open_v a_o door_n for_o what_o further_a invention_n of_o religion_n they_o please_v to_o make_v and_o stop_v the_o way_n which_o law_n before_o do_v allow_v unto_o we_o for_o suppress_v of_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o ordain_v that_o where_o in_o any_o of_o the_o canon_n there_o be_v no_o penalty_n express_o set_v down_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v arbitrary_a as_o the_o bishop_n shall_v think_v fit_a all_o which_o canon_n be_v never_o see_v nor_o allow_v in_o any_o general_n assembly_n but_o be_v impose_v contrary_a to_o order_v of_o law_n appoint_v in_o this_o realm_n for_o establish_v constitution_n ecclesiastical_a unto_o which_o two_o book_n the_o foresay_a prelate_n have_v under_o trust_n procure_v his_o majesty_n royal_a hand_n and_o letter_n patent_n for_o press_v the_o same_o upon_o his_o loyal_a subject_n and_o be_v the_o contriver_n and_o deviser_n of_o the_o same_o as_o do_v clear_o appear_v by_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o have_v begin_v to_o urge_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o same_o not_o only_o by_o injunction_n give_v in_o provincial_n assembly_n but_o also_o by_o open_a proclamation_n and_o charge_n of_o horning_n whereby_o we_o be_v drive_v in_o such_o strait_n as_o we_o must_v either_o by_o process_n of_o excommunication_n and_o horning_n suffer_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o fortune_n or_o else_o by_o breach_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o true_a religion_n fall_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o unto_o we_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o death_n wherefore_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o these_o their_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a to_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n hispious_a intention_n who_o out_o of_o his_o zeal_n and_o princely_a care_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n establish_v in_o this_o his_o ancient_a kingdom_n have_v ratify_v the_o same_o in_o his_o highness_n parliament_n 1633_o and_o so_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v high_o wrong_v by_o the_o say_a prelate_n who_o have_v so_o far_o abuse_v their_o credit_n with_o so_o good_a a_o king_n as_o thus_o to_o ensnare_v his_o subject_n rend_v our_o church_n undermine_v religion_n in_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n move_v discontent_a between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o discord_n between_o subject_n and_o subject_a contrary_a to_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n we_o out_o of_o bind_v duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n and_o native_a country_n complain_v of_o the_o foresay_a prelate_n humble_o crave_v that_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v put_v to_o trial_n and_o these_o our_o party_n take_v order_n with_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v any_o more_o as_o judge_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o decide_v according_a to_o justice_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v to_o you_o a_o matter_n 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first_o reformer_n
will_v expect_v his_o return_n and_o our_o answer_n by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v do_v both_o these_o holy_a man_n resolve_v to_o expect_v that_o time_n before_o any_o election_n shall_v be_v actual_o make_v but_o give_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o next_o day_n after_o before_o it_o can_v be_v know_v in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whether_o he_o be_v return_v or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o by_o any_o person_n of_o the_o kingdom_n what_o answer_v he_o have_v return_v from_o we_o the_o insinceritie_n of_o which_o proceed_n condemn_v by_o many_o covenant_a minister_n at_o their_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o a_o most_o desperate_a equivocation_n we_o be_v confident_a every_o man_n will_v detest_v especial_o in_o those_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sincere_a professor_n of_o these_o time_n beside_o our_o commissioner_n find_v that_o these_o man_n who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v he_o speak_v of_o any_o precedent_a conference_n of_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o direction_n to_o be_v agree_v upon_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o it_o but_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o as_o unsufferable_a prelimitation_n and_o prejudging_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n at_o their_o table_n agreee_v upon_o certain_a direction_n comprehend_v in_o eight_o article_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o command_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n thereof_o in_o their_o election_n the_o true_a copy_n whereof_o here_o follow_v a_o direction_n for_o presbytery_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o act_n make_v at_o dundie_n the_o seven_o of_o march_n 1597._o concern_v the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o follow_v because_o there_o have_v be_v no_o order_n hitherto_o anent_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n to_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n therefore_o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o in_o all_o time_n come_v three_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o brethren_n shall_v be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n at_o the_o most_o as_o commissioner_n to_o every_o assembly_n and_o that_o none_o presume_v to_o come_v without_o commission_n and_o likewise_o that_o one_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n and_o one_o out_o of_o every_o burgh_n except_o edinburgh_n which_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o direct_v two_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n thereof_o follow_v t.t._n the_o day_n of_o the_o which_o day_n after_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o have_v diligent_o consider_v the_o manifold_a corruption_n innovation_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v especial_o through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_a remedy_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o well_o ordinary_a as_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la enjoy_v by_o this_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o expect_v short_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n do_v by_o these_o present_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v minister_n of_o as_o also_o in_o name_n of_o the_o burrowes_n conjunct_o and_o several_o our_o lawful_a commissioner_n give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o our_o full_a power_n commission_n and_o express_v charge_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n at_o the_o day_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o sit_v in_o any_o safe_a and_o commodious_a place_n within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o there_o with_o the_o rest_n who_o shall_v be_v authorise_v with_o lawful_a commission_n in_o our_o name_n to_o propone_v treat_v reason_n vote_n and_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o sundry_a general_n assembly_n and_o receive_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n competent_a to_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n thereupon_o and_o to_o report_v to_o we_o their_o diligence_n therein_o in_o testification_n of_o this_o our_o commission_n and_o charge_n we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n and_o which_o they_o have_v accept_v with_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o every_o church_n session_n send_v one_o of_o the_o most_o qualify_a elder_n unto_o the_o presbytery_n the_o day_n of_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o those_o elder_n present_a in_o the_o presbytery_n there_o may_v be_v choose_v both_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o minister_n and_o also_o some_o well_o affect_v and_o qualify_v nobleman_n or_o special_a gentleman_n be_v a_o elder_a of_o some_o particular_a church_n session_n within_o that_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n for_o this_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o presbytery_n otherwise_o call_v eldership_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n practise_v for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n the_o twelve_o of_o king_n james_n the_o 6._o and_o never_o since_o alter_v nor_o rescind_v neither_o can_v be_v with_o reason_n alter_v see_v that_o same_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o general_n assembly_n and_o of_o the_o inferior_a and_o church_n session_n as_o be_v at_o more_o length_n clear_v by_o some_o reason_n that_o such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a in_o doctrine_n or_o scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v present_o process_v that_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n that_o all_o the_o best_a affect_v both_o minister_n and_o elder_n protest_v and_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o to_o send_v to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o print_a reason_n for_o a_o assembly_n that_o moderator_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n except_o they_o be_v choose_v that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n appoint_v to_o convene_v solemn_o after_o the_o twenty_o of_o september_n either_o upon_o the_o 21.22.23.24_o or_o 25._o for_o choose_v of_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o to_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o first_o of_o october_n or_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v that_o with_o common_a consent_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o king_n last_o answer_n and_o advise_v upon_o the_o next_o lawful_a remedy_n in_o their_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o in_o the_o fast_a to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o sixteen_o day_n of_o september_n the_o second_o day_n precede_v their_o election_n they_o may_v crave_v god_n direction_n therein_o to_o these_o eight_o article_n they_o join_v by_o way_n of_o information_n a_o very_a impertinent_a long_a and_o tedious_a discourse_n of_o rule_v elder_n too_o long_o and_o too_o simple_a to_o be_v here_o insert_v which_o be_v add_v no_o doubt_n only_o to_o persuade_v the_o minister_n to_o admit_v layman_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o their_o presbytery_n at_o the_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n or_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o persuade_v the_o layman_n to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n and_o give_v their_o voice_n in_o these_o election_n whether_o the_o minister_n will_v or_o no_o as_o shall_v appear_v afterward_o both_o by_o that_o intrusion_n which_o these_o lay_v elder_n use_v in_o many_o presbytery_n where_o the_o minister_n refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o and_o by_o some_o of_o the_o table_n more_o private_a instruction_n by_o which_o they_o be_v order_v so_o to_o do_v now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o conference_n which_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v for_o debate_v of_o what_o member_n the_o assembly_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v discuss_v there_o with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n exclaim_v against_o by_o they_o can_v in_o any_o construction_n or_o sense_n be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n either_o in_o the_o member_n matter_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o
be_v establish_v by_o a_o parliament_n who_o power_n do_v no_o more_o reach_n to_o the_o place_v officer_n original_o in_o the_o kirk_n than_o the_o kirk_n power_n to_o the_o make_v state_n man_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n five_o the_o law_n which_o any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o civil_a privilege_n and_o be_v always_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o land_n six_o if_o any_o assembly_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o countenance_n episcopacy_n or_o other_o corruption_n it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o the_o same_o with_o all_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v declare_v to_o have_v be_v nul_fw-fr and_o void_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la for_o undeniable_a reason_n as_o the_o act_n at_o more_o length_n proport_v seven_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o national_a covenant_n by_o introduction_n of_o corruption_n thereby_o abolish_v have_v undoubted_o in_o high_a measure_n offend_v god_n and_o therefore_o at_o the_o renovation_n of_o that_o covenant_n again_o with_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o abjure_v all_o these_o innovation_n but_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o be_v relapse_n in_o our_o offence_n eight_o in_o no_o covenant_n episcopacy_n be_v express_o or_o specifice_v abjure_v before_o all_o ecclesiastical_a law_n favour_v the_o same_o be_v repeal_v &_o declare_v null_n but_o only_o virtual_o and_o general_o as_o be_v former_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o as_o the_o trial_n hereof_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a so_o now_o when_o the_o assembly_n have_v declare_v &_o find_v presbyterial_a government_n to_o have_v be_v approve_v &_o episcopal_a government_n condemn_v abolish_v and_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o in_o lieu_n of_o perceive_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o a_o apostolic_a institution_n have_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o our_o kirk_n as_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n want_v warrant_n or_o fundament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o this_o kirk_n therefore_o albeit_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v express_o in_o the_o renovation_n of_o this_o confession_n command_v by_o his_o majesty_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o most_o necessary_a and_o incumbent_a to_o we_o all_o who_o be_v tie_v by_o that_o national_a covenant_n against_o that_o unlawful_a hierarchicall_a government_n albeit_o we_o have_v never_o renew_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v false_o calumniat_fw-la to_o have_v condemn_v the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n even_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n which_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n itself_o sufficient_o refute_v by_o allow_v s._n paul_n bishop_n towit_n pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o condemn_v only_o all_o other_o bishop_n bring_v in_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n reason_n the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o declaration_n be_v that_o the_o oath_n for_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n can_v oblige_v after_o the_o alteration_n &_o change_n of_o that_o discipline_n &_o government_n and_o see_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o only_o alterable_a but_o change_v in_o this_o kirk_n we_o be_v not_o tie_v by_o that_o oath_n after_o the_o alteration_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o policy_n and_o order_n in_o ceremony_n be_v temporary_a and_o may_v be_v change_v as_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n cite_v in_o the_o declaration_n but_o a_o bishop_n or_o his_o office_n or_o the_o government_n of_o god_n house_n can_v be_v call_v a_o ceremony_n nay_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v vilify_v by_o that_o appellation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n they_o be_v of_o no_o apostolic_a constitution_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v lawful_a governor_n in_o god_n house_n warrant_v by_o his_o word_n they_o be_v not_o alterable_a and_o so_o this_o second_o reason_n militat_v not_o for_o they_o if_o their_o office_n be_v changeable_a and_o account_v among_o alterable_a ceremony_n they_o be_v well_o explode_v from_o our_o kirk_n &_o may_v be_v so_o by_o that_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o declaration_n 2._o one_o cause_n of_o general_a counsel_n be_v for_o constitute_v a_o good_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o ceremony_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 14._o chap._n to_o the_o 1._o corinth_n will_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o power_n to_o institute_v new_a officer_n in_o his_o kirk_n but_o command_v his_o own_o officer_n to_o exerce_fw-la their_o function_n by_o his_o commandment_n without_o indecencie_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o variable_a circumstance_n thereof_o to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o edification_n 3._o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n all_o man_n invention_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v condemn_v and_o in_o the_o 19_o chap._n ecclesiastical_a discipline_n upright_o minister_v as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v matth._n 18._o 1._o cor._n 5._o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o three_o essential_a and_o unchangeable_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n with_o temporary_a changeable_a ceremony_n though_o unwarrantable_o rank_v with_o they_o in_o the_o declaration_n 4._o it_o be_v evident_a at_o our_o first_o reformation_n what_o policy_n be_v perpetual_a and_o what_o ceremony_n changeable_a for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o policy_n compile_v that_o same_o year_n with_o the_o confession_n 9_o head_n be_v express_v a_o twofold_a policy_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o one_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o all_o kirk_n the_o other_o not_o necessary_a but_o changeable_a such_o as_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n sermon_n shall_v be_v and_o the_o like_a whereof_o they_o establish_v no_o order_n but_o permit_v every_o particular_a kirk_n to_o appoint_v their_o own_o policy_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o edification_n if_o parity_n of_o reason_n will_v make_v episcopacy_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v all_o man_n judge_v 5._o our_o confession_n speak_v of_o a_o order_n in_o ceremony_n which_o can_v be_v appoint_v for_o all_o age_n as_o be_v before_o say_v but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n they_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n himself_o appoint_v a_o ordinare_fw-la constant_a government_n of_o his_o kirk_n by_o his_o four_o ordinar_n office-bearer_n the_o pastor_n elder_n doctor_n &_o deacon_n to_o administrat_fw-la the_o same_o perpetual_o as_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o treatise_n before_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v draw_v up_o at_o that_o same_o time_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o same_o person_n like_o as_o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o when_o that_o confession_n be_v make_v &_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o when_o it_o be_v ratify_v and_o by_o continual_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n kirk_n by_o these_o four_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n be_v set_v down_o as_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o constant_a unchangeable_a and_o perpetual_a and_o as_o that_o holy_a discipline_n without_o which_o god_n word_n can_v be_v preserve_v so_o that_o the_o intrude_a of_o any_o other_o officer_n in_o god_n house_n be_v account_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n 6._o by_o our_o oath_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v both_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o warrant_n whereof_o all_o tradition_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o be_v abjure_v and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n as_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n &_o command_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n whereunto_o we_o have_v swear_v and_o can_v without_o perjury_n to_o god_n gainsay_v it_o like_v as_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o such_o and_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o ratify_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o god_n whereinto_o the_o king_n prerogative_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a 7._o it_o carry_v no_o show_n of_o argument_n or_o face_n of_o probability_n that_o the_o kirk_n and_o reformer_n of_o religion_n which_o condemn_v all_o other_o ordinar_n officer_n in_o the_o kirk_n but_o these_o four_o appoint_v by_o christ_n do_v mean_a under_o the_o name_n of_o variable_a ceremony_n to_o comprehend_v and_o admit_v episcopacy_n which_o frequent_o they_o condemn_v as_o