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
they_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentical_a act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o day_n before_o this_o these_o committee_n have_v make_v their_o report_n that_o they_o have_v peruse_v they_o and_o have_v find_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o authentical_a record_n and_o deliver_v in_o write_v some_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o opinion_n which_o make_v the_o impartial_a auditor_n wonder_v how_o in_o two_o day_n man_n can_v peruse_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o such_o volume_n which_o other_o man_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o fool_n thought_n can_v hardly_o be_v do_v in_o one_o year_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o the_o moderator_n this_o day_n put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n and_o voice_n whether_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o copy_n of_o those_o book_n of_o assembly_n which_o the_o committee_n the_o day_n before_o have_v report_v to_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a copy_n to_o be_v repute_v ever_o hereafter_o for_o the_o authentical_a record_n and_o register_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n our_o commissioner_n pray_v they_o to_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n sudden_o in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v doubtful_a can_v be_v make_v a_o public_a record_n of_o any_o judicatorie_a which_o be_v to_o oblige_v our_o subject_n unless_o we_o first_o by_o our_o advocate_n and_o learned_a council_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o authentical_a authority_n of_o that_o record_n and_o therefore_o wish_v they_o to_o stay_v until_o that_o course_n may_v be_v take_v and_o before_o that_o time_n not_o to_o put_v it_o to_o voice_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o present_o they_o of_o the_o assembly_n without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n conclude_v these_o book_n to_o be_v authentical_a register_n and_o so_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v for_o ever_o without_o know_v what_o be_v in_o they_o they_o be_v four_o book_n and_o very_o large_a and_o confess_v not_o to_o be_v the_o original_n but_o copy_n our_o commissioner_n then_o remember_v that_o at_o our_o palace_n at_o holy-rood-house_n he_o be_v deny_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o covenanter_n have_v threaten_v the_o former_a clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n if_o he_o shall_v let_v our_o commissioner_n have_v the_o perusal_n of_o they_o begin_v now_o to_o think_v that_o there_o may_v be_v stuff_n enough_o in_o they_o against_o our_o regal_a authority_n and_o perhaps_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o it_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v which_o cause_v our_o commissioner_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n hand_n a_o solemn_a protestation_n against_o the_o validity_n of_o these_o record_n and_o against_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n be_v oblige_v by_o they_o until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v peruse_v and_o allow_v by_o such_o as_o we_o shall_v authorise_v by_o commission_n for_o that_o purpose_n next_o the_o moderator_n desire_v the_o clerk_n to_o read_v certain_a answer_n which_o upon_o the_o sudden_a have_v be_v draw_v up_o as_o he_o say_v by_o certain_a brethren_n to_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n which_o have_v be_v read_v the_o day_n before_o and_o indeed_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v hear_v it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v draw_v up_o upon_o a_o sudden_a without_o either_o fear_n or_o wit_n be_v very_o poor_a and_o silly_a stuff_v full_a of_o cytation_n out_o of_o their_o own_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o do_v allow_v lay-elder_n and_o by_o these_o testimony_n conclude_v the_o exception_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o lay-elder_n &_o minister_n commissioner_n choose_v by_o they_o for_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v invalid_a which_o make_v some_o admire_v by_o what_o consequence_n it_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o because_o there_o have_v be_v lay-elder_n in_o particular_a church-session_n nay_o and_o perhaps_o in_o presbytery_n that_o therefore_o these_o lay-elder_n either_o have_v or_o must_v now_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o in_o choose_v the_o minister_n commissioner_n to_o it_o yet_o the_o moderator_n cause_v another_o paper_n to_o be_v read_v in_o defence_n of_o lay-elder_n of_o the_o very_a same_o tedious_a stuff_n with_o the_o former_a and_o to_o magnify_v those_o book_n of_o discipline_n so_o often_o cite_v in_o both_o these_o paper_n the_o moderator_n desire_v the_o whole_a assembly_n to_o hear_v himself_o read_v a_o long_a latin_a testimony_n give_v in_o the_o syntagma_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n our_o commissioner_n call_v for_o the_o book_n &_o desire_v to_o see_v what_o he_o have_v read_v and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o private_a testimony_n of_o one_o unknown_a insert_v by_o the_o printer_n or_o setter_n out_o of_o that_o syntagma_n to_o make_v it_o sell_v the_o better_a because_o it_o have_v some_o new_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o make_v a_o good_a many_o laugh_n at_o that_o so_o much_o magnify_v testimony_n then_o the_o moderator_n to_o take_v away_o that_o exception_n in_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n that_o the_o assembly_n be_v a_o declare_a party_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v their_o judge_n allege_v that_o the_o remonstrant_n have_v make_v the_o same_o objection_n against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n but_o that_o it_o be_v repel_v by_o all_o the_o divine_n there_o present_a and_o the_o invaliditie_n of_o that_o exception_n declare_v by_o none_o better_o than_o by_o the_o divine_n of_o great_a britain_n who_o judgement_n against_o that_o exception_n he_o then_o out_o of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o that_o synod_n do_v read_v our_o commissioner_n tell_v the_o moderator_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v translate_v into_o scottish_a that_o passage_n which_o he_o last_o read_v and_o the_o former_a out_o of_o the_o syntagma_n that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o lay-elder_n who_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o cytation_n may_v understand_v he_o and_o they_o which_o the_o moderator_n pass_v over_o with_o a_o smile_n one_o who_o stand_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n ask_v leave_v first_o of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o then_o of_o the_o moderator_n to_o speak_v which_o be_v grant_v he_o by_o both_o he_o answer_v the_o moderatour_n answer_v to_o the_o bishop_n objection_n thus_o that_o the_o bishop_n exception_n against_o they_o of_o the_o assembly_n as_o pars_fw-la adversa_fw-la differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o remonstrant_n against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n two_o way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o for_o the_o synod_n consist_v of_o divine_n &_o the_o matter_n controvert_v be_v point_n of_o divinity_n and_o by_o some_o man_n think_v to_o be_v fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o in_o which_o scholar_n use_v not_o to_o be_v neutral_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o remonstrant_n to_o find_v divine_n to_o be_v their_o judge_n if_o they_o will_v except_v against_o such_o divine_n as_o have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o opinion_n or_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n for_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v the_o allow_v or_o reject_v of_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n because_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v not_o alterable_a but_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o her_o positive_a confession_n article_n 21._o do_v hold_v church_n policy_n or_o government_n alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n which_o opinion_n whether_o he_o do_v allow_v or_o not_o he_o be_v not_o then_o and_o there_o to_o declare_v but_o sure_o in_o such_o point_n which_o they_o themselves_o hold_v alterable_a and_o indifferent_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o pre-declaring_a their_o judgement_n especial_o after_o they_o mean_v to_o be_v judge_n nay_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o not_o pre-declaring_a their_o judgement_n against_o episcopal_a government_n consider_v it_o stand_v now_o in_o force_n by_o act_n both_o of_o church_n and_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n against_o it_o even_o since_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o but_o before_o they_o be_v actual_o so_o do_v bar_v they_o from_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o at_o all_o but_o second_o and_o that_o upon_o which_o he_o principal_o insist_v be_v this_o that_o the_o bishop_n case_n in_o their_o exception_n against_o this_o assembly_n differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o remonstrant_n against_o the_o other_o synod_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o synod_n
breed_v distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o his_o royal_a consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o country_n have_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_n article_n but_o also_o discharge_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o have_v free_v all_o his_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o contrary_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o content_v that_o the_o assembly_n take_v the_o same_o so_o far_o to_o their_o consideration_n as_o to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o next_o parliament_n there_o to_o be_v ratify_v as_o the_o estate_n shall_v find_v fit_v and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v that_o oath_n have_v be_v administrate_n different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v by_o i_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o any_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o careful_a his_o majesty_n be_v that_o no_o corruption_n nor_o innovation_n shall_v creep_v into_o this_o church_n neither_o yet_o any_o scandal_n vice_n or_o fault_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o censurable_a or_o punishable_a by_o the_o assembly_n go_v along_o unpunished_a his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o declare_v by_o i_o and_o assure_v all_o his_o good_a people_n that_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v so_o oft_o and_o all_o be_v oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o 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sign_v by_o his_o dear_a father_n in_o ann_n 1580._o and_o now_o also_o require_v all_o these_o of_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n will_n that_o this_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n to_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o his_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o declaration_n be_v by_o our_o special_a command_n and_o direction_n give_v in_o and_o subscribe_v by_o our_o commissioner_n upon_o protestation_n make_v by_o he_o that_o his_o assent_v to_o the_o registration_n hereof_o shall_v be_v no_o approbation_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o act_n or_o deed_n do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v therein_o and_o find_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n no_o way_n to_o be_v 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and_o obedience_n to_o we_o and_o our_o commissioner_n and_o find_v their_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o increase_v we_o be_v constrain_v to_o discharge_v they_o of_o new_a again_o the_o next_o day_n thereafter_o by_o public_a proclamation_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o albeit_o that_o their_o contumacy_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o former_a time_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o move_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o least_o point_n or_o article_n of_o that_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v by_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n under_o our_o commissioner_n hand_n all_o which_o be_v public_o read_v and_o by_o our_o commissioner_n require_v to_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n therein_o to_o remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o our_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o our_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o perceive_v likewise_o that_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n they_o go_v still_o on_o to_o convene_v meet_v and_o to_o make_v illegal_a and_o unwarrantable_a act_n we_o have_v conceive_v it_o fit_v to_o forewarn_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o danger_n that_o they_o may_v incur_v by_o be_v ensnare_v by_o these_o their_o unlawful_a procedure_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v not_o only_o liberate_v and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o pretend_a act_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n or_o committee_n direct_v therefrom_o but_o do_v also_o free_v they_o from_o all_o pain_n and_o censure_v which_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v discharge_v and_o prohibit_v all_o our_o subject_n that_o they_o nor_o none_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v nor_o give_v 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command_v all_o and_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 of_o all_o our_o heart_n for_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o either_o estate_n or_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v humble_o crave_v that_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o time_n to_o advise_v and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v find_v out_o some_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o innovation_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o enjoy_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n reform_v in_o this_o land_n and_o authorise_v by_o his_o majesty_n who_o may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o your_o lordship_n answer_n their_o petition_n to_o the_o council_n follow_v my_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n unto_o your_o lordship_n humble_o show_v we_o nobleman_n baron_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v in_o humble_a and_o quiet_a 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
the_o application_n thereof_o already_o swear_v by_o we_o for_o the_o reason_n above_o express_v and_o because_o as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n appeal_v from_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n so_o do_v we_o now_o by_o these_o renew_v our_o solemn_a appeal_n with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a unto_o the_o next_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a supreme_a national_a judicatories_n competent_a to_o judge_v of_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n six_o we_o protest_v that_o no_o subscription_n whether_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n or_o other_o of_o the_o confession_n mention_v in_o the_o proclamation_n and_o enjoin_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o already_o or_o at_o this_o present_a time_n establish_v and_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n without_o any_o innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n be_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o our_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o have_v swear_v to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o novation_n already_o introduce_v etc._n etc._n till_o they_o be_v try_v in_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o no_o subscription_n aforesaid_a be_v any_o derogation_n to_o the_o true_a and_o sound_a meaning_n of_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o subscription_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o afterward_o withal_o warning_n and_o exhort_v all_o man_n who_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o cause_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n &_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n both_o to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n as_o it_o have_v be_v explain_v and_o necessary_o apply_v and_o as_o they_o love_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o hold_v back_o their_o hand_n from_o all_o other_o covenant_n till_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v convene_v and_o determine_v the_o present_a difference_n and_o division_n and_o preserve_v this_o country_n from_o contrary_a oath_n seven_o as_o his_o majesty_n royal_a clemency_n appear_v in_o forgive_a and_o forget_v what_o his_o majesty_n conceive_v to_o be_v a_o disorder_n or_o do_v amiss_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o any_o so_o be_v we_o very_o confident_a of_o his_o majesty_n approbation_n to_o the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o peaceablenesse_n of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n all_o this_o time_n past_a and_o therefore_o we_o protest_v that_o we_o still_o adhere_v to_o our_o former_a complaint_n protestation_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n mutual_a defence_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a so_o be_v they_o to_o we_o press_v with_o so_o many_o grievance_n in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n from_o this_o native_a kingdom_n most_o necessary_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o good_a office_n and_o pertinent_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o we_o trust_v at_o all_o occasion_n to_o make_v manifest_a to_o all_o good_a man_n especial_o to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n for_o who_o long_a and_o prosperous_a government_n that_o we_o may_v live_v a_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n we_o earnest_o pray_v whereupon_o a_o noble_a earl_n james_n earl_n of_o montrose_n etc._n etc._n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n m._n alexander_n gibson_n young_a of_o durie_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n george_n porterfield_n merchant_n burgess_n of_o glasgow_n in_o name_n of_o the_o burrowes_n m._n harry_n rollock_n minister_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o m._n archbald_n johnston_n reader_n hereof_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v within_o this_o kingdom_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o three_o notar_n present_a at_o the_o say_v mercate_z cross_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v environ_v with_o great_a number_n of_o the_o foresay_a nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burrows_n minister_n and_o commons_o before_o many_o hundred_o witness_n and_o crave_v the_o extract_n thereof_o and_o in_o token_n of_o their_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n confidence_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o innocence_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o hope_v of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a acceptance_n they_o offer_v in_o all_o humility_n with_o submiss_a reverence_n a_o copy_n thereof_o to_o the_o herald_n and_o now_o for_o trial_n of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v the_o reader_n may_v reflect_v upon_o these_o particular_n not_o far_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o aver_v that_o they_o do_v confident_o expect_v from_o we_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o be_v indict_v and_o that_o our_o commissioner_n promise_v to_o recommend_v unto_o we_o this_o their_o suit_n for_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n without_o prelimitation_n either_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o and_o do_v insinuate_v as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o give_v order_n for_o any_o such_o assembly_n in_o our_o declaration_n which_o every_o reader_n look_v upon_o our_o declaration_n may_v see_v to_o be_v most_o untrue_a for_o in_o it_o we_o give_v warrant_n to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o there_o either_o mention_n or_o meaning_n of_o any_o prelimitation_n though_o they_o themselves_o do_v use_v very_o many_o some_o whereof_o you_o have_v hear_v already_o and_o shall_v hear_v of_o more_o hereafter_o afterward_o they_o quarrel_n with_o our_o declaration_n for_o ascribe_v all_o the_o late_a distraction_n of_o this_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o their_o conceive_a fear_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o not_o to_o the_o innovation_n themselves_o no_o doubt_v a_o great_a crime_n that_o we_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o service_n book_n which_o be_v pen_v at_o first_o by_o those_o who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n be_v a_o introduction_n to_o popery_n and_o we_o do_v profess_v that_o we_o do_v discharge_v that_o book_n only_o to_o remove_v their_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o ease_v their_o pretend_a grievance_n nor_o can_v we_o condemn_v that_o book_n without_o condemn_v the_o service_n book_n of_o england_n for_o the_o covenanter_n argument_n strike_v alike_o at_o both_o then_o immediate_o after_o they_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o though_o we_o have_v discharge_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o pretend_a innovation_n and_o void_v all_o act_n make_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o rescind_v our_o former_a proclamation_n at_o sterling_n and_o edinburgh_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v content_v they_o unless_o we_o shall_v disgrace_v our_o own_o proclamation_n which_o do_v not_o any_o way_n establish_v or_o authorise_v the_o thing_n complain_v of_o nay_o more_o unless_o we_o will_v call_v back_o our_o own_o word_n which_o can_v be_v interpret_v to_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o they_o will_v force_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v make_v our_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v prejudge_v &_o in_o a_o suspicious_a undutiful_a and_o dangerous_a phrase_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v with_o who_o they_o be_v deal_v as_o if_o no_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o we_o next_o they_o quarrel_n with_o our_o discharge_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o article_n of_o perth_n but_o not_o the_o article_n themselves_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o act_n both_o of_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n and_o yet_o we_o dare_v say_v that_o they_o will_v hold_v it_o for_o a_o strange_a position_n if_o we_o shall_v use_v our_o prerogative_n to_o the_o disannul_n of_o any_o thing_n establish_v by_o these_o two_o judicatories_n nay_o if_o we_o and_o the_o parliament_n joint_o shall_v as_o the_o world_n go_v now_o offer_v to_o disannul_v any_o act_n of_o their_o general_n assembly_n so_o glad_a they_o be_v to_o quarrel_v with_o our_o declaration_n that_o in_o their_o eagerness_n they_o destroy_v their_o own_o ground_n their_o next_o cavil_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v as_o senseless_a as_o the_o former_a whereby_o they_o aver_v that_o our_o name_n of_o bishop_n in_o our_o proclamation_n for_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v a_o prelimitation_n of_o it_o because_o thereby_o we_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v unquestionable_o a_o office_n in_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o this_o they_o call_v a_o great_a prelimitation_n put_v upon_o the_o assembly_n but_o with_o what_o show_n of_o consequence_n we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v
his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n themselves_o and_o by_o their_o pretend_a power_n have_v prefer_v to_o the_o ministry_n man_n who_o have_v teach_v erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n quote_v in_o our_o covenant_n and_o they_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v they_o who_o teach_v arminianism_n and_o popery_n as_o conditional_a election_n free_a will_n resistibilitie_n of_o effectual_a grace_n the_o universality_n of_o christ_n death_n the_o merit_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o hell_n a_o final_a apostasy_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o local_a descent_n of_o christ_n into_o hell_n that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n clauso_fw-la virgin_n utero_fw-la auricular_a confession_n and_o papal_a absolution_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o antichrist_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o reconciliation_n with_o rome_n be_v a_o thing_n easy_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v not_o in_o fundamental_o and_o that_o she_o differ_v not_o in_o fundamental_o from_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o call_v in_o question_n the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o they_o affirm_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o justify_v faith_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o local_a and_o circumscriptive_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o change_v the_o sacrament_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o table_n into_o a_o altar_n the_o minister_n into_o priest_n there_o be_v other_o damnable_a and_o heretical_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o maintain_v of_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v particular_a information_n in_o our_o particular_a accusation_n of_o each_o one_o of_o they_o respectiuè_fw-fr with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v require_v whereas_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n no_o oath_n or_o subscription_n shall_v be_v require_v from_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v without_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o church_n or_o parliament_n do_v exact_a diverse_a oath_n and_o subscription_n from_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n commend_v the_o prelate_n to_o god_n merciful_a protection_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v by_o their_o consent_n as_o they_o affirm_v shall_v be_v establish_v as_o to_o the_o service_n book_n and_o to_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o heaviness_n of_o this_o grievance_n make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o complain_v in_o these_o article_n that_o worthy_a man_n which_o have_v testimony_n of_o their_o learning_n from_o university_n and_o be_v try_v by_o presbytery_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o life_n be_v much_o desire_v by_o the_o people_n yet_o these_o man_n be_v keep_v out_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v unto_o such_o unlawful_a oath_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o they_o be_v article_n and_o oath_n conceive_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n and_o ready_a to_o swear_v be_v for_o by-respect_n thrust_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o school_n in_o divinity_n which_o breed_v continual_a complaint_n and_o move_v the_o people_n to_o run_v from_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o minister_n set_v over_o they_o against_o their_o heart_n which_o make_v they_o not_o to_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a from_o the_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a hindrance_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n whereas_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n ann_n 1578._o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o civil_a and_o criminal_a justice_n shall_v be_v confound_v that_o one_o person_n can_v supply_v both_o the_o charge_n but_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v both_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o senator_n in_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o october_n an._n 1578._o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o forgo_v that_o they_o shall_v usurp_v a_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o claim_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v only_o be_v call_v by_o their_o own_o name_n or_o brethren_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 assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n and_o honour_n of_o lord_n they_o do_v sit_v as_o senator_n in_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n as_o councillor_n in_o the_o privy_a council_n as_o auditor_n in_o the_o exchequer_n and_o have_v enjoy_v prime_a office_n of_o state_n the_o pretend_a bishop_n have_v usurp_v the_o place_n and_o precedency_n before_o all_o temporal_a lord_n the_o pretend_a archbishop_n before_o all_o the_o noble_a earl_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o pretend_a primate_n before_o the_o prime_a officer_n of_o state_n in_o the_o land_n whereas_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n namely_o anno_fw-la 1576._o 1577._o and_o 1578._o no_o man_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n unless_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o congregation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o particular_a flock_n it_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o forgo_v yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_a foresay_a be_v minister_n and_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o particular_a flock_n whereas_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v within_o this_o realm_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundee_n anno_fw-la 1580._o whereof_o these_o be_v the_o word_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v and_o common_o take_v within_o this_o realm_n have_v no_o sure_a warrant_n from_o authority_n nor_o good_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n with_o one_o voice_n after_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n no_o man_n oppose_v himself_o to_o maintain_v the_o say_a pretend_a office_n do_v find_v and_o declare_v the_o say_v pretend_a office_n use_v and_o term_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o have_v neither_o ground_n nor_o warrant_n within_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o do_v ordain_v that_o all_o such_o person_n which_o do_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o enjoy_v the_o say_a office_n shall_v be_v charge_v simple_o to_o dismiss_v quit_v and_o leave_v the_o same_o as_o a_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o call_v by_o god_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v leave_v off_o all_o preach_n ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o other_o office_n of_o pastor_n until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o receive_v admission_n de_fw-fr novo_fw-la from_o the_o general_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v use_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o contradict_v this_o act_n in_o the_o least_o point_n after_o due_a admonition_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v execute_v against_o they_o and_o for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o the_o say_a act_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n shall_v be_v hold_v in_o every_o province_n in_o which_o usurp_a bishop_n be_v 18._o august_n next_o to_o come_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v cite_v and_o summon_v by_o the_o visitor_n of_o the_o say_a country_n to_o compeer_n before_o their_o synodall_n assembly_n as_o namely_o the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrew_n to_o compeer_n at_o saint_n andrew_n the_o bishop_n of_o aberdene_n in_o
see_v prejudice_n of_o authority_n and_o lawful_a monarchical_a government_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a by_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o of_o they_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n some_o long_a since_o banish_v for_o open_a and_o avow_v teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o of_o they_o suspend_v and_o some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o of_o they_o rebel_n and_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o of_o they_o confine_v and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o by_o this_o and_o other_o their_o underhand_o work_v and_o private_a information_n and_o persuasion_n have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o partiality_n and_o so_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a judge_n of_o what_o concern_v episcopacy_n and_o all_o be_v albeit_o it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o the_o peremptory_a and_o illegal_a procedure_v of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o order_n of_o law_n and_o without_o due_a form_n of_o process_n thrust_v out_o moderatour_n lawful_o establish_v and_o place_v other_o who_o they_o find_v most_o inclinable_a to_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n associate_n to_o themselves_o for_o choose_v of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n a_o laick-eld_a out_o of_o each_o parish_n who_o be_v in_o most_o place_n equal_a if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o ministry_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o shall_v be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n as_o also_o of_o a_o laick-eld_a which_o in_o time_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o import_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n and_o churchman_n be_v more_o direct_v therein_o by_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a table_n then_o by_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a instruction_n send_v from_o they_o far_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o country_n and_o lowable_a custom_n of_o this_o church_n some_o whereof_o be_v produce_v and_o exhibit_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o public_o read_v one_o whereof_o direct_v to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n of_o each_o presbytery_n do_v among_o many_o other_o odd_a passage_n require_v diligence_n lest_o say_v they_o by_o our_o own_o silliness_n and_o treachery_n we_o lose_v so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n of_o our_o liberty_n both_o christian_n and_o civil_a a_o strange_a phrase_n to_o proceed_v from_o dutiful_a or_o loyal_a heart_a subject_n the_o other_o to_o the_o moderatour_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n under_o the_o title_n of_o private_a instruction_n august_n 27._o first_o contain_v that_o these_o private_a instruction_n shall_v be_v discover_v to_o none_o but_o to_o brethren_n well_o affect_v to_o the_o cause_n second_o order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o none_o be_v choose_v rule_v elder_n but_o covenanter_n and_o those_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o business_n three_o that_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o well_o affect_v the_o roll_a elder_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n and_o speak_v to_o particular_o for_o that_o effect_n four_a that_o they_o be_v careful_a that_o no_o chappelman_n chapterman_n or_o minister_n justice_n of_o peace_n be_v choose_v although_o covenanter_n except_o they_o have_v public_o renounce_v or_o declare_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o their_o place_n five_o that_o the_o roll_a elder_n come_v from_o every_o church_n in_o equal_a number_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n oppose_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o opposition_n sixthly_a that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n cause_n conveen_v before_o he_o the_o roll_a elder_a of_o every_o kirk_n choose_v before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o election_n and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o their_o oath_n that_o they_o give_v vote_n to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v name_v already_o at_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n seventhly_a that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o nobleman_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v choose_v and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o there_o be_v choose_v a_o baron_n or_o one_o of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o he_o only_o a_o covenanter_n eighthly_a that_o the_o able_a man_n in_o every_o presbytery_n be_v provide_v to_o dispute_v de_fw-fr potestate_fw-la supremi_fw-la magistratus_fw-la in_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la praesertim_fw-la in_o convocandis_fw-la conciliis_fw-la etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a what_o prelimitation_n indirect_a and_o partial_a course_n and_o dangerous_a proposition_n have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o preparation_n and_o election_n to_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n by_o which_o unlawful_a do_n although_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o have_v discharge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n yet_o we_o be_v please_v patient_o to_o attend_v the_o same_o still_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o assistance_n of_o some_o well_o affect_a subject_n who_o be_v to_o be_v there_o and_o by_o their_o own_o see_v the_o real_a performance_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o proclamation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o return_v to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o subject_n but_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o their_o turbulent_a disposition_n do_v increase_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o repair_n to_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n with_o great_a troop_n and_o band_n of_o man_n all_o boddin_fw-mi in_o fear_n of_o war_n with_o gun_n &_o pistolet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 16._o day_n of_o novemb_n last_o and_o also_o by_o the_o peremptory_a refuse_v to_o the_o assessor_n authorize_v by_o we_o although_o few_o in_o number_n then_o our_o dear_a father_n be_v in_o use_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o vote_v in_o this_o assembly_n as_o former_o they_o have_v do_v in_o all_o other_o open_o aver_v that_o we_o nor_o our_o commissioner_n have_v no_o further_a power_n there_o then_o the_o mean_a commissioner_n of_o their_o number_n &_o by_o their_o partial_a and_o unjust_a refuse_v &_o not_o suffer_v to_o be_v read_v the_o reason_n &_o argument_n give_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n &_o their_o adherent_n to_o our_o commissioner_n why_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o try_v and_o admit_v of_o the_o commissioner_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v though_o in_o our_o name_n they_o be_v earnest_o require_v thereto_o by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o commissioner_n by_o warrant_n from_o we_o give_v in_o under_o his_o hand_n a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n bear_v likeways_o our_o pleasure_n of_o the_o registration_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n for_o all_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n as_o do_v clear_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n itself_o whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o many_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n have_v apprehend_v that_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o inbr_n of_o superstition_n have_v be_v intend_v have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o either_o of_o they_o and_o annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v or_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v the_o king_n majesty_n as_o he_o conceive_v for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o subject_n establish_v the_o high_a commission_n that_o thereby_o justice_n may_v be_v administrate_n and_o the_o fault_n and_o error_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v make_v liable_a thereto_o take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v with_o the_o more_o conveniency_n and_o less_o trouble_n to_o the_o people_n but_o find_v his_o gracious_a intention_n therein_o to_o be_v mistake_v have_v be_v please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o same_o and_o all_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o and_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v
sharp_a war_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v endure_v then_o the_o least_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n another_o in_o his_o sermon_n wish_v that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o bottomless_a boat_n at_o sea_n together_o for_o he_o can_v be_v well_o content_a to_o lose_v his_o life_n so_o they_o may_v lose_v they_o thousand_o more_o such_o beastly_a barbarous_a and_o profane_a speech_n be_v deliver_v by_o they_o not_o only_o in_o their_o pulpit_n but_o in_o their_o sermon_n for_o the_o reader_n must_v know_v that_o in_o these_o time_n of_o tumult_n where_o the_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o great_a multitude_n they_o do_v usual_o preach_v in_o common_a and_o profane_a place_n in_o room_n which_o be_v yet_o in_o building_n and_o not_o finish_v intend_v for_o lawyer_n to_o plead_v in_o in_o the_o hall_n of_o the_o tailor_n and_o other_o mechanical_a tradesman_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o some_o private_a house_n in_o the_o hall_n of_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o one_o sunday_n rollock_n be_v to_o preach_v but_o find_v the_o crowd_n of_o people_n to_o be_v too_o great_a for_o that_o place_n mount_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o a_o pair_n of_o stair_n which_o go_v up_o to_o a_o upper_a ground_n in_o a_o open_a place_n which_o be_v only_o cover_v by_o the_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o preach_v to_o a_o great_a troop_n or_o multitude_n who_o breath_n be_v the_o only_a air_n he_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o be_v shoot_v quite_o through_o the_o head_n with_o popularity_n other_o preach_v in_o the_o free-school_n at_o edinburgh_n where_o boy_n use_v to_o play_v and_o be_v punish_v if_o these_o speech_n and_o many_o as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o these_o and_o deliver_v in_o such_o place_n be_v fit_a to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o their_o covenant_n come_v from_o god_n the_o reader_n may_v easy_o discern_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o they_o use_v for_o blind-folding_a the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n be_v their_o many_o false_a report_n which_o both_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n they_o vent_v among_o the_o people_n which_o their_o leader_n know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o be_v most_o false_a they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o bring_v in_o popery_n in_o all_o our_o kingdom_n or_o at_o least_o a_o toleration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v preach_v that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v frame_v at_o rome_n and_o bring_v over_o by_o a_o countryman_n of_o they_o when_o they_o do_v know_v that_o every_o papist_n by_o the_o pope_n bull_n be_v prohibit_v to_o hear_v the_o service_n book_n read_v other_o preach_v that_o all_o england_n be_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o have_v good_a intelligence_n from_o hence_o that_o no_o man_n will_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o they_o another_o preach_v that_o no_o man_n will_v have_v protest_v against_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o for_o money_n and_o that_o none_o have_v protest_v but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v some_o when_o they_o do_v know_v that_o many_o have_v protest_v who_o have_v receive_v none_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o some_o poor_a minister_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o their_o benefice_n by_o they_o for_o adhere_v to_o we_o be_v petitioner_n to_o our_o commissioner_n for_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o necessitate_v he_o do_v a_o little_a relieve_v but_o some_o of_o that_o number_n be_v none_o of_o the_o protester_n and_o many_o who_o be_v protester_n be_v none_o of_o that_o number_n it_o be_v preach_v ordinary_o in_o their_o pulpit_n that_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n do_v ever_o intend_v to_o hold_v the_o general_a assembly_n or_o if_o we_o do_v hold_v it_o do_v never_o intend_v to_o perform_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v promise_v in_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n though_o they_o now_o know_v that_o we_o have_v perform_v both_o within_o these_o few_o day_n some_o desire_v the_o people_n public_o in_o their_o pulpit_n to_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n for_o that_o overthrow_n which_o the_o hollander_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spanish_a fleet_n before_o dunkirk_n assure_v their_o auditor_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o they_o than_o their_o deliverance_n from_o the_o spanish_a invasion_n in_o 88_o because_o all_o that_o fleet_n be_v prepare_v at_o our_o charge_n for_o their_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n beside_o many_o thousand_o more_o such_o report_n and_o counterfeit_a letter_n scatter_v by_o they_o of_o which_o some_o no_o doubt_n be_v devise_v by_o themselves_o whereby_o they_o keep_v our_o people_n in_o that_o ignorance_n in_o which_o at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o involve_v they_o now_o what_o a_o fearful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o man_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o place_n of_o these_o house_n of_o god_n which_o they_o call_v the_o chair_n of_o truth_n to_o deliver_v such_o thing_n as_o either_o they_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o do_v know_v to_o be_v false_a beside_o these_o dictate_v of_o the_o minister_n the_o lay-elder_n since_o they_o come_v to_o think_v themselves_o ecclesiastical_a person_n for_o so_o now_o they_o do_v and_o will_v not_o be_v call_v lay_v but_o ruling-elders_a they_o have_v find_v new_a inspiration_n and_o deliver_v doctrine_n as_o like_v their_o divine_n as_o may_v be_v one_o of_o they_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o rehearse_v a_o ancient_a knight_n and_o a_o lay-elder_n intrude_v himself_o and_o his_o fellow_n upon_o a_o presbytery_n for_o choose_v the_o minister_n commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n not_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o out_o though_o they_o earnest_o desire_v it_o fall_v to_o entreat_v these_o lay-elder_n that_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o intrude_v themselves_o in_o their_o election_n they_o will_v have_v a_o special_a care_n to_o choose_v the_o able_a minister_n and_o who_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o moderation_n and_o peaceable_a course_n because_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o such_o commissioner_n the_o old_a knight_n in_o great_a zeal_n reply_v that_o whosoever_o at_o this_o time_n give_v his_o voice_n to_o a_o moderate_a or_o peaceable_a mind_a minister_n he_o be_v a_o betrayer_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n because_o these_o time_n require_v no_o lukewarm_a commissioner_n which_o barbarous_a and_o unchristian_a speech_n of_o his_o be_v relate_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o the_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v censure_v as_o it_o be_v approve_v for_o a_o high_a and_o heroical_a ejaculation_n the_o three_o mean_n whereby_o they_o have_v pervert_v our_o people_n and_o continue_v they_o in_o their_o disobedience_n to_o we_o and_o our_o law_n have_v be_v their_o strange_a and_o damnable_a position_n whereby_o they_o have_v empoison_v our_o subject_n some_o whereof_o we_o shall_v now_o declare_v unto_o you_o first_o what_o subject_n do_v of_o their_o own_o head_n be_v much_o better_a than_o what_o they_o do_v in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n the_o one_o savour_v of_o constraint_n but_o the_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n this_o proposition_n be_v deliver_v in_o their_o protestation_n bear_v date_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n 1638._o make_v against_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n it_o be_v in_o their_o five_o reason_n against_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n urge_v by_o us._n a_o second_o the_o parliament_n power_n do_v no_o more_o reach_n to_o the_o place_n of_o officer_n original_o in_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v statesman_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n this_o position_n be_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o our_o commissioner_n declaration_n concern_v our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o command_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v subscribe_v where_o they_o have_v add_v the_o word_n original_o only_a to_o puzzle_v the_o reader_n for_o certain_o their_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v no_o power_n for_o confirm_v of_o officer_n place_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o no_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o that_o kingdom_n do_v make_v any_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n original_o but_o only_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v such_o as_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o church_n in_o her_o general_a assembly_n a_o three_o position_n be_v this_o the_o parliament_n can_v make_v no_o law_n at_o all_o concern_v the_o church_n but_o only_o ratify_v what_o the_o church_n decree_v and_o after_o it_o have_v ratify_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v prohibit_v it_o and_o repeal_v that_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n all_o