subject_n complaint_n respect_v or_o the_o offender_n punish_v with_o consent_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o by_o cast_v the_o church_fw-mi and_o estate_n loose_v and_o desolate_a will_v abandon_v both_o to_o ruin_v seven_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o assembly_n for_o preven_v the_o preiudices_fw-la which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o two_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o first_o subscribe_v in_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o be_v a_o national_a covenant_n and_o oath_n to_o god_n which_o be_v late_o renew_v by_o we_o with_o that_o necessary_a explanation_n which_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v since_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o enforce_v which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n in_o september_n last_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o subscription_n and_o therefore_o for_o remove_v that_o shame_n and_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v follow_v upon_o the_o show_n of_o two_o different_a covenant_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o one_o nation_n the_o assembly_n can_v not_o dissolve_v before_o it_o have_v try_v find_v and_o determine_v that_o both_o these_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o covenant_n the_o latter_a renew_v by_o we_o agree_v to_o the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o further_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n counsellor_n the_o strain_n of_o our_o protestation_n be_v tax_v because_o we_o have_v thereby_o presume_v to_o cite_v those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n who_o have_v procure_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o proclamation_n to_o be_v responsal_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n whereas_o the_o same_o can_v be_v just_o quarrel_v because_o it_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o warrant_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n therein_o cite_v 12._o act_n par._n 2._o james_n 4._o which_o act_n be_v ground_v upon_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o think_v that_o counsellor_n give_v bad_a counsel_n to_o the_o evident_a prejudice_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o country_n and_o public_a detriment_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n shall_v not_o be_v countable_a therefore_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o estate_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o instance_n in_o our_o law_n that_o perverse_a counsel_n have_v be_v give_v in_o misguide_v the_o king_n and_o common_a good_a of_o this_o realm_n act_n 6._o par._n 1._o james_n 4._o which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o reduction_n of_o grant_n make_v by_o king_n to_o these_o perverse_a counsellor_n act_n 3_o par._n 4._o and_o act_v 5._o par._n 1._o james_n 4._o the_o perverseness_n of_o which_o misguide_v counsel_n have_v be_v assure_o the_o cause_n why_o in_o the_o next_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n immediate_o subsequent_a the_o king_n council_n be_v choose_v in_o parliament_n and_o swear_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n and_o ordain_v to_o be_v responsal_n and_o accusable_a to_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n for_o their_o counsel_n which_o clear_v that_o both_o evil_a counsel_n may_v be_v give_v and_o that_o the_o council_n may_v be_v accuse_v before_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n for_o malversation_n in_o their_o charge_n like_o as_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o proclamation_n make_v all_o person_n liable_a to_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o so_o give_v way_n to_o this_o previous_a cytation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o forewarn_n and_o intimation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v accuse_v if_o they_o be_v guilty_a as_o we_o know_v all_o be_v not_o and_o wish_v that_o none_o be_v all_o which_o heavy_a objection_n and_o imputation_n be_v premit_v in_o the_o proclamation_n to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o command_n thereof_o thereunto_o which_o resolve_v into_o two_o head_n the_o first_o discharge_n obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o liberate_v all_o who_o shall_v disobey_v from_o censure_n and_o promise_a protection_n to_o the_o disobeyer_n and_o inhibit_v all_o presbytery_n session_n of_o kirk_n minister_n within_o this_o realm_n in_o their_o sermon_n session_n and_o meeting_n or_o any_o otherways_o to_o authorise_v approve_v or_o allow_v the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n or_o do_v any_o deed_n which_o may_v countenance_v the_o same_o under_o pain_n to_o be_v punish_v with_o all_o rigour_n and_o command_v all_o who_o shall_v hear_v they_o to_o delate_v the_o same_o under_o pain_n of_o the_o like_a punishment_n likewaies_o strait_o charge_v and_o command_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n clerk_n and_o writer_n not_o to_o grant_v or_o pass_v a_o bill_n summon_v or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o execution_n whatsoever_o upon_o any_o act_n or_o deed_n proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o all_o keeper_n of_o the_o signet_n from_o signete_v thereof_o under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o the_o second_o head_n command_v all_o subject_n to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v the_o confession_n command_v by_o his_o majesty_n conform_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o declaration_n publish_v by_o the_o commissioner_n whereunto_o we_o need_v not_o here_o make_v any_o answer_n but_o remit_v the_o same_o to_o a_o special_a answer_n publish_v in_o print_n make_v to_o that_o all_o declaration_n but_o for_o the_o first_o the_o same_o be_v so_o far_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_fw-mi the_o law_n civil_a and_o canonical_a the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o general_a assembly_n act_n of_o parliament_n practice_n of_o other_o judicatories_n within_o this_o kingdom_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o we_o can_v believe_v any_o such_o commandment_n to_o proceed_v from_o our_o gracious_a king_n but_o from_o the_o malice_n and_o misinformation_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o conscience_n of_o who_o guiltiness_n affright_v they_o to_o undergo_v their_o deserve_a censure_n which_o be_v they_o clear_v first_o that_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o wherein_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v command_v absolute_o to_o inflict_v censure_n 1._o cor._n 5._o wherein_o the_o church_fw-mi do_v execute_v that_o commandment_n and_o the_o kirk_n of_o pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n or_o of_o jezebel_n 2._o rev._n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v so_o intrinsical_o and_o so_o essential_o competent_a to_o the_o kirk_n and_o general_a assembly_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la as_o obedience_n to_o her_o decreet_n and_o execution_n thereof_o can_v be_v suspend_v far_o less_o take_v away_o and_o discharge_v by_o humane_a authority_n more_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n second_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a kirk_n who_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o execute_v the_o spiritual_a function_n and_o censure_n and_o notwithstanding_o humane_a prohibition_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o then_o man_n three_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n si_fw-la contra_fw-la jus_o vel_fw-la utilitatem_fw-la publicam_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la mendacium_fw-la fuerit_fw-la aliquid_fw-la postulatum_fw-la vel_fw-la impetratum_fw-la ab_fw-la imperatore_n et_fw-la titulo_fw-la de_fw-fr diversis_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la &_o pragmaticis_fw-la sanctionibus_fw-la four_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o anti-christian_n cannon_n law_n decret_a decretal_a extravagan_n titulo_fw-la de_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la five_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a custom_n in_o all_o nation_n ordain_v their_o judicatory_n to_o do_v justice_n notwithstanding_o their_o prince_n prohibition_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o convarnvia_n in_o spain_n pappon_n in_o france_n suedwyne_n in_o germany_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o title_n de_fw-fr rescriptis_fw-la aut_fw-la constitutionibus_fw-la principum_fw-la six_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n because_o in_o sundry_a general_a assembly_n upon_o complaint_n make_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n offer_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o kirk_n from_o go_v on_o in_o her_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n especial_o by_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n convene_v in_o the_o new_a college_n of_o sanctandrows_fw-mi 20._o april_n 1582._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o be_v receive_v to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n office_n or_o benefice_n seek_v any_o way_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o exeme_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o procure_v obtain_v or_o use_v any_o letter_n or_o charge_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o name_n or_o at_o their_o
and_o record_n that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v give_v in_o keep_v to_o the_o house_n of_o erskine_n by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n authority_n hac_fw-la lege_fw-la expressa_fw-la &_o conditione_n ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la nisi_fw-la conventui_fw-la ordinum_fw-la reposcenti_fw-la traderent_fw-la eight_o this_o act_n be_v not_o unexampled_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o have_v many_o precedent_n both_o in_o the_o history_n of_o other_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o own_o which_o have_v many_o such_o example_n even_o do_v by_o the_o estate_n themselves_o who_o fact_n do_v make_v our_o right_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v ratify_v conform_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o loveable_a custom_n in_o punish_v rebellious_a subject_n and_o preserve_v the_o faithful_a act_n 130._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v upbraid_v for_o our_o meeting_n table_n which_o in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v call_v council_n table_n only_o by_o that_o name_n which_o by_o ordinary_a expression_n be_v due_a to_o judicatories_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o some_o unwarrantable_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o intend_v to_o do_v god_n willing_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o sober_a modest_a and_o quiet_a way_n for_o deliberate_v with_o joint_a advice_n upon_o those_o weighty_a business_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o table_n meeting_n do_v never_o emit_v nor_o send_v forth_o any_o authoritative_a command_n or_o injunction_n but_o conclude_v upon_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o advance_v that_o great_a business_n and_o facilitate_v the_o way_n of_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o overture_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o act_n lawful_a and_o approvable_a in_o the_o self_n albeit_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o force_n or_o validity_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n or_o command_n which_o be_v never_o aim_v at_o nor_o intend_v which_o meeting_n they_o may_v warrantable_o keep_v for_o that_o end_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o remove_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o subject_n no_o way_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o municipal_a law_n which_o disapprove_v such_o convention_n as_o be_v for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o usurpation_n against_o authority_n whereof_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o these_o meeting_n not_o the_o first_o because_o no_o invasion_n violence_n offer_v of_o wrong_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o any_o person_n no_o even_a to_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o just_o complain_v ensew_v upon_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o provocation_n and_o their_o fear_n false_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o malicious_o pretend_v for_o their_o stay_n out_o of_o the_o country_n not_o the_o second_o because_o their_o meeting_n be_v to_o consult_v in_o manner_n foresay_a upon_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o humble_a way_n of_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o convenient_a proposition_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o act_n be_v most_o compatible_a with_o the_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n and_o do_v no_o way_n entrench_v upon_o authority_n see_v they_o can_v never_o be_v challenge_v to_o have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o judicial_a determination_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a but_o by_o voluntary_a instruction_n and_o opinion_n every_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n do_v resolve_v what_o may_v be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a end_n and_o yet_o those_o convention_n want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o the_o nobility_n baron_n burrows_n and_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v place_n of_o propon_v reason_v and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n act_n 113._o king_n james_n the_o 6._o parl._n 11._o wherein_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v of_o the_o need_v and_o cause_n pertain_v to_o his_o love_a subject_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o therefore_o ratify_v the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1427._o give_v power_n to_o baron_n to_o propone_v all_o and_o sundry_a needs_o and_o cause_n and_o to_o hear_v treat_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n which_o necessary_a and_o true_a information_n can_v be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n king_n without_o privy_a meeting_n and_o consultation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o to_o inform_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o propone_v hear_v treat_v and_o final_o determine_v all_o needs_o and_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o meeting_n and_o advise_v upon_o that_o information_n quia_fw-la aliquo_fw-la concesso_fw-la omne_fw-la concessa_fw-la videntur_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la concessum_fw-la expediri_fw-la nequit_fw-la and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n they_o have_v likeways_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n of_o this_o land_n to_o propone_v reason_n and_o vote_n in_o assembly_n and_o be_v the_o examine_v parity_n of_o reason_n to_o keep_v precede_v meeting_n not_o to_o determinate_a or_o execute_v but_o to_o consult_v upon_o their_o necessary_a proposition_n so_o that_o these_o lawful_a meeting_n for_o the_o religious_a end_n suffer_v wrongous_o the_o invidious_a designation_n of_o council_n table_n which_o be_v only_o do_v for_o procure_v misconstruction_n against_o they_o because_o at_o these_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n they_o sit_v about_o a_o table_n which_o posture_n be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o authority_n the_o mean_a of_o mechanik_a craft_n have_v their_o own_o table_n where_o about_o they_o sit_v when_o they_o consult_v upon_o the_o small_a business_n import_v their_o trade_n and_o far_o these_o same_o meeting_n consist_v of_o commissioner_n from_o each_o sheriffedome_n and_o body_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n false_a council_n first_o and_o thereafter_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n out_o of_o their_o resentment_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o cause_n have_v numerous_o convene_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o confluence_n of_o people_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o direct_v to_o make_v choose_v forth_o of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o some_o commissioner_n from_o each_o shire_n who_o may_v meet_v to_o represent_v their_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o attend_v the_o answer_v thereof_o censure_n the_o three_o particular_a challenge_n in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v for_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v allege_v to_o have_v be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n some_o banish_v for_o teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o be_v suspend_v some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o confine_v and_o all_o by_o oath_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o although_o no_o answer_n be_v requisite_a see_v the_o person_n thereby_o mean_v be_v not_o special_o condescend_v upon_o yet_o for_o clear_v all_o man_n mind_n and_o show_v the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o proceed_n it_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o particular_a trial_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o some_o such_o surmise_n can_v not_o find_v any_o censure_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n or_o ireland_n by_o a_o lawful_a manner_n in_o a_o lawful_a ireland_n judicatory_a or_o for_o a_o lawful_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o assembly_n after_o careful_a search_n and_o examination_n find_v that_o any_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o person_n in_o scotland_n be_v only_o by_o a_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o take_v arrogant_o on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o that_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o presbytery_n but_o sit_v in_o his_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o
therefore_o intend_v to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n what_o be_v noise_v concern_v the_o proclamation_n how_o far_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v be_v by_o some_o sinistrous_a misinformation_n frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o constant_a desire_n to_o have_v some_o course_n take_v by_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi advice_n how_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o inform_v may_v deliver_v his_o good_a subject_n from_o so_o great_a grievance_n and_o fear_n and_o establish_v a_o sure_a peace_n in_o this_o country_n for_o time_n to_o come_v we_o find_v ourselves_o tie_v by_o order_n of_o law_n to_o decline_v those_o against_o who_o we_o have_v make_v our_o complaint_n unless_o we_o will_v admit_v our_o party_n to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o in_o case_n our_o declinator_n shall_v not_o be_v accept_v we_o behove_v to_o protest_v that_o we_o may_v have_v immediate_a recourse_n to_o the_o king_n himself_o etc._n etc._n thereafter_o in_o the_o month_n of_o march_n find_v that_o by_o the_o foresay_a proclamation_n the_o innovation_n supplicate_v against_o be_v approven_v our_o lawful_a proceed_n condemn_v our_o most_o necessary_a meeting_n prohibit_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n thereby_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n provoke_v to_o wrath_n against_o we_o by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n within_o this_o land_n to_o clear_v our_o sovereign_n mind_n from_o all_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n arise_v from_o our_o adversary_n misinformation_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o carriage_n and_o so_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o acceptance_n of_o our_o humble_a supplication_n and_o grant_v of_o their_o lawful_a remedy_n to_o guard_v this_o land_n in_o defence_n of_o religion_n authority_n and_o liberty_n against_o inward_a division_n and_o external_a violence_n and_o that_o our_o action_n may_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o holy_a profession_n we_o afterward_o draw_v up_o a_o humble_a supplication_n contain_v our_o grievance_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o attend_v his_o declaration_n here_o in_o scotland_n which_o will_v free_v we_o of_o all_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o prove_v satisfactory_a and_o lest_o for_o want_n of_o true_a information_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n it_o shall_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o we_o express_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a modesty_n we_o can_v our_o desire_n in_o some_o few_o article_n and_o with_o great_a patience_n have_v attend_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n thereanent_fw-la and_o all_o this_o month_n bygone_a be_v frequent_o convene_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o deliver_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o right_a noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n we_o present_v a_o new_a petition_n to_o his_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n crave_v most_o humble_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n thereof_o like_a as_o find_v a_o misinformation_n or_o mistake_v of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n to_o be_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o obtain_v our_o desire_n in_o a_o new_a supplication_n we_o have_v full_o remove_v that_o impediment_n renew_v our_o desire_n of_o those_o supreme_a judicatories_n to_o be_v indict_v with_o diligence_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n but_o be_v answer_v only_o with_o delay_n after_o these_o nine_o month_n attendance_n and_o with_o this_o proclamation_n that_o contain_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n of_o his_o pious_a intention_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n nor_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o we_o be_v ever_o so_o far_o from_o call_v in_o question_n as_o in_o our_o supplicatication_n complaint_n and_o bill_n we_o use_v the_o same_o as_o one_o cause_n of_o our_o desire_n one_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o adversary_n malignant_a misinformation_n of_o so_o religious_a a_o king_n and_o now_o most_o humble_o with_o bend_a knee_n and_o bow_a heart_n thank_v our_o gracious_a sovereign_n for_o the_o same_o wish_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n true_o and_o full_o to_o inform_v his_o majesty_n how_o far_o these_o book_n judicatory_n and_o all_o our_o other_o evil_n and_o grievance_n be_v full_a of_o idolatrous_a superstition_n and_o popish_a error_n how_o destructive_a of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o his_o majesty_n pious_a intention_n and_o declaration_n yet_o see_v that_o no_o proclamation_n can_v sufficient_o remove_v the_o present_a evil_n nor_o settle_v our_o fear_n nor_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o reentry_n of_o any_o evil_a or_o innovation_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o discharge_v or_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v nor_o satisfy_v our_o humble_a supplication_n crave_v the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o our_o evil_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o like_a and_o see_v this_o proclamation_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n or_o acknowledge_v any_o of_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o grievance_n or_o any_o just_a cause_n thereof_o except_o under_o the_o name_n of_o great_a increase_n of_o disorder_n fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n but_o only_o our_o fear_n of_o some_o future_a innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n occasion_v only_o as_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o fear_v his_o majesty_n hope_v to_o have_v be_v abundant_o and_o sufficient_o satisfy_v by_o his_o two_o former_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nine_o of_o december_n and_o ninteenth_n of_o february_n and_o by_o this_o his_o present_a declaration_n except_o his_o subject_n be_v blind_o under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n lead_v unto_o disobedience_n do_v mis-ken_n pass_v over_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n deny_v all_o our_o supplication_n bill_n article_n and_o desire_n especial_o our_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n our_o party_n and_o that_o once_o for_o all_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o persuasive_a way_n even_o after_o the_o resaite_n of_o our_o last_o supplication_n clear_v we_o from_o the_o calumny_n of_o unlawful_a combination_n do_v not_o disallow_v nor_o discharge_v any_o of_o the_o innovation_n and_o evil_n complain_v upon_o but_o only_o assure_v that_o his_o majesty_n will_v not_o press_v their_o practice_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v his_o subject_n of_o his_o intention_n which_o join_v with_o the_o other_o clause_n allow_v and_o confirm_v the_o proclamation_n the_o nineteen_o of_o february_n evidence_v the_o liberty_n leave_v to_o any_o prelate_n or_o person_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o by_o all_o other_o fair_a way_n to_o persuade_v other_o thereunto_o and_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n to_o press_v their_o practice_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o also_o confirm_v the_o former_a declaration_n that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v a_o ready_a mean_a to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n already_o profess_v and_o to_o beat_v out_o all_o superstition_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o to_o be_v compile_v and_o approve_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n do_v not_o abolish_v but_o promise_v to_o rectify_v the_o high_a commission_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n imply_v the_o king_n power_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o council_n to_o establish_v this_o or_o any_o judicatory_a within_o this_o kingdom_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n convene_v in_o parliament_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a and_o express_a law_n thereof_o and_o by_o consequent_a with_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o establish_v law_n and_o service_n book_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduction_n do_v only_o promise_v to_o take_v into_o his_o consideration_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v call_v at_o his_o best_a convenience_n while_o as_o the_o evident_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o settle_v the_o combustion_n threaten_v the_o total_a dissolution_n and_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o
will_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o call_v a_o parliament_n for_o those_o good_a end_n but_o that_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v conceive_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n thereby_o to_o cast_v off_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n for_o maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o being_n most_o willing_a to_o remove_v that_o as_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n therefore_o and_o for_o clear_v of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o imputation_n we_o do_v now_o in_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v and_o sorry_a that_o any_o good_a man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n shall_v so_o conceive_v of_o our_o do_v and_o that_o we_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o faâ—re_v from_o any_o thought_n of_o withdraw_a ourselves_o from_o our_o dutiful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n government_n which_o by_o the_o descent_n and_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o 107_o king_n be_v most_o cheerful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n that_o we_o never_o have_v nor_o have_v any_o intention_n or_o desire_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o king_n greatness_n and_o authority_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o acknowledge_v our_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n have_v solemn_o swear_v not_o only_o our_o mutual_a concurrence_n and_o assistance_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n free_a from_o that_o and_o all_o other_o imputation_n of_o that_o kind_n most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o grace_n to_o esteem_v that_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n to_o have_v be_v intend_v and_o to_o be_v the_o large_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o that_o hindrance_n be_v remove_v must_v still_o supplicate_v that_o your_o grace_n will_v be_v please_v to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o will_v undoubted_o redress_v all_o our_o evil_n settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o procure_v that_o chearfulnesse_n of_o obedience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v to_o his_o majesty_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o offer_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o best_a endeavour_n for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o do_v this_o petition_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o explication_n as_o shall_v give_v either_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n any_o satisfaction_n no_o for_o it_o contain_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o shake_v off_o their_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v give_v way_n to_o all_o their_o course_n which_o by_o this_o petition_n they_o justify_v so_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o will_v continue_v obedient_a subject_n if_o we_o will_v part_v from_o our_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o they_o will_v obey_v if_o we_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o command_v but_o where_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o to_o these_o word_n of_o their_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o mutual_a maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v have_v be_v add_v except_o the_o king_n and_o his_o successor_n that_o be_v refuse_v though_o even_o that_o can_v have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n unless_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n have_v make_v sedition_n and_o punishable_a with_o death_n upon_o notice_n give_v by_o our_o commissioner_n of_o his_o intend_a departure_n the_o debatement_n at_o their_o table_n grow_v very_o hot_a and_o fiery_a upon_o this_o point_n whether_o they_o shall_v present_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n and_o fall_v upon_o the_o violent_a course_n intend_v by_o they_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v grant_v some_o short_a time_n for_o his_o journey_n his_o stay_n with_o we_o his_o return_n to_o they_o again_o with_o our_o final_a answer_n and_o last_o resolution_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promise_v that_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o and_o continue_v all_o thing_n in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la until_o his_o return_n this_o last_o be_v agree_v unto_o though_o not_o without_o much_o contrariety_n of_o voice_n and_o so_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n come_v and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o this_o their_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o they_o will_v expect_v our_o answer_n and_o his_o return_n upon_o the_o five_o of_o august_n next_o at_o the_o further_a until_o which_o time_n they_o will_v break_v up_o their_o great_a meeting_n contain_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o by_o that_o day_n he_o do_v either_o not_o return_v or_o not_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o we_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o expect_v than_o they_o will_v hold_v themselves_o free_a and_o go_v on_o to_o prosecute_v the_o course_n which_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o us._n after_o our_o commissioner_n have_v at_o greenwich_n make_v we_o full_o acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o insolence_n we_o speedy_o dispatch_v he_o with_o new_a instruction_n and_o command_v he_o to_o return_v so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v back_o in_o scotland_n by_o the_o five_o of_o august_n and_o give_v he_o order_n for_o the_o indict_v both_o of_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o a_o parliament_n but_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v full_o satisfy_v by_o all_o information_n which_o he_o can_v convenient_o receive_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n with_o which_o perhaps_o many_o be_v not_o acquaint_v none_o have_v be_v keep_v for_o divers_a year_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v require_v good_a deliberation_n to_o agree_v both_o upon_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o for_o their_o person_n but_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o of_o what_o thing_n be_v usual_o treat_v and_o handle_v there_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o return_v into_o scotland_n but_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o much_o worse_a case_n and_o in_o a_o far_o great_a combustion_n than_o he_o leave_v they_o for_o he_o find_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faction_n be_v afraid_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v back_o with_o he_o some_o satisfactory_a accommodation_n which_o our_o subject_n may_v like_v well_o but_o they_o themselves_o resolve_v to_o reject_v have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n assure_v their_o follower_n that_o they_o may_v compass_v their_o end_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o themselves_o desire_v nay_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o untrue_a viz._n that_o our_o commissioner_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o especial_o with_o their_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o late_a explication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o use_v that_o inducement_n for_o a_o argument_n whereby_o they_o persuade_v many_o of_o all_o sort_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o stand_v out_o against_o their_o covenant_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o this_o short_a time_n of_o his_o absence_n from_o they_o and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdene_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o print_v that_o our_o commissioner_n rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o covenant_n according_a to_o their_o explication_n of_o it_o with_o which_o their_o notorious_a calumny_n he_o find_v himself_o so_o high_o injure_v in_o a_o point_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v his_o loyalty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o
traduce_v do_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n 6._o last_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o informality_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o we_o charge_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o they_o must_v answer_v before_o his_o great_a and_o fearful_a tribunal_n if_o they_o suspect_v and_o know_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v to_o be_v free_a of_o these_o crime_n wherewith_o they_o charge_v they_o at_o least_o of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n have_v therein_o libel_v the_o general_a and_o have_v yet_o to_o seek_v the_o specification_n thereof_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v furnish_v it_o by_o which_o informal_a and_o malicious_a proceed_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o our_o say_a party_n do_v seek_v our_o disgrace_n and_o overthrow_v most_o malicious_o and_o illegal_o and_o therefore_o we_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o barbarous_a and_o violent_a persecution_n that_o all_o circumstance_n be_v consider_v have_v few_o or_o none_o to_o parallel_v it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o decline_v the_o say_v pretend_a commissioner_n as_o our_o party_n moreover_o can_v these_o man_n expect_v but_o in_o a_o lawful_a assemble_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o enorm_a transgression_n foresay_v and_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o canon-law_n against_o the_o pope_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o any_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_n himself_o but_o to_o choose_v arbitrator_n and_o this_o may_v militate_v against_o they_o except_o they_o be_v more_o unruly_a than_o pope_n ludovicus_n bavarus_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o germany_n with_o he_o do_v plead_v this_o nullity_n against_o the_o sentence_n and_o proceed_n of_o pope_n john_n 22._o and_o of_o his_o council_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o cullen_n 1546._o do_v plead_v the_o nullity_n of_o paul_n 3._o his_o bull_n of_o excommunication_n because_o he_o protest_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o lawful_a council_n shall_v be_v open_v he_o will_v implead_v the_o pope_n as_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n censurable_a by_o the_o council_n but_o the_o late_a protestation_n do_v show_v the_o author_n thereof_o to_o be_v no_o less_o injurious_a to_o our_o place_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o be_v overween_v of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n have_v place_n nor_o voice_n deliberative_a or_o decisive_a in_o general_a assembly_n except_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o elect_v by_o their_o presbyterial_a meeting_n consist_v of_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o without_o warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o also_o do_v infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o precedent_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neither_o the_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n but_o he_o who_o by_o plurality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o layman_n voice_n shall_v be_v elect_v which_o happy_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o a_o lay-person_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o whereas_o canonical_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o primate_n shall_v preside_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a can._n 6._o of_o antioch_n can._n 9_o and_o of_o the_o imperial_a law_n novel_a constitut_o 123._o cap._n 10._o and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o law_n for_o what_o place_n in_o assembly_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v in_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o same_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n in_o scotland_n and_o yet_o still_o do_v retain_v except_o by_o some_o municipal_a law_n it_o have_v be_v restrain_v which_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o authority_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v restore_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o and_o 1609._o and_o all_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n abrogate_a neither_o do_v that_o act_n 1592._o establish_v general_a assembly_n debar_v bishop_n from_o preside_v therein_o nor_o the_o abrogation_n of_o their_o commission_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n imply_v and_o infer_v the_o abrogation_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o parliament_n but_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a oversight_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o charge_n whereto_o belong_v the_o presidentship_n in_o all_o assembly_n for_o matter_n spiritual_a always_o with_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n that_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o be_v precedent_n of_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o chancellor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v place_n in_o council_n and_o session_n not_o by_o any_o act_n or_o statute_n but_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o he_o be_v chancellor_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v their_o right_n in_o synod_n and_o other_o inferior_a meeting_n but_o by_o no_o law_n restrain_v nor_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o national_n assembly_n and_o the_o law_n allow_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o synod_n do_v present_v a_o list_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o who_o of_o right_a this_o place_n do_v belong_v as_o say_v be_v out_o of_o which_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v for_o be_v it_o not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n order_n and_o decency_n that_o out_o of_o moderator_n of_o synod_n a_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v then_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n subject_a to_o they_o as_o concern_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n 1580._o whereby_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o scripture_n if_o corruption_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n may_v be_v neglect_v no_o less_o then_o that_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a that_o prior_n act_v of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n give_v place_n to_o the_o posterior_n for_o posteriora_fw-la derogant_fw-la prioribus_fw-la and_o there_o pass_v not_o full_a six_o year_n when_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n find_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n present_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_n and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_n only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o for_o that_o act_n at_o mont_n rise_v let_v they_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o have_v their_o call_n by_o that_o commission_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v of_o the_o chapter_n of_o our_o cathedral_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n by_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o approbation_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n for_o our_o temporality_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la next_o unto_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a governor_n but_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o cyprian_n his_o complaint_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 14._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la periculum_fw-la metuere_fw-la debemus_fw-la de_fw-la offensâ_fw-la domini_fw-la quando_fw-la aliqui_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la nec_fw-la evangelii_n nec_fw-la loci_fw-la svi_fw-la memores_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la futurum_fw-la dei_fw-la judicium_fw-la neque_fw-la praepositum_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la omnino_fw-la sub_fw-la antecessoribus_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la contumelia_fw-la &_o contemptâ_fw-la praepositi_fw-la totum_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la atque_fw-la utinam_fw-la non_fw-la prostratâ_fw-la fratrum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la salute_v sibi_fw-la omne_fw-la vendicarent_fw-la contumelias_fw-la episcopatûs_fw-la nostri_fw-la dissimulare_fw-la &_o far_o possem_fw-la sicut_fw-la
this_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o after_o seven_o day_n sit_v declare_v all_o act_n make_v or_o hereafter_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o strength_n and_o that_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v either_o express_v in_o his_o majesty_n former_a proclamation_n and_o so_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n or_o set_v down_o in_o the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n present_v in_o name_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v full_o clear_v in_o our_o answer_n make_v thereto_o or_o else_o be_v long_o since_o propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_v send_v unto_o we_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v satisfy_v by_o our_o answer_n which_o his_o grace_n acknowledge_v by_o promise_v after_o the_o recept_n thereof_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n with_o power_n to_o determine_v upon_o all_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n manner_n and_o matter_n thereof_o all_o which_o for_o avoid_v tediousness_n we_o here_o repeat_v or_o otherwise_o the_o say_a cause_n allege_v by_o the_o commissioner_n be_v propon_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o assembly_n such_o as_o first_o that_o the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o read_v the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n exhibit_v by_o the_o prelate_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v public_o read_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o assembly_n immediate_o after_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o member_n before_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o assembly_n establish_v to_o who_o the_o same_o can_v have_v be_v read_v next_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n which_o be_v know_v to_o his_o grace_n before_o the_o indiction_n and_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n in_o violable_o observe_v before_o the_o late_a time_n of_o corruption_n that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o to_o who_o by_o the_o indiction_n and_o promise_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n the_o determination_n of_o that_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n constituent_a property_n belong_v and_o last_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o six_o assessor_n who_o do_v sit_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o ask_v and_o number_v which_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n since_o after_o 39_o national_n assembly_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n where_o neither_o the_o king_n majesty_n nor_o any_o in_o his_o name_n be_v present_a at_o the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o majesty_n gracious_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n either_o in_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n or_o by_o a_o commissioner_n not_o for_o vote_v or_o multiply_v of_o voice_n but_o as_o prince_n and_o emperor_n of_o old_a in_o a_o princely_a manner_n to_o countenance_v that_o meeting_n and_o to_o preside_v in_o it_o for_o external_a order_n and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o his_o majesty_n personal_a presence_n his_o majesty_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n will_v have_v only_o give_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o vote_v of_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o have_v call_v other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v clothe_v with_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o carry_v thing_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n therefore_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_n and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v with_o sorrowful_a and_o heavy_a but_o loyal_a heart_n that_o we_o can_v dissolve_v this_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o necessity_n of_o conveen_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v convene_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v 2._o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v now_o judicial_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n &_o covenant_n subscribe_v &_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 3._o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o a_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n than_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n &_o subscribe_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church-government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n 4._o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v lawful_o dissolve_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundùm_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 5._o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notwithstanding_o any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o master_n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherwise_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_a master_n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v uninform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 6._o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterared_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o after_o frequent_a convention_n formal_a