of_o our_o worthy_a and_o religious_a progenitor_n and_o of_o many_o yet_o live_v among_o we_o which_o be_v warrant_v also_o by_o act_n of_o council_n command_v a_o general_a band_n to_o be_v make_v and_o subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n subject_n of_o all_o rank_n for_o two_o cause_n one_o be_v for_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v then_o reform_v and_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n above_o write_v and_o a_o former_a large_a confession_n establish_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o of_o parliament_n unto_o which_o it_o have_v relation_n set_v down_o in_o public_a cathechisme_n and_o which_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n with_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n preach_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n as_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o write_a word_n the_o other_o cause_n be_v for_o maintain_v the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o estate_n the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 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article_n of_o the_o foresay_a confession_n to_o the_o intention_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n to_o the_o above_o write_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o do_v sensible_o tend_v to_o the_o re-establish_a of_o the_o popish_a religion_n and_o tyranny_n and_o to_o the_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o liberty_n law_n and_o estate_n we_o also_o declare_v that_o the_o foresay_a confession_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o foresay_a novation_n and_o evil_n no_o less_o than_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v express_v in_o the_o foresay_a confession_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o detest_v and_o abhor_v they_o among_o other_o particular_a head_n of_o papistry_n abjure_v therein_o and_o therefore_o from_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o our_o king_n and_o country_n without_o any_o worldly_a respect_n or_o inducement_n so_o far_o as_o humane_a infirmity_n will_v suffer_v wish_v a_o further_a measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o this_o effect_n we_o promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o foresay_a religion_n that_o we_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o and_o resist_v all_o these_o contrary_a error_n and_o corruption_n according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o that_o power_n that_o god_n have_v put_v in_o our_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o the_o same_o heart_n we_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o have_v no_o intention_n nor_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 to_o the_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 promise_v and_o swear_v that_o we_o shall_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o foresay_a true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o also_o to_o the_o mutual_a defence_n and_o assistance_n every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n authority_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n our_o body_n mean_n and_o whole_a power_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o the_o least_o of_o we_o for_o that_o cause_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o do_v to_o we_o all_o in_o general_a and_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o direct_o nor_o indirect_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v divide_v or_o withdraw_v by_o whatsoever_o suggestion_n combination_n allurement_n or_o terror_n from_o this_o bless_a and_o loyal_a conjunction_n nor_o shall_v cast_v in_o any_o let_v or_o impediment_n that_o may_v stay_v or_o hinder_v any_o such_o resolution_n as_o by_o common_a consent_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o conduce_v for_o so_o good_a end_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a shall_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n labour_v to_o further_o and_o promove_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o such_o dangerous_a and_o divisive_a motion_n be_v make_v to_o we_o by_o word_n or_o write_v we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v either_o suppress_v it_o or_o if_o need_v be_v shall_v incontinent_a make_v the_o same_o know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timous_o obviate_v neither_o do_v we_o fear_v the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o rebellion_n combination_n or_o what_o else_o our_o adversary_n from_o their_o craft_n and_o malice_n will_v put_v upon_o we_o see_v what_o we_o do_v be_v so_o well_o warrant_v and_o arise_v from_o a_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o maintain_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o majesty_n of_o our_o king_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o common_a happiness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n and_o because_o we_o can_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o proceed_n except_o with_o our_o profession_n and_o subscription_n we_o join_v such_o a_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o beseem_v christian_n who_o have_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o therefore_o faithful_o promise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o follower_n and_o all_o other_o under_o we_o both_o in_o public_a in_o our_o particular_a family_n and_o personal_a carriage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v good_a example_n to_o other_o of_o all_o godliness_n soberness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o every_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n and_o that_o this_o our_o union_n and_o conjunction_n may_v be_v observe_v without_o violation_n we_o call_v the_o live_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o witness_v who_o know_v this_o to_o be_v our_o sincere_a desire_n and_o unfeigned_a resolution_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o god_n everlasting_a wrath_n and_o of_o infamy_n and_o of_o loss_n of_o all_o honour_n and_o respect_n in_o this_o world_n most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o strengthen_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o desire_n and_o proceed_n with_o a_o happy_a success_n that_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n may_v flourish_v in_o the_o land_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o our_o king_n and_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o we_o all_o in_o witness_v whereof_o we_o have_v subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n all_o the_o premise_n etc._n etc._n to_o dispute_v against_o this_o covenant_n scholastical_o or_o otherwise_o then_o by_o
state_n excuse_v our_o uncessant_a and_o importune_a call_n for_o these_o present_a remedy_n do_v insinuate_v the_o continuance_n and_o execution_n of_o any_o pretend_a law_n for_o these_o innovation_n of_o worship_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n government_n and_o civil_a place_n of_o churchman_n which_o by_o our_o covenant_n we_o have_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o forbear_v and_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o he_o will_v call_v in_o his_o best_a convenience_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o and_o this_o other_o end_n of_o satisfy_v his_o subject_n judgement_n anent_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n do_v condemn_v all_o our_o former_a proceed_n even_o our_o supplicate_a complain_v protest_v subscribe_v of_o our_o covenant_n together_o and_o our_o continual_a meeting_n as_o great_a disorder_n increase_v of_o disorder_n deserve_v just_o a_o powerful_a rather_o than_o a_o persuasive_a way_n a_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n a_o perish_v in_o our_o fault_n a_o blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v threaten_v &_o denounce_v now_o once_o for_o all_o if_o we_o be_v not_o hearty_o satisfy_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o our_o obedience_n after_o this_o declaration_n but_o continue_v as_o by_o our_o former_a proceed_n to_o draw_v on_o our_o own_o ruin_n that_o albeit_o unwilling_o he_o must_v make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o for_o reclaim_v of_o so_o disobedient_a people_n therefore_o we_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o this_o land_n be_v force_v and_o compel_v out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a country_n ourselves_o and_o our_o posterity_n lest_o our_o silence_n shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n and_o salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n and_o proceed_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o solemn_a oath_n of_o our_o nation_n covenant_n with_o god_n to_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o protest_v primo_n that_o we_o do_v and_o will_v constant_o adhere_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n to_o the_o say_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n use_v of_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o innovation_n introduce_v therein_o either_o of_o old_a or_o of_o late_a secundo_fw-la we_o potest_fw-la that_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o grievance_n supplication_n and_o protestation_n give_v in_o at_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o to_o our_o late_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n and_o other_o lawful_a proceed_n against_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n as_o main_a innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o full_a of_o popish_a superstition_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o against_o the_o high_a commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a establish_a contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o destructive_a of_o other_o lawful_a judicatories_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o manner_n of_o introduction_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n can_v be_v any_o way_n rectify_v but_o absolute_o discharge_v tertio_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o we_o adhere_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o god_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o clause_n particular_o therein_o express_v and_o general_o contain_v and_o to_o our_o last_o article_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n draw_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o all_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o manner_n of_o remedy_n therein_o desire_v quarto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o this_o proclamation_n or_o act_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o act_n or_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o by_o subscription_n or_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o precondemnation_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o carriage_n before_o the_o same_o be_v lawful_o hear_v and_o try_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n to_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n or_o any_o certification_n or_o threaten_v therein_o denounce_v shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o to_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n pursuit_n mutual_a defence_n nor_o to_o our_o person_n and_o estate_n and_o shall_v no_o way_n be_v disgraceful_a either_o in_o reality_n or_o opinion_n at_o home_o or_o abroad_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o any_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o subscription_n of_o the_o council_n carry_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o declaration_n and_o condemnation_n of_o our_o proceed_n indicta_fw-la causa_fw-la be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_n &_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a &_o null_a as_o here_o before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o offer_v to_o clear_v &_o to_o verify_v both_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n and_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o act_n against_o we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o first_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n &_o parliament_n of_o the_o estate_n unto_o who_o with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a we_o do_v public_o appeal_v quinto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o see_v our_o former_a supplication_n last_o article_n &_o our_o last_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n which_o petition_v for_o the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n &_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n &_o of_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o hear_v the_o desire_n ease_v the_o grievance_n &_o settle_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o delay_v &_o in_o effect_n refuse_v to_o wit_n once_o for_o all_o till_o his_o majesty_n conveniency_n for_o the_o end_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o we_o continue_v by_o their_o present_n to_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n again_o and_o again_o for_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o same_o and_o whatsoever_o trouble_n or_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o land_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o want_v of_o these_o ordinary_a remedy_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o of_o these_o innovation_n &_o evil_n contrary_a to_o our_o supplication_n article_n &_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o beg_v these_o lawful_a remedy_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o &_o every_o one_o of_o we_o one_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n foresay_a authority_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n &_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o &_o against_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a invasion_n menace_v in_o this_o proclamation_n like_a as_o that_o in_o the_o great_a exigencie_n of_o the_o church_n necessitate_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinary_a and_o lawful_a remedy_n for_o settle_v the_o commotion_n thereof_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v leasome_a unto_o we_o to_o appoint_v hold_v and_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n our_o lawful_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n agreeble_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o the_o like_a case_n sexto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n confession_n meeting_n proceed_n and_o mutual_a defence_n of_o every_o one_o another_o in_o this_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_o mean_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n &_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v style_v nor_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o proceed_v only_o from_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a
unless_o they_o be_v require_v so_o to_o do_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v lawful_a authority_n from_o his_o majesty_n to_o administer_v it_o unto_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o none_o either_o will_n or_o can_v take_v the_o say_a oath_n or_o any_o other_o oath_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o may_v not_o consist_v with_o episcopal_a government_n have_v his_o majesty_n sense_n and_o so_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o lawful_a authority_n full_o explayn_v to_o they_o hamiltoun_n that_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o force_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n &_o no_o way_n abolish_v nor_o suppress_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o nor_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o scotland_n do_v evident_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n after_o mention_v first_o by_o the_o parliament_n 1567._o cap._n 2._o whereby_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o pope_n authority_n be_v abolish_v it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o say_a act_n that_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o this_o realm_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o all_o act_n not_o agree_v with_o god_n word_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o the_o estate_n in_o that_o parliament_n to_o have_v no_o effect_n nor_o strength_n in_o time_n to_o come_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reformer_n intention_n to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n but_o that_o bishop_n shall_v not_o use_v any_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n his_o authority_n &_o see_v they_o do_v allow_v episcopacy_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o do_v not_o esteem_v the_o same_o contrary_n to_o god_n word_n and_o confession_n aforesaid_a as_o appear_v more_o clear_o by_o the_o six_o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n which_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o cap._n 68_o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangell_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v now_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o now_o live_v in_o doctrine_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v in_o his_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v public_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n within_o this_o realm_n without_o any_o exception_n by_o reason_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n declare_v only_o such_o as_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n according_a to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n or_o refuse_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o ministrate_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o say_v reformer_n mind_n to_o exclude_v any_o from_o that_o society_n by_o reason_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n innovate_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o policy_n they_o find_v in_o the_o say_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n this_o be_v likewaies_o evident_a by_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n by_o the_o eigth_n act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o without_o swear_v to_o any_o innovation_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n second_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v by_o these_o subsequent_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o by_o the_o muncipall_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o first_o by_o the_o 24._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o all_o civil_a privilege_n grant_v by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n predecessor_n to_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v ratify_v in_o all_o point_n after_o the_o form_n &_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o 35._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1571._o whereby_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o act_n and_o statute_n make_v of_o before_o by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o predecessor_n anent_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 46._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1572._o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v the_o authority_n and_o be_v ordain_v to_o conveen_n and_o deprive_v all_o inferior_a person_n be_v minister_n who_o shall_v not_o subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a in_o write_v thereupon_o within_o a_o month_n after_o their_o admission_n by_o the_o 48._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v authority_n at_o their_o visitation_n to_o design_n minister_n gleibe_n by_o the_o 54._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v at_o their_o visitation_n person_n in_o every_o parochin_n for_o make_v and_o set_v of_o the_o taxation_n for_o uphold_v and_o repair_v of_o kirk_n and_o kirk-yard_n and_o to_o convene_v try_v and_o censure_v all_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o use_n the_o stone_n timber_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o pertain_v to_o kirk_n demolish_v by_o the_o 55._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1573._o whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o admonish_v person_n marry_v in_o case_n of_o desertion_n to_o adhere_v and_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n to_o direct_v charge_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o parochin_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o 63._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1578._o whereby_o bishop_n and_o where_o no_o bishop_n be_v provide_v the_o commissioner_n of_o diocese_n have_v authority_n to_o try_v the_o rent_n of_o hospital_n and_o call_v for_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o by_o the_o 69._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o whereby_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o stand_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n correction_n of_o manner_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o yet_o no_o other_o authority_n nor_o office-bearer_n allow_v and_o appoint_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o former_a act_n but_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n intend_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o authority_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o act_n follow_v first_o by_o the_o 71._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o person_n return_v from_o their_o travel_n be_v ordain_v within_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o day_n after_o their_o return_n to_o pass_v to_o the_o bishop_n superintendent_n commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o they_o arrive_v and_o reside_v and_o there_o offer_v to_o make_v and_o give_v a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o then_o within_o forty_o day_n to_o remove_v themselves_o forth_o of_o the_o realm_n by_o the_o 99_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1581._o whereby_o the_o foresaid_n act_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 130._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n have_v and_o subject_n presume_v or_o take_v upon_o hand_n to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereby_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n supreme_a court_n of_o parliament_n past_o all_o memory_n of_o man_n have_v be_v continue_v or_o to_o seek_v or_o procure_v the_o innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n by_o the_o 131._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o all_o judgement_n &_o jurisdiction_n as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a cause_n in_o practice_n &_o custom_n during_o these_o twenty_o four_o year_n bypass_a not_o approve_v
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
none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o yet_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n whether_o our_o refuse_v of_o the_o intrusion_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o the_o extrusion_n of_o episcopal_a government_n can_v be_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n a_o sufficient_a warrant_n or_o ground_n for_o his_o take_a arm_n against_o his_o lawful_a king_n and_o sovereign_a for_o now_o their_o very_a leader_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o rest_n make_v these_o two_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o their_o arm_n and_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o of_o our_o subject_n covenanter_n if_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n at_o the_o first_o they_o do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o take_v arm_n against_o we_o for_o these_o two_o point_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o episcopal_a government_n if_o they_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o we_o in_o their_o other_o grievance_n and_o fear_v innovation_n as_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v we_o be_v confident_a that_o no_o such_o matter_n be_v then_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o thought_n we_o then_o have_v full_o remove_v those_o pretend_a fear_n which_o occasion_v their_o covenant_n we_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o our_o seduce_a subject_n will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n but_o for_o their_o seducer_n we_o know_v that_o some_o of_o they_o from_o the_o very_a first_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n this_o grand_a imposture_n and_o calumny_n with_o the_o other_o three_o be_v remove_v we_o will_v now_o declare_v full_o and_o free_o to_o all_o our_o subject_n of_o our_o three_o kingdom_n and_o to_o all_o foreigner_n beside_o the_o true_a and_o only_a cause_n which_o do_v enforce_v we_o at_o this_o time_n to_o use_v force_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o insolence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o shall_v stand_v out_o against_o we_o first_o protest_v that_o none_o of_o the_o cause_n before_o mention_v suggest_v by_o their_o leader_n have_v settle_v in_o we_o this_o resolution_n but_o only_o these_o cause_n which_o now_o follow_v first_o we_o will_v never_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n nay_o that_o all_o our_o subject_n if_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n out_o of_o parliament_n shall_v ever_o abolish_v or_o destroy_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n especial_o not_o nobleman_n and_o other_o assemble_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n for_o to_o hold_v that_o any_o assembly_n of_o subject_n out_o of_o parliament_n or_o in_o parliament_n without_o our_o consent_n may_v abolish_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o government_n and_o justice_n in_o all_o monarchy_n and_o the_o do_v of_o it_o by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n in_o their_o counsel_n and_o synod_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o infinite_a calamity_n and_o miserable_a war_n and_o devastation_n of_o kingdom_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o conclave_n do_v usurp_v that_o unlawful_a and_o unlimited_a power_n which_o be_v in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n in_o all_o these_o late_a trouble_n practise_v against_o the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o same_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v unless_o the_o offender_n betake_v themselves_o to_o our_o mercy_n second_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n without_o our_o consent_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o parliament_n shall_v destroy_v any_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n which_o they_o in_o their_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n have_v go_v about_o to_o do_v three_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v call_v but_o by_o our_o indiction_n according_a to_o a_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v or_o that_o it_o shall_v continue_v after_o that_o we_o by_o our_o authority_n have_v dissolve_v it_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o who_o shall_v do_v so_o as_o our_o royal_a father_n punish_v those_o who_o do_v the_o like_a at_o aberdene_n four_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v those_o who_o have_v impose_v tax_n upon_o our_o subject_n levy_a man_n or_o arm_n raise_v any_o fortification_n in_o that_o our_o kingdom_n without_o our_o leave_n and_o first_o block_v up_o and_o then_o take_v our_o castle_n and_o fort_n and_o by_o violence_n dispossess_v our_o loyal_a subject_n of_o their_o house_n and_o castle_n detain_v they_o by_o force_n for_o all_o these_o by_o the_o express_a law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n be_v act_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n five_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o the_o protestation_n of_o subject_n against_o we_o our_o council_n our_o judge_n and_o law_n shall_v discharge_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o protester_n unto_o these_o law_n unless_o they_o be_v admit_v before_o the_o competent_a judge_n and_o legal_o discuss_v before_o they_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o covenanter_n all_o the_o time_n of_o these_o tumult_n six_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o our_o subject_n shall_v enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n or_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n without_o our_o leave_n ask_v and_o obtain_v it_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n for_o this_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o rebellion_n seven_o and_o principal_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o table_n or_o committee_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o under_o any_o other_o name_n title_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o shall_v sit_v without_o our_o consent_n and_o authority_n and_o order_n business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o the_o same_o by_o we_o our_o council_n or_o judge_n shall_v appeal_v from_o we_o and_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o either_o allege_v that_o they_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o none_o but_o by_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o immediate_a council_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o dependencie_n from_o or_o subordination_n either_o to_o our_o council_n or_o judge_n or_o our_o parliament_n which_o be_v the_o council_n of_o our_o kingdom_n and_o so_o that_o both_o churchman_n and_o lay-man_n under_o ecclesiastical_a name_n shall_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o and_o our_o law_n and_o the_o assembly_n itself_o shall_v hold_v the_o member_n of_o it_o free_a from_o be_v judge_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o assembly_n by_o any_o but_o by_o itself_o which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n be_v treason_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n cite_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o narration_n now_o all_o this_o have_v be_v practise_v and_o be_v practise_v by_o those_o which_o call_v themselves_o of_o the_o table_n from_o all_o which_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o offence_n which_o we_o resolve_v to_o punish_v in_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n do_v not_o concern_v religion_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n high_a commission_n nay_o nor_o whether_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o lay-elder_n in_o assembly_n or_o no_o episcopal_a government_n though_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o one_o and_o retain_v the_o other_o but_o the_o question_n indeed_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o whether_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n shall_v be_v any_o more_o king_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o if_o these_o traitorous_a position_n shall_v be_v maintain_v and_o make_v good_a by_o force_n of_o arm_n than_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n can_v be_v no_o more_o king_n there_o our_o parliament_n council_n and_o judge_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n there_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v give_v over_o to_o be_v king_n and_o so_o betray_v and_o desert_n that_o charge_n wherewith_o god_n have_v entrust_v we_o we_o must_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o our_o hand_n and_o by_o fair_a just_a and_o legal_a way_n to_o our_o great_a grief_n force_v they_o to_o obedience_n these_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n which_o have_v force_v we_o to_o undertake_v this_o journey_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o arm_n and_o aid_n of_o our_o loyal_a subject_n here_o for_o the_o security_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o safeguard_n of_o our_o person_n as_o likewise_o of_o the_o arm_n and_o aid_n of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o here_o first_o we_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v what_o a_o unwelcome_a journey_n this_o be_v unto_o we_o and_o how_o unwilling_o we_o do_v undertake_v it_o second_o we_o
act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o act._n 160._o parl._n 13._o k._n james_n 6._o ratify_v by_o act._n 4._o k._n charles_n so_o that_o act._n 6._o parl._n 1._o and_o act._n 68_o parl._n 6._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1579._o declare_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v raise_v up_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v then_o offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirke_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v present_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o decerne_v and_o declare_v all_o and_o sundry_a who_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n receive_v and_o approve_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o specify_v also_o in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o ratify_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n more_o particular_o do_v specify_v or_o that_o refuse_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v then_o ministrate_v to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o subsequent_a act._n 69._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o face_n of_o kirk_n nor_o other_o face_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v present_o at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n which_o therefore_o be_v ever_o style_v god_n true_a religion_n christ_n true_a religion_n the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a religion_n which_o by_o manifold_a act_n of_o parliament_n all_o within_o this_o realm_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v to_o subscribe_v the_o article_n thereof_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o recant_v all_o doctrine_n and_o error_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a article_n act._n 4._o and_o 9_o parl._n 1_o act._n 45.46.47_o parl._n 3_o act._n 71._o parl._n 6._o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o act._n 194._o and_o 197._o parl._n 14._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o all_o magistrate_n sheriff_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o one_o part_n be_v ordain_v to_o search_v apprehend_v and_o punish_v all_o contraviner_n for_o instance_n act._n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o act._n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n licence_n on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o way_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o papist_n and_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n act._n 106._o par._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o on_o the_o other_o part_n in_o the_o 47._o act._n parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v see_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o his_o highness_n authority_n be_v so_o join_v as_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o who_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o confession_n and_o make_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o that_o they_o who_o after_o defection_n shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o continue_v therein_o in_o time_n come_v to_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o at_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o fortify_v assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n against_o whatsoever_o enemy_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o against_o all_o such_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n estate_n or_o degree_n they_o be_v of_o that_o have_v join_v and_o bind_v themselves_o or_o have_v assist_v or_o assist_v to_o set_v forward_o and_o execute_v the_o cruel_a decree_n of_o trent_n contrary_a to_o the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v repeat_v word_n by_o word_n in_o the_o article_n of_o pacification_n at_o pearth_n the_o 23_o of_o february_n 1572._o approve_v by_o parliament_n the_o last_o of_o april_n 1573._o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1578._o and_o relate_v act._n 123._o parl._n 12._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o with_o this_o addition_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o resist_v all_o treasonable_a uproar_n and_o hostility_n raise_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n majesty_n &_o the_o true_a professor_n like_a as_o all_o have_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o k._n majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o neither_o any_o law_n or_o lawful_a judicatory_n can_v be_v establish_v act._n 130._o act._n 131._o par._n 8._o k._n ja_n 6._o &_o the_o subject_n liberty_n who_o ought_v only_o to_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o king_n law_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n allanerly_a act._n 48._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 1_o act._n 79._o parl._n 6._o k._n james_n 4_o repeat_v in_o act._n 131._o parl._n 8._o k._n james_n 6._o which_o if_o they_o be_v innovate_v or_o prejudge_v the_o commission_n anent_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o the_o 17._o parl._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v such_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v as_o this_o realm_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o free_a monarchy_n because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n ancient_a privilege_n office_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n not_o only_o the_o princely_a authority_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a descent_n have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n maintain_v but_o also_o the_o people_n security_n of_o their_o land_n live_n right_n office_n liberty_n &_o dignity_n preserve_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v statute_n by_o act._n 8._o parl._n 1._o repeat_v in_o act._n 99_o parl._n 7._o ratify_v in_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o and_o 114._o act._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o 4._o act._n of_o k._n charles_n that_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o coronation_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o princely_a authority_n shall_v make_v their_o faithful_a promise_n by_o their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n that_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v serve_v the_o same_o eternal_a god_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n according_a as_o he_o have_v require_v in_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o precede_v and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v rule_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o foresay_a word_n and_o according_a to_o the_o lowable_a law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v in_o this_o realm_n no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a will_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o shall_v procure_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whole_a christian_a people_n true_a and_o perfect_a peace_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresay_a crime_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o his_o majesty_n at_o his_o coronation_n in_o edinburgh_n 1633._o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o coronation_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n
head_n think_v that_o our_o commissioner_n can_v yield_v to_o a_o request_n of_o so_o high_a injustice_n but_o because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v yield_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o by_o his_o denial_n they_o shall_v have_v mean_n to_o irritate_fw-la our_o people_n even_o to_o a_o disgust_n of_o that_o our_o gracious_a favour_n which_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v so_o well_o relish_v but_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o resolution_n some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n of_o all_o sort_n send_v from_o their_o table_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o repair_v to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o to_o demand_v of_o he_o that_o which_o they_o be_v sure_o no_o just_a nor_o honest_a man_n can_v grant_v viz._n that_o they_o can_v clear_o prove_v bribery_n and_o corruption_n frequent_o to_o have_v be_v use_v by_o these_o our_o two_o judge_n and_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o to_o remove_v they_o present_o from_o their_o place_n of_o judicatorie_a after_o which_o they_o will_v intend_v process_n and_o so_o legal_o proceed_v in_o the_o probation_n of_o these_o crime_n object_v against_o they_o to_o which_o their_o demand_n our_o commissioner_n return_v this_o just_a and_o modest_a answer_n that_o sure_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o he_o either_o can_v or_o shall_v condescend_v to_o this_o their_o desire_n which_o yield_v unto_o do_v overthrow_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o main_a rule_n of_o justice_n viz._n that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o any_o crime_n before_o he_o be_v legal_o convict_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v this_o if_o they_o think_v these_o judge_n clear_o convincible_a of_o these_o horrible_a crime_n they_o shall_v intend_v first_o process_n against_o they_o and_o then_o probation_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a than_o they_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o their_o place_n and_o receive_v such_o further_a condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v provide_v for_o such_o notorious_a criminal_o assure_v they_o that_o we_o his_o master_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v the_o course_n of_o justice_n against_o any_o such_o offender_n as_o that_o we_o will_v hold_v it_o a_o special_a service_n do_v to_o we_o to_o bring_v the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o judge_n to_o public_a trial_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o their_o demand_n with_o which_o just_a answer_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v so_o unsatisfied_a that_o they_o reply_v unto_o he_o that_o this_o his_o denial_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o all_o our_o subject_n for_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n of_o denial_n make_v and_o publish_v a_o protestation_n that_o whatsoever_o act_n decree_n or_o order_n the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n shall_v make_v in_o any_o cause_n at_o which_o these_o two_o judge_n or_o either_o of_o they_o be_v present_a and_o give_v voice_n shall_v be_v null_a and_o void_a in_o law_n and_o that_o none_o of_o our_o subject_n either_o shall_v be_v bind_v or_o will_v yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o be_v not_o this_o a_o strange_a usurpation_n upon_o regal_a power_n to_o this_o our_o commissioner_n only_o add_v that_o every_o such_o protestation_n must_v be_v make_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v or_o repel_v it_o and_o therefore_o for_o that_o point_n he_o remit_v they_o to_o these_o lord_n as_o the_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o which_o answer_n of_o our_o commissioner_n they_o present_o labour_v to_o have_v misconstrue_v by_o their_o party_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o justice_n to_o be_v have_v against_o any_o man_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o they_o and_o their_o covenant_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o the_o proclamation_n the_o session_n sit_v down_o and_o our_o commissioner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n go_v to_o the_o place_n and_o open_v it_o with_o a_o short_a speech_n to_o the_o judge_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v warrant_v from_o we_o to_o recall_v the_o session_n again_o to_o edinburgh_n that_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o have_v move_v we_o thereunto_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o incommodity_n which_o our_o subject_n in_o general_a and_o the_o judge_n in_o particular_a do_v sustain_v by_o the_o remove_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v require_v he_o to_o desire_v and_o command_v the_o judge_n to_o grant_v all_o reasonable_a dispatch_n to_o our_o subject_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n that_o so_o some_o time_n which_o be_v lose_v may_v be_v regain_v that_o in_o our_o name_n he_o require_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a that_o in_o these_o troublesome_a time_n no_o order_n nor_o decree_n may_v pass_v from_o they_o which_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o crown_n or_o service_n our_o judge_n hereupon_o return_v to_o our_o commissioner_n their_o humble_a and_o hearty_a expression_n of_o all_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n for_o this_o our_o singular_a favour_n and_o grace_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o our_o subject_n and_o with_o great_a submission_n entreat_v he_o to_o return_v unto_o we_o their_o humble_a and_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n and_o here_o now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o covenanter_n neither_o make_v any_o such_o protestation_n against_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o two_o judge_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o nor_o do_v ever_o intend_v any_o process_n or_o probation_n against_o they_o for_o the_o crime_n object_v though_o our_o commissioner_n immediate_o after_o his_o return_n from_o we_o assure_v they_o that_o we_o not_o only_o have_v give_v they_o leave_v but_o will_v thank_v they_o for_o so_o do_v which_o we_o be_v confident_a they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v conceive_v these_o judge_n guilty_a and_o give_v to_o we_o good_a assurance_n that_o this_o calumny_n against_o these_o judge_n be_v only_o cast_v in_o by_o some_o of_o their_o ringleader_n to_o mar_v and_o interrupt_v that_o resentment_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o they_o perceive_v wrought_v very_o much_o upon_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o their_o party_n for_o bring_v back_o again_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n to_o our_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o session_n thus_o settle_v our_o commissioner_n resolve_v to_o publish_v by_o proclamation_n the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n the_o principal_a covenanter_n when_o they_o can_v not_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o present_o go_v about_o and_o both_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o seditious_a preacher_n fill_v their_o follower_n mind_n with_o such_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o it_o that_o some_o day_n before_o it_o be_v publish_v they_o fill_v the_o street_n with_o multitude_n of_o people_n especial_o near_o the_o cross_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proclaim_v and_o those_o in_o hostile_a equipage_n divide_v into_o rank_n pull_v their_o sword_n out_o of_o their_o belt_n and_o with_o pistol_n be_v arm_n prohibit_v by_o our_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n give_v out_o that_o if_o this_o our_o declaration_n be_v hearken_v unto_o it_o will_v bring_v undoubted_a ruin_n to_o their_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n though_o the_o people_n know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o our_o declaration_n some_o day_n they_o continue_v in_o this_o posture_n which_o make_v our_o commissioner_n delay_v the_o publish_n of_o it_o until_o he_o may_v hear_v of_o more_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o street_n of_o which_o be_v advertise_v he_o cause_v the_o proclamation_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n solemn_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o trumpet_n sound_v but_o there_o come_v to_o the_o cross_a a_o mighty_a confluxe_n of_o people_n the_o covenanter_n have_v present_o a_o scaffold_n erect_v on_o which_o they_o mount_v with_o a_o protestation_n ready_o write_v in_o their_o hand_n before_o our_o proclamation_n be_v pronounce_v our_o proclamation_n be_v thus_o charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n herald_n messenger_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsameikle_n as_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a disorder_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a within_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n occasion_v as_o be_v pretend_v upon_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 thereby_o fear_v innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o which_o fear_n we_o well_o hope_v that_o the_o two_o proclamation_n of_o the_o eleven_o of_o december_n
assembly_n which_o they_o either_o have_v or_o have_v fraudulent_o put_v away_o and_o if_o any_o pastor_n within_o this_o presbytery_n refuse_v to_o publish_v this_o cytation_n we_o require_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o require_v all_o party_n who_o have_v interest_n either_o in_o pursue_v or_o specify_v or_o prove_v this_o complaint_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n for_o that_o purpose_n upon_o which_o the_o complainer_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o notary_n according_a to_o this_o complaint_n and_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o presbytery_n reference_n of_o it_o i_o a._n r._n warn_v and_o admonish_v the_o abovenamed_a offender_n to_o compeer_n before_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o november_n for_o the_o cause_n contain_v in_o the_o complaint_n and_o for_o the_o certification_n express_v in_o it_o now_o though_o the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o libel_n can_v choose_v but_o work_v a_o detestation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o religious_a and_o just_a man_n yet_o the_o reader_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o take_v a_o more_o special_a notice_n of_o these_o particular_a passage_n of_o injustice_n and_o impiety_n in_o it_o first_o that_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o according_o make_v cytation_n not_o only_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n over_o who_o they_o can_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o which_o none_o at_o all_o or_o certain_o if_o any_o very_o few_o be_v inhabitant_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o presbytery_n and_o who_o before_o this_o do_v ever_o hear_v that_o any_o consistory_n or_o judicatorie_a ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a can_v make_v process_n against_o any_o man_n or_o take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o inhabitant_n nor_o have_v any_o charge_n or_o estate_n within_o the_o precinct_n or_o bound_n of_o those_o place_n which_o only_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o court_n next_o who_o do_v ever_o hear_v that_o man_n shall_v witting_o and_o willing_o cyte_v other_o to_o answer_v for_o the_o transgression_n of_o act_n and_o law_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v be_v repeal_v by_o posteriour_a act_n and_o law_n and_o so_o stand_v at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o cytation_n and_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n be_v censurable_a for_o they_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o person_n cite_v have_v do_v as_o it_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o libel_n and_o such_o be_v these_o act_n of_o assembly_n cite_v by_o they_o which_o be_v and_o still_o be_v disannul_v by_o divers_a act_n both_o of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n three_o who_o do_v ever_o hear_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o yield_a obedience_n to_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o libel_n the_o prelate_n be_v charge_v with_o give_v voice_n in_o parliament_n and_o practise_v the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n and_o divers_a other_o particular_n which_o then_o be_v and_o be_v now_o still_o in_o force_n by_o act_n both_o of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o these_o act_n be_v undue_o obtain_v which_o be_v the_o covenanter_n only_a plea_n sure_o to_o say_v so_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n than_o the_o other_o for_o what_o judge_n can_v ever_o give_v sentence_n in_o any_o cause_n if_o the_o asseveration_n of_o the_o party_n aggrieve_v by_o the_o sentence_n that_o the_o law_n be_v unjust_o make_v may_v pass_v for_o a_o good_a plea_n four_o who_o ever_o hear_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o yield_a obedience_n to_o act_n command_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o and_o our_o council_n especial_o in_o thing_n not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o establish_a law_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v all_o these_o pretend_a innovation_n with_o the_o introduction_n whereof_o the_o prelate_n be_v charge_v in_o this_o libel_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o command_v first_o by_o we_o and_o then_o by_o act_n of_o our_o council_n it_o be_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n by_o who_o authority_n they_o be_v command_v then_o of_o those_o who_o in_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o authority_n do_v practice_v they_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v at_o with_o what_o face_n the_o covenanter_n can_v blame_v either_o the_o one_o for_o command_v or_o the_o other_o for_o practise_v they_o for_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o or_o do_v they_o ever_o yet_o allege_v for_o their_o swear_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o covenant_n annex_v do_v they_o ever_o yet_o allege_v any_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n who_o by_o their_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o be_v swear_v throughout_o the_o realm_n and_o do_v not_o we_o and_o our_o council_n by_o equal_a authority_n command_v these_o pretend_a innovation_n be_v not_o then_o the_o prelate_n practice_n of_o they_o as_o well_o warrant_v as_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o band_n annex_v which_o be_v never_o bring_v in_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o assembly_n but_o mere_o by_o our_o royal_a father_n prerogative_n and_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o council_n five_o who_o do_v ever_o hear_v that_o man_n profess_v piety_n and_o religion_n dare_v adventure_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o chair_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o command_v the_o bishop_n to_o be_v indict_v and_o accuse_v of_o such_o horrible_a crime_n as_o whore_v excessive_a drink_n excessive_a game_n swear_v profane_a talk_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n contempt_n of_o god_n public_a ordinance_n neglect_v piety_n in_o their_o family_n mock_v of_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v prayer_n and_o spiritual_a communication_n bribery_n simony_n lie_v perjury_n unhonest_a deal_n in_o civil_a bargain_n adultery_n incest_n and_o what_o not_o we_o do_v even_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o they_o do_v think_v all_o of_o they_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o guilty_a of_o all_o these_o crime_n most_o certain_o they_o do_v not_o and_o that_o excuse_v which_o they_o bring_v for_o the_o justify_n of_o this_o wicked_a libel_n can_v any_o way_n extenuate_v their_o fault_n they_o say_v that_o some_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o whole_a libel_n may_v be_v prove_v against_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o legal_a libel_n if_o they_o can_v make_v good_a any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o be_v it_o legal_a or_o not_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unconscionable_a the_o other_o thing_n mention_v before_o and_o charge_v upon_o they_o in_o this_o libel_n be_v not_o crime_n at_o all_o be_v warrant_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n assembly_n and_o council_n these_o last_o rehearse_v be_v crime_n indeed_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o which_o as_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a the_o bishop_n deserve_v death_n and_o exquisite_a torment_n so_o if_o they_o who_o have_v accuse_v they_o of_o these_o crime_n shall_v fail_v in_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a they_o deserve_v to_o be_v infamous_a throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o the_o most_o malicious_a and_o malignant_a traducer_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o must_v look_v for_o the_o unavoidable_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o whole_a family_n for_o this_o so_o horrible_a a_o crime_n commit_v wilful_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n unless_o they_o do_v expiate_v it_o with_o the_o bitter_a tear_n of_o repentance_n for_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o declare_v bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la whether_o they_o themselves_o do_v believe_v or_o conceive_v all_o the_o bishop_n accuse_v in_o the_o libel_n or_o only_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o last_o recite_v crime_n if_o not_o all_o but_o some_o why_o do_v they_o not_o distinguish_v they_o that_o the_o people_n may_v know_v who_o they_o shall_v take_v for_o guilty_a and_o who_o for_o not_o guilty_a nay_o do_v they_o not_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o some_o of_o these_o bishop_n be_v holy_a and_o learned_a man_n free_a from_o the_o crime_n object_v for_o instance_n we_o will_v only_o name_v the_o bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n see_v in_o the_o principal_a presbytery_n of_o his_o diocese_n this_o libel_n be_v present_v admit_v
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
from_o they_o who_o have_v deny_v it_o to_o we_o in_o refuse_v voice_n to_o our_o commissioner_n assessor_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v to_o our_o royal_a father_n when_o he_o call_v far_o more_o assessor_n than_o we_o do_v now_o much_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v deliver_v by_o our_o commissioner_n upon_o all_o which_o he_o command_v and_o require_v they_o not_o to_o proceed_v any_o further_a in_o this_o assembly_n and_o declare_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v say_v or_o do_v hereafter_o in_o it_o he_o in_o our_o name_n protest_v against_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o oblige_v any_o of_o our_o subject_n nor_o be_v repute_v for_o a_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n the_o moderator_n with_o a_o speech_n well_o pen_v which_o he_o have_v in_o readiness_n whensoever_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v seem_v much_o to_o deplore_v our_o commissioner_n resolution_n for_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n he_o attribute_v very_o much_o to_o our_o power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o assembly_n say_v many_o thing_n of_o our_o power_n quite_o contrary_a to_o much_o which_o they_o have_v since_o print_v in_o their_o seditious_a pamphlet_n and_o protestation_n and_o much_o more_o than_o be_v like_v and_o approve_v by_o many_o of_o his_o fellow-covenanters_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o speech_n he_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v universal_a bishop_n over_o all_o our_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n which_o make_v our_o commissioner_n use_v mean_n to_o have_v the_o copy_n of_o his_o speech_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v while_o it_o be_v fresh_a in_o the_o auditor_n memory_n many_o day_n after_o our_o commissioner_n be_v go_v from_o glasgow_n a_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v send_v he_o but_o all_o that_o which_o concern_v our_o ecclesiastical_a power_n especial_o of_o our_o be_v universal_a bishop_n in_o our_o kingdom_n be_v quite_o leave_v out_o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o it_o be_v before_o conjecture_v he_o have_v displease_v many_o of_o the_o assembly_n by_o give_v more_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o we_o in_o that_o speech_n than_o they_o intend_v we_o shall_v ever_o have_v the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o speech_n be_v that_o as_o our_o commissioner_n have_v serve_v his_o master_n careful_o and_o faithful_o in_o preserve_v his_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n so_o they_o must_v needs_o likewise_o be_v faithful_a and_o careful_a in_o preserve_v the_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v much_o grieve_v for_o his_o absence_n who_o presence_n have_v be_v so_o acceptable_a and_o comfortable_a to_o they_o and_o who_o have_v carry_v himself_o among_o they_o with_o so_o much_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a miss_n of_o he_o with_o many_o more_o word_n tend_v to_o the_o very_a high_a commendation_n of_o our_o commissioner_n after_o the_o moderator_n divers_a of_o the_o lord_n speak_v much_o to_o vindicate_v the_o covenanter_n from_o their_o prelimitation_n and_o sinister_a deal_n in_o their_o election_n but_o our_o commissioner_n present_o choke_v their_o confidence_n with_o the_o production_n of_o two_o paper_n which_o they_o little_o suppose_v he_o have_v ever_o see_v they_o contain_v their_o secret_a instruction_n with_o which_o the_o whole_a table_n be_v not_o acquaint_v for_o they_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n some_o way_n or_o other_o have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o covenanter_n very_o many_o of_o who_o by_o these_o secret_a order_n be_v bar_v from_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o non-covenanters_a and_o therefore_o they_o fear_v to_o lose_v or_o displease_v such_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o their_o own_o party_n do_v by_o these_o private_a advertisement_n contrive_v only_o by_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o table_n but_o never_o present_v to_o the_o table_n themselves_o take_v order_n that_o none_o who_o can_v fall_v within_o the_o suspicion_n of_o moderation_n shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n the_o one_o of_o these_o paper_n be_v direct_v to_o one_o lay_v elder_a of_o every_o presbytery_n some_o special_a confident_a of_o they_o contain_v these_o nine_o article_n ensue_v because_o all_o project_n and_o purpose_n will_v fail_v if_o they_o be_v not_o pursue_v with_o constant_a diligence_n to_o the_o end_n the_o devil_n sleep_v not_o and_o we_o hear_v our_o adversary_n be_v busy_a and_o our_o misery_n will_v be_v unexpressible_a great_a and_o we_o sure_a ludibrious_a if_o they_o shall_v prevail_v over_o we_o in_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n for_o which_o we_o have_v be_v plead_v so_o long_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v a_o new_a warning_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o best_a affect_v 2_o that_o every_o nobleman_n be_v diligent_a with_o the_o baron_n and_o minister_n near_o unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o write_v unto_o his_o best_a acquaintance_n who_o be_v far_o off_o 3_o that_o some_o one_o minister_n and_o gentleman_n in_o every_o presbytery_n meet_v oft_o together_o to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o particular_a commissioner_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o use_v all_o diligence_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o gentleman_n that_o such_o may_v be_v choose_v 4_o because_o nothing_o will_v avail_v so_o much_o for_o our_o purpose_n where_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v disaffect_v as_o that_o the_o gentleman_n be_v present_a to_o vote_n in_o presbytery_n it_o will_v be_v present_o try_v whether_o this_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v slow_a in_o urge_v it_o the_o gentleman_n themselves_o to_o urge_v it_o and_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n our_o adversary_n in_o this_o cause_n be_v seek_v their_o own_o end_n and_o will_v set_v our_o friend_n on_o work_n to_o deal_v with_o we_o all_o will_v be_v warn_v to_o shut_v their_o ear_n and_o in_o this_o case_n to_o forget_v parent_n brethren_n and_o friend_n and_o without_o respect_n to_o any_o person_n to_o do_v what_o may_v most_o conduce_v for_o our_o good_a end_n much_o will_v be_v pretend_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v limit_v they_o will_v be_v harmless_a in_o time_n come_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o minister_n have_v all_o in_o their_o power_n will_v prove_v unruly_a but_o it_o will_v be_v serious_o consider_v first_o that_o god_n ordinance_n except_o that_o we_o will_v mock_v he_o and_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o errand_n then_o himself_o shall_v have_v place_n second_o that_o minister_n will_v be_v constrain_v to_o keep_v themselves_o within_o bound_n if_o gentleman_n resort_v to_o the_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o assembly_n three_o that_o this_o order_n will_v both_o make_v gentleman_n more_o religious_a and_o more_o accomplish_v every_o way_n and_o will_v make_v minister_n more_o diligent_a in_o their_o study_n and_o calling_n and_o take_v better_a heed_n to_o all_o their_o way_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n make_v this_o a_o flourish_a church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o otherwise_o of_o all_o nation_n will_v be_v most_o slavish_a miserable_a and_o contemptible_a to_o all_o our_o neighbour_n when_o they_o shall_v perceive_v how_o by_o our_o own_o silliness_n and_o treachery_n we_o have_v lose_v so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n of_o our_o liberty_n both_o christian_n and_o civil_a that_o they_o linger_v not_o they_o will_v be_v urge_v again_o to_o send_v their_o commissioner_n to_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o first_o of_o october_n by_o this_o we_o shall_v know_v our_o own_o strength_n the_o better_a at_o our_o next_o meeting_n and_o the_o gentleman_n at_o the_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o will_v be_v warn_v to_o be_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 20._o of_o september_n and_o that_o only_o the_o gentleman_n who_o be_v name_v commissioner_n to_o the_o presbytery_n for_o choose_v their_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n with_o some_o to_o assist_v they_o that_o day_n stay_v at_o home_n and_o those_o to_o come_v away_o immediate_o after_o the_o election_n that_o in_o every_o presbytery_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a care_n take_v of_o the_o information_n against_o the_o prelate_n for_o instruct_v our_o complaint_n the_o other_o paper_n be_v direct_v to_o some_o minister_n of_o every_o presbytery_n in_o who_o they_o put_v most_o special_a trust_n contain_v these_o eight_o article_n ensue_v private_a instruction_n august_n 27._o 1638._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 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 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
our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v so_o much_o be_v all_o of_o equal_a untruth_n with_o the_o former_a for_o neither_o have_v they_o satisfy_v the_o bishop_n reason_n propound_v in_o their_o declinator_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o commissioner_n his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_n and_o that_o our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o untruth_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o they_o affirm_v within_o a_o few_o line_n after_o that_o our_o commissioner_n do_v know_v before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n he_o do_v know_v it_o indeed_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o and_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v know_v it_o which_o be_v immediate_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o do_v sharp_o expostulate_v it_o with_o they_o and_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o will_v induce_v a_o nullity_n upon_o the_o election_n make_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o we_o will_v never_o allow_v any_o for_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v so_o choose_v that_o he_o have_v notice_n of_o this_o their_o intention_n by_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o covenant_a minister_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o election_n but_o that_o he_o do_v know_v of_o any_o such_o election_n with_o approbation_n of_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o these_o election_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n they_o have_v receive_v already_o a_o sufficient_a challenge_n to_o make_v that_o good_a which_o undoubted_o they_o can_v and_o where_o they_o add_v that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o many_o more_o minister_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v grieve_v at_o it_o but_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o remedy_v it_o the_o whole_a three_o section_n be_v so_o derogatory_n to_o our_o royal_a authority_n and_o indeed_o do_v so_o unworthy_o debase_v the_o authority_n of_o monarch_n as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v answer_v any_o way_n but_o by_o justice_n for_o it_o give_v no_o more_o power_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v present_a and_o sit_v at_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n than_o thomas_n patterson_n a_o tailor_n of_o edinburgh_n have_v who_o sit_v commissioner_n there_o after_o they_o subjoine_v some_o reason_n for_o their_o protestation_n in_o the_o first_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o and_o sure_o never_o will_n then_o they_o affirm_v that_o our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o assembly_n by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n but_o they_o conceal_v that_o he_o solemn_o protest_v and_o enter_v his_o particular_a protestation_n against_o every_o thing_n they_o say_v or_o do_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o who_o protest_v against_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o than_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o our_o proclamation_n and_o our_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o discharge_v of_o this_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o protestation_n make_v against_o these_o and_o for_o our_o commissioner_n his_o exhibition_n of_o our_o royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n let_v the_o reader_n remember_v the_o protestation_n before_o mention_v which_o our_o commissioner_n make_v when_o he_o do_v so_o and_o that_o scruple_n be_v quick_o remove_v their_o second_o and_o three_o reason_n be_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n they_o have_v late_o swear_v so_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n they_o have_v explicate_v their_o covenant_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o but_o they_o do_v wrong_v in_o both_o and_o therefore_o none_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o either_o for_o every_o oath_n unlawful_o take_v be_v unlawful_o keep_v their_o four_o reason_n have_v not_o one_o true_a word_n in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v law_n for_o our_o authority_n to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n which_o give_v we_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o indict_v of_o a_o assembly_n viz._n the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o 21._o parliament_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o sure_a ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la whosoever_o have_v the_o power_n of_o indict_v have_v the_o power_n of_o dissolve_v they_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o precede_a practice_n for_o it_o we_o wonder_v they_o can_v or_o dare_v affirm_v it_o do_v not_o our_o royal_a father_n discharge_v that_o assembly_n at_o aberdene_n and_o when_o some_o few_o turbulent_a minister_n do_v notwithstanding_o hold_v it_o be_v they_o not_o convent_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n for_o it_o who_o undoubted_o have_v punish_v they_o most_o severe_o if_o by_o their_o decline_v of_o the_o counsel_n authority_n and_o appeal_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n they_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o act_n of_o treason_n and_o so_o by_o our_o council_n be_v turn_v over_o to_o the_o judge_n in_o criminal_a cause_n before_o who_o by_o a_o jury_n or_o assize_n they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o treason_n for_o that_o act_n of_o decline_v our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o counsel_n authority_n all_o which_o we_o touch_v a_o little_a before_o and_o that_o by_o claim_v our_o power_n to_o indict_v or_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v infringe_v the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v any_o act_n not_o consistent_a with_o the_o oath_n which_o we_o take_v at_o our_o coronation_n in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o be_v suggest_v in_o this_o four_o reason_n be_v most_o false_o and_o most_o seditious_o affirm_v only_o for_o draw_v away_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a subject_n from_o we_o and_o our_o government_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o our_o sole_a power_n of_o indict_v assembly_n here_o follow_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n set_v down_o and_o agree_v upon_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n keep_v in_o glasgow_n in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1610._o together_o with_o a_o explanation_n make_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n i._n the_o act_n be_v long_o and_o have_v many_o branch_n we_o only_o recite_v two_o first_o it_o confirm_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o indiction_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appertain_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o royal_a crown_n and_o in_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o act_n our_o royal_a father_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n do_v annul_v and_o rescind_v the_o 114._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1592._o which_o do_v give_v some_o power_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o some_o case_n of_o themselves_o to_o indict_v a_o new_a assembly_n their_o five_o reason_n contain_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o assembly_n that_o will_v not_o stay_v a_o process_n which_o they_o have_v intend_v against_o archbishop_n montgomerie_n the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n nor_o yet_o dissolve_v itself_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n with_o letter_n of_o horning_n and_o rebellion_n to_o do_v one_o of_o the_o two_o a_o excellent_a argument_n because_o one_o assembly_n do_v wicked_o and_o that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v we_o must_v do_v so_o likewise_o as_o if_o many_o year_n hence_o a_o assembly_n be_v charge_v by_o one_o of_o our_o successor_n to_o dissolve_v shall_v not_o obey_v but_o allege_v for_o their_o defence_n that_o this_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n will_v not_o dissolve_v itself_o notwithstanding_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v charge_v by_o we_o to_o do_v so_o under_o pain_n of_o treason_n as_o if_o one_o unjust_a act_n can_v justify_v another_o but_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o those_o who_o do_v but_o offer_v to_o hold_v a_o assembly_n at_o aberdene_n after_o it_o be_v discharge_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n be_v first_o convent_v before_o his_o council_n and_o afterward_o severe_o punish_v for_o it_o in_o their_o six_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o seven_o reason_n they_o allege_v that_o they_o can_v rise_v until_o they_o have_v find_v our_o covenant_n and_o they_o to_o be_v all_o one_o if_o by_o their_o covenant_n they_o mean_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n annex_v which_o be_v first_o enjoin_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o twice_o
can_v we_o have_v any_o other_o intention_n or_o meaning_n be_v clear_o warrant_v and_o express_o command_v by_o his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o exact_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o take_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n in_o that_o fair_a and_o lawful_a sense_n and_o none_o other_o neither_o in_o this_o point_n do_v we_o deliver_v our_o own_o word_n or_o his_o majesty_n mind_n ambiguous_o or_o doubtful_o so_o as_o any_o other_o sense_n to_o our_o think_n can_v be_v pick_v or_o wring_v out_o of_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o we_o do_v attest_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n whether_o we_o do_v not_o to_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o conference_n with_o they_o ever_o since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n constant_o declare_v unto_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abolish_v we_o attest_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n whether_o before_o our_o tender_v of_o that_o oath_n to_o they_o or_o their_o lordship_n take_v of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o full_o and_o free_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n mind_n in_o command_v we_o to_o see_v this_o oath_n take_v and_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o require_v they_o to_o take_v it_o be_v only_o to_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o abjure_v of_o episcopal_a government_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n now_o in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administer_a this_o oath_n which_o their_o lordship_n be_v the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a judge_n of_o the_o law_n know_v well_o can_v not_o be_v abjure_v after_o which_o perspicuous_a predeclaration_n of_o our_o mind_n their_o lordship_n undoubted_o in_o that_o same_o sense_n and_o none_o other_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o now_o good_a reader_n have_v hear_v his_o 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we_o have_v see_v and_o approve_v have_v cause_v to_o be_v here_o insert_v and_o leave_v they_o to_o thy_o impartial_a consideration_n first_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v command_v his_o subject_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v against_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o which_o he_o live_v unless_o that_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a until_o such_o time_n as_o that_o kingdom_n and_o church_n do_v first_o repeal_v these_o law_n and_o therefore_o episcopal_a government_n not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o be_v consonant_n unto_o it_o as_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o argue_v it_o and_o stand_v full_o establish_v both_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o abjure_v it_o before_o these_o act_n be_v repeal_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v no_o man_n will_v conceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n mean_v to_o command_v a_o thing_n absolute_o unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o pitiful_a shift_n and_o evasion_n that_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n establish_v episcopal_a government_n be_v unlawful_o and_o undue_o obtain_v certain_o if_o they_o have_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o their_o bold_a assertion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n then_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o well_o settle_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n these_o reason_n may_v be_v present_v lawful_o to_o these_o judicatories_n to_o entreat_v they_o to_o reduce_v the_o say_n act_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v strength_n and_o validity_n find_v in_o they_o but_o to_o hold_v that_o until_o such_o time_n as_o these_o judicatories_n shall_v repeal_v the_o say_n law_n they_o either_o aught_o to_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v abjure_v be_v a_o wicked_a position_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n second_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o oath_n shall_v oblige_v the_o now_o taker_n of_o it_o far_o than_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o taker_n of_o it_o at_o first_o for_o doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o do_v oblige_v they_o then_o and_o so_o do_v it_o we_o now_o perpetual_o because_o these_o point_n in_o themselves_o be_v perpetual_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a but_o for_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o oath_n can_v bind_v the_o first_o taker_n of_o it_o no_o long_o than_o that_o discipline_n and_o government_n shall_v stand_v in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o our_o church_n in_o her_o positive_a confession_n of_o faith_n print_v among_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n artic_a 20.21_o declare_v to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o repealable_a by_o succeed_a act_n if_o the_o câ—â—rch_n shall_v see_v cause_n when_o a_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o a_o judge_n at_o his_o admission_n swear_v to_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o these_o law_n the_o meaning_n of_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v or_o judge_v according_a to_o they_o long_o than_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v law_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v lawful_o repeal_v both_o king_n and_o judge_n be_v free_a from_o rule_v and_o judge_v according_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v thus_o lawful_o repeal_v notwithstanding_o their_o original_a oath_n since_o therefore_o if_o the_o first_o taker_n of_o that_o oath_n be_v now_o alive_a they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v abjure_v episcopal_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o establsh_v by_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n in_o her_o confession_n hold_v church_n government_n to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o repeat_v but_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v say_v to_o abjure_v that_o government_n now_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o repeat_v the_o same_o oath_n three_o how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_v this_o oath_n shall_v make_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abjure_v by_o it_o more_o than_o the_o covenanter_n require_v it_o of_o their_o associate_n in_o both_o covenant_n the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n by_o the_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o the_o contriver_n and_o urger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v subscribe_v it_o without_o abjure_v of_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o invent_v and_o make_v and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o aberdene_n quaeres_fw-la have_v full_o and_o clear_o express_v themselves_o to_o that_o sense_n hold_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o present_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o only_o refer_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o likewise_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o last_o protestation_n against_o his_o
protestation_n more_o large_o and_o for_o the_o 132._o and_o 133._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n 1584._o there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a privilege_n or_o authority_n thereby_o grant_v to_o bishop_n as_o bishop_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o cognition_n wherein_o the_o parliament_n have_v join_v other_o the_o king_n commissioner_n with_o they_o only_o as_o the_o king_n commissioner_n and_o grant_v the_o same_o unto_o seculare_fw-la person_n with_o they_o but_o the_o king_n can_v never_o provide_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v abolish_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n before_o write_v the_o 23._o act_n 1587._o work_v direct_o against_o bishop_n 1587._o be_v a_o general_a ratification_n of_o all_o act_n former_o make_v anent_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o must_v include_v the_o act_n abolish_n episcopacy_n but_o especial_o see_v in_o the_o same_o parliament_n 1587._o temporal_a live_n be_v take_v from_o the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o the_o office_n be_v 1567._o and_o the_o same_o act_n undoubted_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o same_o meaning_n wherein_o the_o kirk_n do_v crave_v it_o who_o that_o same_o year_n have_v often_o condemn_v episcopal_a government_n as_o contraire_fw-fr to_z god_n word_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o approve_v presbyterial_a government_n as_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n it_o fall_v in_o here_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o act_n 114._o anno_fw-la 1592._o be_v never_o allege_v 1592._o and_o that_o because_o it_o not_o only_a revock_n in_o particular_a the_o foresay_a act_n 1584._o but_o in_o general_a all_o other_o act_n contrary_a to_o that_o discipline_n then_o establish_v and_o in_o particular_a the_o assembly_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n with_o the_o discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v ratify_v and_o establish_v as_o most_o just_a and_o godly_a notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o statute_n act_n cannon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n make_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la whereunto_o his_o majesty_n prerogative_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a further_o the_o say_a act_n abrogate_v all_o act_n grant_v commission_n to_o bishop_n and_o other_o judge_n constitute_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o ordain_v presentation_n to_o benefice_n to_o be_v direct_a to_o presbytery_n with_o power_n to_o give_v collation_n thereupon_o and_o so_o contain_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o head_n of_o policy_n set_v down_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o act_n be_v renew_v act_n 60._o anno_fw-la 1593._o and_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n acknowledge_v 1594._o act_n 129._o and_o be_v never_o rescind_v express_o in_o totum_fw-la but_o only_o in_o part_n by_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n which_o now_o can_v be_v respect_v but_o fall_v ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la see_v that_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n be_v now_o upon_o just_a and_o infallible_a reason_n declare_v to_o have_v be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o so_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n wise_o omit_v by_o the_o collecter_n to_o the_o commissioner_n grace_n may_v serve_v alone_o without_o our_o precede_a special_a answer_n for_o clear_v the_o whole_a precede_a act_n the_o 23._o act_n 1597._o grant_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o voice_n in_o parliament_n to_o the_o whole_a kirk_n 1597._o and_o under_o that_o name_n to_o abbot_n or_o other_o person_n provide_v to_o prelacy_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n even_o as_o in_o time_n of_o papistry_n so_o as_o sir_n robert_n spottiswood_n abbot_n of_o new-abbay_a road_n thereafter_o in_o parliament_n which_o be_v both_o unwarrantable_a and_o unusual_a which_o do_v nothing_o contribute_v for_o the_o bishop_n advantage_n because_o albeit_o the_o benefice_n be_v not_o extinct_a yet_o neither_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o parliament_n may_v give_v they_o the_o office_n so_o oft_o condemn_v by_o this_o kirk_n which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o same_o act_n because_o after_o the_o grant_n to_o they_o of_o the_o say_a voice_n the_o parliament_n remit_v they_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o assembly_n concern_v their_o office_n in_o their_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n in_o the_o kirk_n 2._o the_o say_a act_n bear_v express_o to_o be_v but_o prejudice_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o any_o time_n precede_v and_o permit_v by_o the_o say_a act_n to_o all_o provincial_a and_o general_a assembly_n and_o other_o whatsoever_o presbytery_n and_o session_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o so_o the_o same_o can_v derogate_v from_o the_o former_a act_n ratify_v the_o present_a discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o the_o say_a act_n 1592._o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n abjure_v episcopacy_n 3._o the_o privilege_n be_v grant_v upon_o condition_n they_o be_v actual_a pastor_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o if_o with_o good_a conscience_n they_o may_v claim_v the_o benefice_n of_o that_o act_n 4._o that_o privilege_n be_v obtrude_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v introduce_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o may_v and_o have_v renounce_v the_o same_o as_o be_v incompatible_a with_o their_o spiritual_a function_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o more_o length_n bear_v upon_o undeniable_a reason_n 5._o when_o voice_n in_o parliament_n be_v first_o plausible_a obtrude_v upon_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v neither_o proponed_a nor_o tolerate_v in_o other_o term_n then_o that_o only_o such_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n as_o have_v commissiom_n from_o the_o kirk_n so_o that_o not_o as_o bishop_n but_o as_o minister_n commissioner_n from_o the_o kirk_n they_o have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n like_a as_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n 1600._o be_v so_o hardly_o press_v by_o authority_n that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v it_o altogether_o refuse_v albeit_o in_o their_o conference_n at_o haly-rud-house_n 1599_o they_o propon_v unanswerable_a reason_n against_o this_o and_o all_o other_o civil_a place_n of_o pastor_n set_v down_o caution_n bind_v the_o minister_n voter_n in_o parliament_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n subsequent_a which_o be_v omit_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o bishop_n oath_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o contrare_fw-la for_o the_o breach_n whereof_o they_o be_v now_o most_o just_o censure_v 6._o the_o ratificatory_a act_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o then_o profess_v be_v not_o thereby_o abrogate_v but_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o must_v stand_v in_o force_n because_o it_o be_v ever_o understand_v and_o frequent_o provide_v in_o parliament_n that_o all_o act_n thereof_o be_v make_v salvo_fw-la jure_fw-la cujuslibeâ—_n far_o more_o salvo_fw-la jure_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la &_o sponsae_fw-la christi_fw-la when_o she_o be_v rob_v of_o her_o right_a without_o audience_n especial_o see_v her_o right_n be_v usual_o ratify_v in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o every_o parliament_n 7._o albeit_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o any_o whatsoever_o the_o prelate_n have_v voice_n in_o parliament_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o exeime_v they_o from_o ecclesiastic_a censure_n nor_o forefault_v the_o kirk_n right_a whereby_o she_o may_v condemn_v they_o for_o their_o transgression_n as_o now_o this_o assembly_n most_o just_o have_v do_v for_o by_o their_o own_o caveat_n whosoever_o be_v ecclesiastical_o censure_v by_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la lose_v his_o benefice_n and_o vote_n in_o parliament_n 8._o further_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o declinatour_n profess_v they_o never_o have_v commission_n from_o this_o kirk_n to_o voice_n for_o she_o in_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o caution_n set_v down_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n for_o the_o which_o caution_n that_o assembly_n be_v never_o challenge_v as_o trench_v upon_o the_o three_o estate_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o precede_a act_n 1606._o for_o albeit_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n may_v have_v repone_v they_o to_o their_o rent_n teend_n land_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o crown_n yea_o may_v have_v dispone_v to_o they_o any_o part_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o crown_n if_o lordly_a title_n and_o civil_a place_n in_o the_o person_n of_o pastor_n separat_fw-la to_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v lawful_a yet_o can_v not_o give_v they_o the_o spiritual_a office_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a which_o be_v abolish_v and_o abjure_v by_o many_o precede_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n forecited_a et_fw-la quod_fw-la illud_fw-la tantum_fw-la agebatur_fw-la be_v evident_a by_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o act_n repon_v they_o for_o remee_v of_o their_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n to_o their_o dignity_n privilege_n live_n rent_n land_n and_o teind_n and_o this_o always_o
limit_v as_o be_v competent_a to_o they_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n from_o which_o time_n their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a be_v always_o extinct_a which_o be_v evident_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o and_o express_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1597._o grant_v voice_n in_o parliament_n to_o minister_n which_o albeit_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o episcopacy_n yet_o the_o parliament_n thereby_o have_v remit_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n as_o not_o pertain_v to_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o minister_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o prejudice_n always_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n permit_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereof_o that_o 1592._o forecited_a be_v one_o to_o general_a provincial_a assembly_n presbytery_n and_o session_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v never_o prejudge_v neither_o by_o the_o act_n 1606._o nor_o by_o the_o act_n 1609._o albeit_o corruption_n be_v then_o fast_o advance_v till_o the_o year_n 1612._o at_o which_o time_n first_o and_o never_o before_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n anent_o their_o office_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n former_o remit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o relative_a to_o that_o remit_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o which_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v also_o omit_v by_o the_o quotter_n like_a as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1609._o restore_v they_o only_o to_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n 1609._o and_o privilege_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o and_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o any_o other_o ordinare_fw-la jurisdiction_n do_v with_o reservation_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n and_o prerogative_n therein_o which_o can_v no_o way_n comprehend_v their_o ecclesiastical_a office_n because_o the_o same_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n neither_o do_v lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n after_o reformation_n and_o by_o the_o act_n 1592._o be_v abrogat_fw-la and_o take_v from_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n establish_v in_o presbytery_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n it_o can_v flow_v from_o the_o king_n who_o can_v make_v a_o minister_n doctor_n elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o kirk_n albeit_o he_o may_v present_v a_o minister_n make_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o the_o kirk_n neither_o can_v the_o parliament_n institute_v original_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n in_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v before_o say_v further_o the_o intend_a scope_n of_o that_o act_n be_v only_o the_o restitution_n of_o commissariat_n and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o act_n itself_o bear_v that_o they_o shall_v brook_v all_o privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o redintegrate_v they_o to_o their_o former_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o always_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n from_o who_o only_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n do_v flow_v which_o be_v only_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o commisser_n in_o temporal_a cause_n and_o no_o way_n any_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n competent_a ratione_fw-la officii_fw-la which_o by_o god_n word_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v abjure_v in_o they_o and_o establish_v in_o assembly_n presbytery_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v many_o time_n before_o repeat_v but_o to_o convince_v they_o further_o it_o be_v not_o or_o that_o both_o 1606_o and_o 1609._o they_o ride_v in_o parliament_n and_o by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o say_v act_n without_o insert_v the_o caution_n make_v at_o montrose_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o say_a caution_n and_o their_o own_o oath_n give_v for_o observance_n thereof_o against_o which_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n do_v protest_v solemn_o clear_v unanswerable_o not_o only_o the_o unlawfullnesse_n of_o their_o ecclesiastic_a episcopal_a function_n but_o also_o of_o the_o civil_a place_n in_o person_n of_o pastor_n from_o god_n word_n our_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n but_o this_o protestation_n be_v reject_v by_o they_o be_v print_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n 1617._o and_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o it_o can_v set_v down_o consecration_n to_o the_o office_n without_o a_o precede_a act_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v not_o allege_v but_o by_o the_o contraire_fw-fr the_o kirk_n have_v before_o condemn_v that_o office_n and_o do_v particular_o protest_v against_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n moreover_o this_o act_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o suppose_a ground_n of_o glasgow_n assembly_n 1610._o which_o for_o infallible_a reason_n be_v now_o annul_v and_o so_o not_o only_o this_o act_n 1617._o but_o all_o after_o act_n ratify_v the_o same_o fall_n ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o when_o the_o principal_a act_n or_o right_v ratify_v do_v fall_v the_o subsequent_a ratification_n fall_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la especial_o in_o this_o case_n when_o civil_a law_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n can_v be_v make_v original_o nor_o subsist_v after_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n which_o they_o ordain_v under_o civil_a sanction_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o yet_o be_v once_o annul_v they_o can_v be_v obey_v and_o further_a even_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1610._o which_o be_v now_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la do_v never_o restore_v the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesian_a bishop_n before_o condemn_v in_o this_o kirk_n but_o do_v too_o far_o enlarge_v and_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o these_o who_o be_v provide_v to_o the_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o always_o under_o caution_n and_o limitation_n swear_v unto_o which_o they_o never_o observe_v and_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o subjection_n for_o censure_n to_o yearly_o general_a assembly_n which_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v but_o impede_v and_o so_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o claim_v the_o benefice_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n conclude_v by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o violate_v by_o themselves_o and_o last_o for_o answer_v to_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n whatsoever_o conclusion_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n consider_v if_o as_o the_o assembly_n late_o convene_v by_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v judge_v and_o have_v proceed_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n so_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o oath_n make_v to_o god_n to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n 1580._o and_o renounce_v all_o subsequent_a act_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o kirk_n in_o who_o favour_n any_o pretend_a privilege_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o out_o of_o experience_n of_o real_a prejudice_n and_o the_o pungent_a sin_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o danger_n of_o perjury_n under_o which_o this_o kingdom_n lie_v for_o the_o which_o we_o ardent_o deprecate_v god_n wrath_n and_o beg_v mercy_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o must_v still_o continue_v our_o earnest_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n for_o redress_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o preserve_v the_o sacred_a person_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o perpetuate_a his_o reign_n and_o his_o royal_a posterity_n over_o this_o land_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v revise_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n ihonston_n clerk_n thereto_o edinb_n 14._o of_o feb._n 1639._o because_o the_o reader_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o these_o exception_n against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n here_o cite_v and_o of_o the_o impertinency_n of_o their_o citation_n of_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o when_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o frame_v and_o enjoin_v to_o be_v subscribe_v episcopal_a government_n be_v then_o in_o force_n and_o strength_n which_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a and_o irrefragable_a record_n of_o that_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o book_n and_o roll_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o cause_v to_o be_v insert_v out_o of_o the_o sederunt_fw-la roll_n of_o parliament_n the_o name_n of_o such_o bishop_n as_o sate_v in_o parliament_n and_o
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 none_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v have_v cause_n of_o grievance_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o prelate_n his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v answerable_a and_o according_o from_o time_n to_o time_n censurable_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o to_o give_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a people_n full_a assurance_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v true_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o intention_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o same_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o good_a subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n former_o 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 satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o contentment_n except_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o overthrow_v all_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o to_o abrogate_v our_o public_a law_n stand_v in_o vigour_n by_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n bygone_a and_o to_o alter_v the_o fundamental_a government_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n contrary_a to_o express_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o meeting_n may_v have_v produce_v other_o the_o like_o dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n we_o be_v force_v for_o preven_v thereof_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n abovementioned_a and_o divers_a other_o import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n to_o dissolve_v and_o break_v up_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n and_o to_o discharge_v they_o of_o all_o far_a meeting_n treat_v and_o conclude_v any_o thing_n therein_o and_o yet_o in_o that_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a way_n as_o our_o commissioner_n before_o his_o remove_n desire_v their_o pretend_a moderator_n for_o that_o time_n to_o have_v say_v prayer_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o day_n session_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v have_v time_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o his_o refuse_v to_o assist_v or_o be_v any_o long_o present_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n &_o of_o the_o cause_n move_v we_o to_o the_o dissolve_v thereof_o and_o notwithstanding_o his_o earnest_n urge_v the_o same_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o return_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o hear_v their_o answer_n in_o place_n of_o all_o other_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o so_o reasonable_a and_o moderate_a desire_n it_o be_v refuse_v and_o meet_v with_o a_o protestation_n of_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a strain_n thereby_o presume_v to_o cyte_v and_o call_v our_o council_n in_o question_n for_o their_o dutiful_a assistance_n 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 obedience_n to_o any_o pretend_a act_n nor_o constitution_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a meeting_n under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o we_o command_v charge_n and_o inhibit_v all_o presbytery_n session_n of_o kirkes_n minister_n within_o this_o realm_n that_o none_o of_o they_o presume_v nor_o take_v upon_o hand_n private_o nor_o public_o in_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n nor_o in_o their_o conference_n sermon_n nor_o no_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o authorise_v approve_v justify_v or_o allow_v the_o say_v unlawful_a meeting_n or_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n neither_o yet_o to_o make_v any_o act_n thereupon_o nor_o to_o do_v any_o other_o thing_n private_a or_o public_a which_o may_v seem_v to_o countenance_v the_o say_v unlawful_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v repute_n hold_v and_o esteem_v and_o pursue_v as_o guilty_a of_o their_o unlawful_a meeting_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v therefore_o with_o all_o rigour_n and_o siclike_o we_o command_v all_o and_o
law_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v streinied_a thereto_o james_n 2._o parliament_n 2._o act_n 3._o and_o therefore_o now_o see_v there_o be_v not_o only_o violent_a presumption_n but_o great_a menace_v from_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o country_n and_o their_o adherent_n of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o country_n and_o harm_v of_o the_o examine_v and_o especial_o his_o majesty_n have_v within_o edinburgh_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a provision_n of_o munition_n to_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o that_o by_o the_o said_n bishop_n plot_n from_o his_o majesty_n prime_a officer_n who_o in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n shall_v preveene_n that_o inconvenient_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o act_n therefore_o upon_o their_o default_n the_o country_n itself_o and_o the_o king_n have_v in_o who_o favour_n the_o act_n be_v make_v may_v provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unharmed_a by_o that_o castle_n or_o any_o inhabitant_n thereof_o and_o so_o preveen_v the_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n thereunto_o conform_v to_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n pen._n second_o as_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o certain_a other_o castle_n and_o land_n be_v the_o king_n undoubted_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o what_o cause_n they_o be_v annex_v by_o who_o annex_v upon_o what_o condition_n and_o how_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o for_o the_o only_a cause_n express_v in_o the_o annexation_n thereof_o 41._o act._n james_n 2._o parliament_n 11._o be_v that_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v ofttimes_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o act_n make_v no_o mention_n that_o the_o king_n be_v annexer_n of_o the_o castle_n and_o land_n to_o the_o crown_n but_o only_o that_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o full_a council_n of_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v so_o statute_n and_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o advice_n deliverance_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n so_o that_o be_v thus_o annex_v to_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o realm_n itself_o for_o avoid_v a_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o realm_n and_o be_v annex_v with_o condition_n not_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n and_o for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n justice_n and_o equity_n will_v require_v that_o these_o castle_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o poverty_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o capital_a town_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o of_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n there_o convene_v for_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n and_o prepare_v overture_n to_o the_o future_a parliament_n for_o redress_v of_o our_o just_a grievance_n but_o now_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a provision_n to_o the_o castle_n be_v threaten_v with_o ruin_n and_o exterminion_n they_o may_v stop_v the_o misemploy_v of_o that_o benefit_n grant_v to_o the_o realm_n eo_fw-la animo_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la hunc_fw-la finem_fw-la for_o the_o well_o of_o the_o realm_n while_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n give_v their_o humble_a advice_n to_o his_o majesty_n thereanent_fw-la three_o by_o the_o 9_o act._n 9_o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n dumbartane_a stirling_n and_o blaknesse_n be_v four_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v safe_o keep_v to_o the_o king_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o for_o keep_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n there_o be_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n both_o money_n and_o victual_n a_o great_a part_n whereof_o be_v forth_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n which_o three_o in_o december_n 1561._o be_v decern_v and_o ordain_v by_o queen_n marie_n with_o advice_n of_o her_o council_n and_o other_o of_o the_o nobility_n then_o present_a to_o be_v up_o take_v and_o employ_v for_o these_o two_o use_n viz._n sustain_v of_o minister_n and_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o be_v also_o enact_v act_n 10._o parl._n 1_o james_n 6._o and_o thereafter_o ratify_v act_n 121._o parl._n 12._o james_n 6._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o as_o the_o castle_n be_v the_o king_n undeniable_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o shall_v be_v safe_o keep_v to_o his_o majesty_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o keep_n thereof_o rend_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n forth_o out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n estimate_n by_o the_o estate_n in_o eum_fw-la usum_fw-la for_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o 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arraign_v and_o find_v guilty_a of_o treason_n the_o twelve_o position_n be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v entreat_v to_o indict_v a_o general_a assembly_n it_o be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o our_o indiction_n but_o rather_o to_o do_v we_o honour_n and_o to_o beget_v some_o countenance_n to_o their_o proceed_n allege_v that_o the_o power_n of_o indiction_n be_v in_o we_o but_o cumulatiuè_fw-la not_o privatiuè_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v refuse_v than_o that_o power_n be_v suppletiuè_fw-la in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v always_o say_v they_o in_o all_o other_o case_n if_o the_o prince_n shall_v either_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n nor_o be_v they_o ashamed_a to_o aver_v that_o all_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v original_o in_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o people_n by_o they_o confer_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n upon_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o prince_n shall_v omit_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n he_o either_o fall_v from_o his_o right_n or_o his_o right_n be_v interrupt_v until_o he_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o sovereign_n right_a and_o authority_n do_v return_v to_o and_o remain_v with_o the_o people_n from_o who_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o derive_v upon_o the_o prince_n a_o pretty_a matter_n it_o be_v if_o prince_n crown_n and_o sovereignty_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o notionall_a and_o pedantical_a distinction_n and_o wonder_v it_o be_v that_o these_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o popery_n in_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v borrow_v the_o very_a word_n and_o term_n of_o this_o ridiculous_a distinction_n from_o the_o jesuit_n which_o distinction_n if_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v use_v in_o those_o primitive_a and_o pure_a counsel_n of_o the_o church_n all_o of_o which_o be_v only_o call_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o in_o which_o all_o matter_n be_v order_v and_o dispose_v by_o their_o precedent_n and_o deputy_n it_o will_v have_v make_v those_o emperor_n out_o of_o love_n with_o the_o counsel_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v never_o rob_v of_o that_o special_a prerogative_n of_o their_o crown_n until_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o their_o tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n and_o by_o animate_v and_o arm_v their_o own_o subject_n against_o they_o dispossess_v they_o of_o it_o and_o now_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n be_v repossess_v of_o it_o again_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o that_o very_a particular_a be_v by_o many_o of_o our_o act_n of_o parliament_n exclude_v wonder_v it_o be_v to_o see_v these_o man_n take_v upon_o themselves_o that_o usurp_v and_o cashier_v papal_a authority_n the_o thirteen_o position_n be_v this_o if_o we_o or_o
lordship_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n your_o lordship_n admit_v to_o the_o consult_v and_o judge_v anent_o our_o supplication_n and_o his_o majesty_n answer_n thereunto_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o direct_a party_n contrary_a to_o our_o declinator_n first_o propound_v at_o dalkeith_n and_o now_o renew_v at_o sterling_n and_o petition_n contrary_a to_o your_o lordship_n act_n aforesaid_a at_o dalkeith_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o humble_a supplication_n therefore_o lest_o our_o silence_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o this_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o former_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o trust_n of_o our_o commission_n out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o our_o god_n our_o king_n and_o native_a country_n we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v instrument_n in_o notary_n hand_n of_o your_o lordship_n refusal_n to_o admit_v our_o declinator_n or_o remove_v these_o our_o party_n and_o to_o protest_v in_o manner_n follow_v first_o that_o we_o may_v have_v our_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n to_o present_v our_o grievance_n and_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n to_o prosecute_v the_o same_o before_o the_o ordinary_a competent_a judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a without_o any_o offence_n offer_v by_o we_o or_o take_v by_o your_o lordship_n second_o we_o protest_v that_o the_o say_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o party_n complain_v upon_o can_v be_v repute_v or_o esteem_v lawful_a judge_n to_o fit_v in_o any_o judicatorie_a in_o this_o kingdom_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a upon_o any_o of_o the_o supplicant_n until_o after_o lawful_a trial_n judicial_o they_o purge_v themselves_o of_o such_o crime_n as_o we_o have_v already_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n offer_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o whensoever_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n shall_v 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and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o against_o which_o protestation_n we_o shall_v now_o say_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v contain_v &_o repeat_v in_o another_o large_a protestation_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v insert_v hereafter_o and_o there_o it_o shall_v receive_v a_o full_a answer_n only_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o first_o the_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n of_o their_o demand_v some_o of_o our_o bishop_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o our_o council_n nay_o and_o which_o we_o think_v never_o be_v hear_v before_o their_o protest_v against_o all_o act_n to_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v in_o our_o council_n at_o which_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a allege_v that_o this_o their_o protestation_n against_o they_o and_o declinator_n of_o they_o make_v they_o to_o be_v party_n and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o withal_o they_o require_v they_o first_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o then_o promise_v they_o will_v make_v 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will_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o call_v a_o parliament_n for_o those_o good_a end_n but_o that_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v conceive_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n thereby_o to_o cast_v off_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n for_o maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o being_n most_o willing_a to_o remove_v that_o as_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n therefore_o and_o for_o clear_v of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o imputation_n we_o do_v now_o in_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o 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assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o will_v undoubted_o redress_v all_o our_o evil_n settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o procure_v that_o chearfulnesse_n of_o obedience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v to_o his_o majesty_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o offer_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o best_a endeavour_n for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o do_v this_o petition_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o explication_n as_o shall_v give_v either_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n any_o satisfaction_n no_o for_o it_o contain_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o shake_v off_o their_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v give_v way_n to_o all_o their_o course_n which_o by_o this_o 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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 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this_o to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n of_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o rather_o a_o powerful_a and_o principal_a motive_n with_o speed_n to_o convene_v the_o same_o as_o the_o proper_a judicatorie_a wherein_o to_o determine_v such_o dangerous_a and_o universal_a difference_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o hear_v that_o any_o minister_n be_v depose_v but_o only_o suspend_v during_o this_o interim_n till_o a_o general_n assembly_n for_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o flagitious_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o try_v offensive_a to_o god_n disgraceful_a to_o religion_n and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o people_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o place_n till_o they_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v and_o concern_v moderator_n none_o of_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v depose_v but_o some_o only_o change_v which_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n the_o four_o concern_v the_o repair_n of_o parishioner_n to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cognosce_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n be_v subject_a since_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v in_o the_o minister_n no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v no_o redress_n there_o to_o assent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v disorder_n to_o be_v multiply_v both_o in_o presbytery_n and_o particular_a parish_n to_o the_o six_o that_o minister_n wait_v upon_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o place_n where_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n we_o answer_v that_o none_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n assembly_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o allow_v by_o commission_n to_o have_v 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people_n between_o two_o opinion_n and_o their_o not_o answer_v a_o word_n when_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o you_o and_o again_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o mat._n 15.18_o rom._n 1.18_o revel_v 2.14.20_o and_o 3.15_o and_o therefore_o to_o keep_v silence_n or_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o corruption_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n sacrament_n worship_n or_o discipline_n in_o a_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n convene_v for_o that_o end_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o deny_v his_o spirit_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o wrath_n against_o our_o proceed_n and_o may_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o prejudice_n for_o collusion_n and_o for_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n 2._o this_o predetermination_n be_v against_o our_o supplication_n and_o protestation_n wherein_o we_o have_v show_v ourselves_o so_o earnest_a for_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n contrary_a to_o every_o limitation_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o far_o prejudging_a the_o liberty_n thereof_o be_v against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n registrate_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1567._o declare_v that_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v for_o good_a policy_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o kirk_n and_o for_o to_o change_v such_o thing_n as_o man_n have_v devise_v when_o they_o rather_o foster_v superstition_n then_o edify_v the_o church_fw-mi use_v the_o same_o and_o be_v against_o our_o late_a confession_n wherein_o we_o have_v promise_v to_o forbear_v all_o novation_n till_o they_o be_v try_v which_o oblige_v we_o to_o forbear_v now_o and_o to_o try_v they_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o labour_n to_o recover_v the_o former_a purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o this_o limitation_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a our_o liberty_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v the_o principal_a of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n serve_v to_o that_o end_n 3._o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n which_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n be_v convene_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi whatsoever_o may_v conduce_v for_o these_o good_a end_n in_o wisdom_n and_o modesty_n shall_v be_v propon_v examine_v and_o determine_v without_o prelimitation_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o as_o far_o as_o the_o assembly_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o in_o the_o member_n to_o be_v use_v the_o necessary_a end_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o supreme_a law_n which_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v as_o far_o hinder_v and_o pre-judged_n this_o limitation_n be_v against_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi which_o book_n 2._o chap._n 7._o declare_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o her_o liberty_n that_o the_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o abrogate_v and_o abolish_v all_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o be_v find_v noisome_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o time_n or_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o people_n and_o against_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n like_a as_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n 1610._o declare_v for_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v yearly_o general_a assembly_n and_o what_o order_n can_v be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o assembly_n indict_v after_o so_o long_a intermission_n and_o so_o many_o gross_a corruption_n be_v limit_v and_o that_o more_o than_o ever_o any_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v when_o it_o be_v yearly_o observe_v 5._o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o parl._n 11._o act_n 40._o k._n james_n 6._o anent_o the_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a form_n of_o all_o parliament_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v or_o command_v to_o be_v do_v which_o may_v direct_o or_o indirect_o prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o free_a voice_n or_o reason_v of_o the_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v it_o be_v also_o appoint_v in_o parl._n 6._o act_n 92._o k._n james_n 6._o that_o the_o lord_n of_o counsel_n and_o session_n proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v in_o the_o contrary_a and_o general_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a in_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o k._n james_n 6._o parl._n 1_o k._n charles_n for_o if_o it_o be_v careful_o provide_v by_o diverse_a act_n of_o parliament_n especial_o parl._n 12._o act_n 148._o k._n james_n 6._o that_o there_o be_v no_o forstalling_a or_o regrate_v of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o natural_a life_n what_o shall_v be_v think_v of_o this_o spiritual_a for_o stall_n and_o regrate_v which_o tend_v to_o the_o famish_v or_o poison_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o generation_n afterward_o 6._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o protestation_n proceed_n and_o complaint_n against_o the_o late_a innovation_n and_o it_o may_v be_v account_v a_o innovation_n and_o usurpation_n as_o gross_a &_o dangerous_a to_o we_o and_o the_o posterity_n and_o as_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n as_o any_o complain_v upon_o by_o we_o to_o admit_v limitation_n and_o secret_a or_o open_a determination_n which_o belong_v to_o no_o person_n or_o judicatorie_a but_o to_o a_o assembly_n or_o to_o consent_v to_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o silence_n the_o same_o predetermination_n it_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o ourselves_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o other_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_v how_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o father_n before_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o our_o predecessor_n before_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o the_o reformation_n and_o afterward_o will_v have_v take_v such_o deal_n that_o this_o proclamation_n command_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n already_o establish_v to_o subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v before_o in_o the_o year_n 1580_o and_o afterward_o and_o require_v the_o lord_n of_o privy_a council_n to_o take_v such_o course_n anent_o the_o same_o and_o the_o general_a band_n of_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n person_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subscribe_v and_o renew_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n which_o can_v now_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o for_o although_o of_o late_o we_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a that_o ourselves_o and_o other_o his_o majesty_n subject_n have_v be_v command_v by_o authority_n to_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o general_a confession_n of_o faith_n against_o popish_a error_n and_o superstition_n and_o now_o will_v be_v glad_a that_o all_o other_o shall_v join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o late_a covenant_n &_o confession_n descend_v more_o special_o to_o the_o novation_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o for_o these_o end_n to_o the_o mutual_a defence_n every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o now_o after_o so_o necessary_a and_o so_o solemn_a a_o specification_n return_v to_o the_o general_a for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o no_o mean_n have_v be_v leave_v unassayed_a against_o our_o late_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n so_o solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v for_o first_o we_o be_v press_v with_o the_o render_n and_o rescind_v of_o our_o covenant_n next_o a_o alteration_n in_o some_o substantial_a point_n be_v urge_v 3._o a_o declaration_n be_v motion_v which_o tend_v to_o the_o enervation_n thereof_o and_o now_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n that_o we_o be_v put_v to_o a_o new_a trial_n and_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v use_v more_o subtle_a than_o the_o former_a that_o by_o this_o new_a subscription_n our_o late_a covenant_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v quite_o absorb_v and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n that_o where_o it_o be_v intend_v &_o
of_o benefice_n visitation_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n without_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v power_n to_o suspend_v deprive_v command_n and_o inhibit_v excommunication_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o fine_a confine_v imprison_v banish_v minister_n and_o other_o professor_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n appoint_v their_o moderator_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n prorogate_a their_o diet_n stay_v their_o proceed_n against_o papist_n sorcerer_n adulterer_n and_o other_o gross_a offender_n by_o exact_v of_o contribution_n to_o such_o commissioner_n as_o he_o please_v to_o send_v to_o court_n for_o his_o own_o and_o his_o colleague_n affair_n by_o deprive_v and_o ordain_v of_o minister_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o by_o ordain_v of_o scandalous_a and_o unqualified_a minister_n and_o deprive_v of_o learned_a and_o religious_a pastor_n by_o ordain_v minister_n after_o a_o form_n not_o allow_v of_o in_o this_o church_n by_o silence_v minister_n for_o not_o read_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n by_o interdict_v after_o a_o popish_a manner_n the_o exercise_n of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n in_o their_o church_n by_o release_n of_o excommunicate_v papist_n by_o contradict_v and_o cross_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o their_o pleasure_n by_o their_o pretend_a negative_a vote_n direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o caution_n by_o enact_v decree_n of_o synod_n without_o demand_v their_o vote_n by_o change_v and_o falsify_v their_o act_n when_o most_o vote_n have_v carry_v the_o contrary_a by_o many_o way_n have_v they_o fail_v in_o this_o caution_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o your_o wisdom_n that_o we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o the_o same_o when_o we_o be_v require_v whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o caution_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o provincial_n and_o general_a assembly_n he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n yet_o the_o foresay_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v not_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n at_o these_o meeting_n he_o disdain_v to_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n or_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n he_o sit_v and_o over-ruleth_a in_o provincial_n assembly_n rather_o as_o a_o lord_n then_o a_o moderator_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v by_o threaten_v and_o silence_v prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o lawful_a commissioner_n when_o they_o propound_v reason_v or_o conclude_v matter_n conduce_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n he_o force_v they_o to_o conclude_v thing_n contrary_a that_o whereas_o it_o be_v conclude_v at_o mount_n rose_n that_o none_o of_o they_o who_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n shall_v come_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o have_v vote_n in_o it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v unless_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o commission_n from_o their_o own_o presbytery_n for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v though_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n by_o commission_n from_o any_o presbytery_n have_v usurp_v to_o give_v vote_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n registrate_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o in_o all_o assembly_n a_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n assemble_v together_o and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o practise_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n till_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n begin_v to_o break_v the_o caution_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v usurp_v the_o place_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o rather_o domineer_v than_o moderate_v to_o bring_v in_o novation_n yea_o further_o have_v direct_v mandate_n from_o themselves_o as_o from_o the_o representative_a church_n of_o scotland_n which_o name_n and_o power_n be_v only_o competent_a to_o general_a assembly_n he_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o innovation_n in_o the_o royal_a chapel_n in_o the_o abbey_n church_n and_o his_o pretend_a cathedral_n he_o have_v labour_v not_o only_o to_o hinder_v the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n by_o obtain_v letter_n and_o charge_n from_o authority_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o also_o have_v labour_v what_o in_o he_o lay_v to_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n the_o privilege_n of_o hold_v general_a assembly_n yearly_a belong_v to_o she_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o another_o caution_n that_o crimen_fw-la ambitus_fw-la shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o deprivation_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o be_v foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o say_a crime_n in_o seek_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o promise_v and_o give_v good_a deed_n for_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n feb._n an._n 1569._o and_o december_n 1565._o &_o 1567._o that_o marriage_n shall_v not_o be_v solemnize_v without_o ask_v of_o bane_n three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n before_o yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v licence_n to_o sundry_a minister_n to_o solemnize_v marriage_n without_o ask_v three_o several_a sabbath_n before_o upon_o which_o have_v follow_v divers_a inconvenience_n a_o man_n have_v be_v marry_v to_o a_o woman_n her_o husband_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o not_o divorce_v some_o have_v be_v marry_v to_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v commit_v adultery_n before_o and_o some_o have_v be_v marry_v without_o the_o consent_n or_o knowledge_n of_o their_o parent_n whereas_o by_o the_o book_n of_o fast_v authorize_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o prefix_v before_o the_o psalm_n no_o set_n or_o yearly_a fast_n be_v allow_v but_o disallow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o exercise_n a_o fast_a yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v appoint_v yearly_a fast_n and_o trouble_v some_o godly_a professor_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o whereas_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o book_n of_o common_a order_n before_o the_o psalm_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o have_v no_o meddle_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o by_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n chapter_n 23._o minister_n call_v unto_o particular_a flock_n have_v only_a power_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v a_o power_n to_o certain_a divine_n who_o they_o make_v deacon_n man_n not_o admit_v to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o preach_v deacon_n and_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v diverse_a man_n to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o order_n whereas_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v receive_v ordination_n to_o the_o ministry_n without_o a_o present_a admission_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v separate_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o act_n of_o admission_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o ordination_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n shall_v be_v public_a in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v ordination_n to_o some_o man_n in_o other_o place_n not_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n &_o violent_o have_v thrust_v upon_o they_o scandalous_a minister_n whereas_o minister_n who_o teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o
of_o attestation_n call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o it_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v grow_v to_o a_o hot_a contestation_n but_o that_o that_o night_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v the_o next_o day_n upon_o their_o first_o sit_v down_o they_o urge_v present_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v first_o our_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v read_v which_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v thus_o although_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o best_a of_o our_o action_n have_v be_v mistake_v by_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n as_o if_o we_o have_v intend_v innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n yet_o consider_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o incumbent_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a king_n than_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n forget_v what_o be_v past_a we_o have_v serious_o take_v to_o our_o princely_a consideration_n such_o particular_n as_o may_v settle_v and_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o also_o to_o satisfy_v all_o our_o good_a people_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n herein_o have_v indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v keep_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o this_o instant_n we_o have_v likewise_o appoint_v our_o commissioner_n to_o attend_v the_o same_o from_o who_o you_o be_v to_o expect_v our_o pleasure_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o we_o require_v you_o to_o give_v that_o true_a and_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n as_o if_o we_o be_v personal_o present_v ourselves_o and_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o our_o consent_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v in_o our_o name_n promise_n we_o have_v sign_v these_o and_o will_v the_o same_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o white-hall_n the_o 29._o of_o october_n 1638._o then_o they_o call_v again_o for_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n at_o which_o time_n one_o doctor_n hamilton_n present_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o the_o assembly_n contain_v the_o nullity_n of_o it_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v and_o a_o public_a act_n enter_v for_o the_o production_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o very_a great_a heat_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o allege_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v until_o a_o moderator_n be_v choose_v and_o they_o do_v direct_o refuse_v to_o read_v the_o say_a declinator_n upon_o which_o both_o our_o commissioner_n enter_v a_o protestation_n in_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n hand_n against_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o and_o take_v instrument_n thereupon_o and_o so_o likewise_o do_v doctor_n hamilton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n at_o last_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n to_o which_o before_o our_o commissioner_n give_v way_n he_o enter_v as_o before_o another_o protestation_n that_o their_o act_n of_o choose_v shall_v neither_o prejudice_v our_o prerogative_n and_o authority_n nor_o any_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n nor_o bar_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v see_v cause_n from_o take_v legal_a exception_n either_o against_o the_o person_n elect_v or_o the_o illegalitie_n of_o his_o election_n and_o so_o they_o have_v put_v divers_a other_o stale_n upon_o the_o list_n according_o as_o it_o be_v resolve_v upon_o before_o at_o their_o table_n in_o edinburgh_n without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n except_o his_o own_o who_o can_v not_o choose_v himself_o one_o master_n alexander_n henderson_n the_o prime_a and_o most_o rigid_a covenanter_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v choose_v moderator_n the_o three_o day_n our_o commissioner_n at_o their_o first_o meeting_n require_v again_o that_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n and_o protestation_n may_v be_v read_v which_o he_o conceive_v they_o have_v promise_v after_o the_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v but_o they_o reject_v it_o again_o add_v then_o that_o the_o assembly_n must_v be_v full_o constitute_v of_o all_o it_o member_n and_o be_v once_o a_o assembly_n before_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v present_v to_o it_o to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o commissioner_n that_o he_o require_v it_o only_o to_o be_v read_v not_o to_o be_v discuss_v until_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o allow_v of_o their_o several_a commission_n because_o this_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n why_o either_o all_o or_o at_o least_o some_o elect_a shall_v not_o be_v admit_v commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o election_n express_v in_o the_o declinator_n which_o reason_n contain_v the_o say_a nullity_n may_v persuade_v as_o they_o hope_v with_o they_o for_o the_o reject_v their_o commission_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v after_o their_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o commission_n admit_v they_o for_o constitute_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o reason_n why_o our_o commissioner_n do_v so_o earnest_o urge_v the_o read_n of_o that_o declinator_n be_v because_o he_o do_v foresee_v the_o fallacy_n which_o they_o mean_v to_o use_v viz._n the_o declinator_n can_v be_v read_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o they_o fear_v that_o the_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o by_o such_o member_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o allege_v any_o reason_n for_o than_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o answer_v that_o all_o election_n be_v discuss_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n receive_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o then_o to_o be_v hear_v against_o either_o which_o indeed_o afterward_o be_v their_o very_a answer_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v here_o to_o our_o commissioner_n but_o enter_v a_o protestation_n as_o former_o and_o solemn_o call_v themselves_o to_o witness_v whether_o with_o any_o show_n of_o justice_n the_o read_n of_o the_o bishop_n protestation_n can_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o election_n be_v admit_v the_o principal_a aim_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v wonder_v with_o what_o colour_n or_o face_n they_o above_o all_o man_n can_v do_v it_o who_o have_v read_v and_o publish_v so_o many_o protestation_n both_o against_o our_o proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o our_o council_n and_o so_o how_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o name_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v practise_v without_o any_o warranty_n or_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o not_o the_o least_o resolution_n take_v at_o edinburgh_n must_v suffer_v any_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o read_n of_o the_o declinator_n they_o first_o put_v by_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o son_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o father_n sickness_n have_v a_o lawful_a deputation_n from_o he_o and_o who_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o afterward_o wrought_v to_o a_o demission_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o new_a clerk_n who_o without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n they_o do_v choose_v viz._n one_o master_n archibald_n johnston_n a_o advocate_n the_o clerk_n of_o their_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n against_o who_o election_n our_o commissioner_n likewise_o protest_v as_o former_o at_o his_o admission_n he_o make_v a_o short_a speech_n declare_v against_o his_o conscience_n his_o unwillingness_n to_o accept_v that_o charge_n but_o yet_o affirm_v that_o at_o this_o time_n he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o contribute_v his_o part_n towards_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o now_o have_v be_v in_o any_o danger_n the_o four_o day_n they_o begin_v the_o read_n of_o the_o several_a commission_n our_o commissioner_n as_o former_o enter_v a_o protestation_n to_o take_v exception_n against_o their_o election_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n only_o he_o be_v content_a they_o shall_v go_v on_o that_o he_o may_v see_v their_o justice_n in_o allow_v or_o disallow_v the_o election_n of_o which_o he_o know_v many_o to_o be_v very_o untoward_a and_o make_v with_o violence_n now_o the_o reader_n be_v careful_o to_o observe_v their_o partiality_n in_o admit_v or_o reject_v election_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o non-covenant_a choose_a of_o which_o number_n there_o be_v not_o above_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o moderate_a covenanter_n not_o design_v by_o they_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o choose_v according_a to_o their_o secret_a instruction_n with_o which_o the_o reader_n shall_v afterward_o be_v make_v acquaint_v they_o they_o either_o quite_o reject_v or_o suspend_v from_o voice_n until_o some_o exception_n make_v against_o their_o election_n shall_v be_v discuss_v
complaint_n and_o the_o presbytery_n reference_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o to_o admonish_v the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n the_o delinquent_n complain_v upon_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o colleague_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o particular_a complaint_n both_o in_o the_o particular_a and_o general_a head_n thereof_o give_v or_o to_o be_v give_v in_o and_o to_o abide_v the_o censure_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o assembly_n thereupon_o and_o likewise_o out_o of_o pulpit_n to_o admonish_v all_o other_o who_o have_v interest_n either_o in_o the_o pursue_n or_o refer_v this_o complaint_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n vii_o that_o the_o presbytery_n insert_v in_o their_o presbyterie-book_n the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o this_o complaint_n both_o in_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a head_n thereof_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o care_n to_o cause_n deliver_v by_o their_o ordinary_a beadle_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n a_o copy_n thereof_o and_o a_o copy_n of_o a_o act_n refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o summon_v he_o to_o compeare_v before_o the_o assembly_n and_o if_o he_o be_v within_o the_o country_n and_o can_v be_v personal_o apprehend_v to_o affix_v a_o full_a copy_n thereof_o upon_o each_o dwell_a place_n and_o upon_o the_o most_o patent_n door_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n and_o episcopal_a seat_n viii_o that_o the_o complainer_n within_o the_o presbytery_n where_o the_o bishop_n be_v resident_a or_o have_v his_o cathedral_n be_v careful_a to_o keep_v correspondence_n with_o those_o in_o other_o presbytery_n within_o their_o diocese_n who_o best_o can_v specify_v and_o verify_v their_o bishop_n usurpation_n and_o transgression_n and_o who_o have_v particular_a article_n to_o gather_v particular_a declaration_n and_o information_n of_o the_o same_o ix_o that_o some_o of_o these_o complainer_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o with_o warrant_n and_o power_n from_o the_o rest_n without_o fail_v attend_v the_o assembly_n with_o the_o general_a complaint_n and_o particular_a verification_n and_o specification_n of_o the_o same_o x._o that_o in_o case_n the_o presbytery_n where_o the_o bishop_n have_v his_o residence_n or_o where_o he_o have_v his_o cathedral_n and_o episcopal_a seat_n refuse_v to_o receive_v this_o complaint_n or_o refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o assembly_n or_o to_o admonish_v or_o cyte_v the_o bishop_n delinquent_a before_o the_o assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o complaint_n that_o the_o gentleman_n and_o other_o who_o be_v complainer_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o their_o refusal_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o any_o notary_n and_o protest_v that_o their_o refusal_n of_o the_o ordinary_a care_n of_o justice_n procure_v without_o doubt_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n delinquent_n complain_v of_o the_o equivalent_a of_o law_n and_o reason_n be_v a_o formal_a cytation_n of_o he_o which_o protestation_n they_o may_v affix_v upon_o the_o dwell_a house_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n or_o upon_o his_o cathedral_n church_n or_o the_o prime_a church_n within_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o they_o may_v deal_v with_o any_o other_o presbytery_n within_o the_o diocese_n who_o be_v better_o dispose_v and_o upon_o their_o receipt_n of_o the_o complaint_n will_v refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o cyte_v the_o bishop_n in_o manner_n above_o express_v to_o compeare_v before_o the_o say_a assembly_n xi_o item_n perhaps_o some_o minister_n within_o the_o presbytery_n may_v think_v some_o head_n of_o this_o complaint_n not_o to_o be_v relevant_a in_o his_o opinion_n or_o know_v the_o bishop_n not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o the_o particular_a head_n contain_v therein_o yet_o he_o in_o justice_n can_v refuse_v to_o refer_v the_o trial_n of_o the_o relevancie_n and_o probation_n thereof_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o see_v the_o relevancie_n and_o probation_n of_o more_o or_o few_o point_n against_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v sufficient_a and_o see_v the_o subsumption_n of_o every_o particular_a head_n be_v against_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n with_o his_o colleague_n xii_o item_n to_o desire_v the_o presbytery_n upon_o complaint_n upon_o any_o person_n within_o the_o same_o against_o any_o scandalous_a minister_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o life_n either_o to_o judge_v the_o complaint_n or_o refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o so_o to_o admonish_v and_o cyte_v the_o minister_n complain_v upon_o to_o compeare_v before_o the_o general_a assembly_n for_o that_o end_n according_a to_o which_o article_n upon_o sunday_n octob._n 28._o they_o cause_v read_v the_o say_a libel_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o edinburgh_n notwithstanding_o my_o lord_n commissioner_n command_v give_v to_o the_o provost_n and_o baily_n to_o the_o contrary_a except_o in_o holy-rood-house_n where_o it_o be_v read_v the_o next_o sunday_n as_o it_o be_v in_o other_o church_n of_o the_o kingdom_n proceed_v herein_o 1._o against_o all_o charity_n which_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a nor_o delight_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o man_n nakedness_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n nor_o backbite_v with_o the_o tongue_n much_o less_o to_o write_v a_o book_n against_o a_o brother_n 2._o against_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o rebuke_v a_o elder_a but_o to_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n jam._n 6._o par_fw-fr 8._o discharge_v all_o person_n to_o impugn_v or_o to_o procure_v the_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o 3._o against_o all_o lawful_a and_o formal_a proceed_n especial_o that_o prescribe_v by_o the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n at_o perth_n martii_fw-la 1._o 1596._o whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o all_o summons_n contain_v the_o special_a cause_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o say_a libel_n do_v not_o name_v only_o general_a calumny_n reproach_n and_o aspersion_n without_o instruction_n of_o any_o particular_a but_o leave_v these_o to_o be_v fill_v up_o by_o malicious_a delation_n after_o they_o have_v defame_v their_o brethren_n by_o publish_v this_o libel_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o 8._o and_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n and_o against_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrew_n april_n 24._o 1582._o whereby_o it_o be_v enact_v that_o in_o process_n of_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n there_o be_v a_o libel_v precept_n upon_o forty_o day_n warning_n be_v within_o the_o realm_n and_o threescore_o day_n be_v without_o the_o realm_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o such_o commissioner_n thereof_o as_o elect_v and_o admit_v the_o person_n complain_v of_o summon_v they_o to_o compeare_v and_o answer_v upon_o the_o complaint_n and_o in_o case_n of_o their_o absence_n at_o the_o first_o summons_n the_o second_o to_o be_v direct_v upon_o the_o like_a warning_n with_o certification_n if_o he_o fail_v the_o libel_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o probation_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la which_o form_n not_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o summons_n infer_v the_o punishment_n of_o deprivation_n the_o same_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o the_o order_n of_o that_o assembly_n 4._o against_o common_a equity_n which_o admit_v summons_n only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o judge_n before_o who_o the_o delinquent_n be_v to_o compeare_v whereby_o the_o summon_v direct_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o pretend_a presbytery_n can_v sustain_v for_o compearance_n before_o the_o general_a assembly_n nor_o can_v reference_n be_v make_v from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o party_n never_o be_v summon_v to_o compeare_v before_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o either_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o party_n or_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n the_o complaint_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o there_o be_v no_o cytation_n before_o the_o reference_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o say_a instruction_n and_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o odious_a form_n it_o be_v to_o insert_v such_o a_o calumnious_a libel_n in_o the_o presbytery_n book_n without_o cite_v of_o the_o party_n to_o answer_v thereto_o and_o to_o cyte_v bishop_n before_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o the_o say_a libel_n by_o publish_v the_o same_o at_o church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n and_o be_v many_o mile_n distant_a we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o indifferent_a man_n 5._o against_o all_o decency_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o man_n of_o their_o place_n the_o say_a person_n be_v man_n of_o dignity_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n and_o know_v to_o be_v of_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o to_o have_v deserve_v well_o thus_o to_o be_v revile_v and_o
disorder_n absolute_o forget_v and_o forgive_v and_o for_o the_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a extirpate_v all_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v command_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o subscribe_v by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o to_o be_v renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o our_o subject_n here_o like_a as_o for_o settle_v of_o a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o this_o kingdom_n we_o cause_v indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o thereafter_o a_o parliament_n in_o may_n 1639._o by_o which_o element_n deal_v we_o look_v assure_o to_o have_v reduce_v our_o subject_n to_o their_o former_a quiet_a behaviour_n and_o dutiful_a carriage_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n both_o national_a and_o municipal_a to_o we_o their_o native_a and_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o albeit_o the_o wish_a effect_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o by_o the_o contrary_a by_o our_o so_o gracious_a procedure_n they_o be_v rather_o embolden_v not_o only_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o stubborn_a and_o unlawful_a way_n but_o also_o daily_o add_v to_o their_o former_a procedure_n act_n of_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o evident_o appear_v by_o open_a oppose_v of_o our_o just_a and_o religious_a pleasure_n and_o command_v express_v in_o our_o last_o proclamation_n anent_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n protest_v against_o the_o same_o and_o strive_v by_o many_o indirect_a mean_n to_o withdraw_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a people_n not_o only_o from_o a_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o gracious_a deal_n with_o they_o but_o also_o from_o the_o due_a obedience_n to_o those_o our_o just_a &_o religious_a command_n notwithstanding_o we_o have_v be_v former_o so_o oft_o petition_v by_o themselves_o for_o the_o same_o by_o their_o daily_a and_o hourly_o guard_v and_o watch_v about_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n suffer_v nothing_o to_o be_v import_v therein_o but_o at_o their_o discretion_n and_o open_o stop_v and_o impede_v any_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n or_o other_o necessary_n whatsoever_o to_o any_o other_o of_o our_o house_n within_o that_o kingdom_n deny_v to_o we_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o act_n without_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n by_o make_v of_o convocation_n and_o council_n table_n of_o nobility_n gentry_n burrowes_n and_o minister_n within_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o not_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o without_o warrant_n of_o authority_n convene_v assemble_v and_o treat_v upon_o matter_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a send_v their_o injunction_n and_o direction_n throughout_o the_o country_n to_o their_o subordinate_a table_n and_o other_o under-minister_n appoint_v by_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o under_o colour_n and_o pretext_n of_o religion_n exerce_v a_o unwarrant_v and_o unbounded_a liberty_n require_v obedience_n to_o their_o illegal_a and_o unlawful_a procedure_n and_o direction_n to_o the_o great_a and_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 their_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_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 and_o some_o long_o 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 a_o long_a time_n since_o denounce_v rebel_n and_o put_v to_o the_o horn_n who_o by_o all_o law_n and_o unviolable_a custom_n and_o practic_a of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v incapable_a either_o to_o pursue_v or_o defend_v before_o any_o judicatorie_a far_o less_o to_o be_v judge_n themselves_o 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 episcopacy_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 herein_o &_o so_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a judge_n of_o what_o concern_v episcopacy_n and_o also_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 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procedure_n or_o course_n can_v have_v be_v expect_v from_o this_o assembly_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o present_a disorder_n and_o distraction_n yet_o we_o be_v please_v herein_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o blindfold_v our_o own_o judgement_n and_o overlook_v the_o say_n disorder_n and_o patient_o to_o attend_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n still_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o by_o our_o commissioner_n his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o such_o other_o well_o dispose_v 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 all_o that_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o last_o proclamation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o return_v to_o their_o due_a obedience_n of_o subject_n but_o perceive_v that_o their_o seditious_a disposition_n still_o increase_v by_o their_o repair_n to_o the_o say_a assembly_n with_o great_a band_n and_o troop_n of_o man_n all_o boddin_fw-mi in_o fear_n of_o war_n with_o gun_n and_o pistolet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n custom_n observe_v in_o all_o assembly_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o last_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 16._o of_o this_o instant_n as_o also_o by_o their_o peremptory_a refuse_v of_o our_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 at_o divers_a assembly_n 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 other_o assembly_n and_o by_o their_o partial_a unjust_a and_o unchristian_a refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o be_v read_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n give_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o adherent_n to_o our_o commissioner_n why_o the_o assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n without_o they_o neither_o yet_o to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o say_n commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v object_n against_o the_o same_o though_o earnest_o require_v by_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o commissioner_n under_o his_o hand_n by_o warrant_n from_o we_o give_v in_o a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n and_o declaration_n the_o same_o bear_n likewise_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 the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n and_o yet_o not_o rest_v satisfy_v therewith_o lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o may_v produce_v other_o the_o like_o dangerous_a act_n derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n we_o have_v think_v good_a for_o preven_v thereof_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a cause_n and_o reason_n abovementioned_a and_o divers_a other_o import_v the_o true_a monarchical_a government_n of_o this_o estate_n to_o dissolve_v and_o break_v up_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o
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
therefore_o take_v to_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v just_o punish_v we_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o national_a covenant_n make_v with_o god_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o we_o think_v fit_a to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o he_o again_o by_o renew_v the_o same_o covenant_n and_o so_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o christian._n divine_a commandment_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o our_o religious_a progenitour_n warrant_v by_o act_n of_o council_n we_o again_o renew_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o loyalty_n to_o our_o sovereign_n and_o mutual_a union_n among_o ourselves_o in_o that_o cause_n which_o confession_n with_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n blessing_n from_o heaven_n be_v solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o necessary_a explanation_n and_o application_n for_o exclude_v the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n introduce_v in_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o year_n 1580._o that_o so_o our_o oath_n to_o god_n may_v be_v clear_a for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n then_o profess_v and_o establish_v and_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o time_n the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o our_o resolution_n and_o do_v have_v be_v wonderful_a and_o since_o that_o time_n god_n powerful_a hand_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o business_n have_v evident_o appear_v for_o after_o some_o time_n upon_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o groan_n and_o supplication_n our_o gracious_a sovereign_n be_v please_v to_o send_v into_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a lord_n james_n marquis_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v our_o heavy_a grievance_n who_o after_o many_o voyage_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o long_a conference_n and_o treat_v with_o we_o needless_a to_o be_v relate_v in_o this_o place_n do_v in_o end_n by_o commandment_n from_o his_o majesty_n indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o twenty_o one_o of_o november_n last_o and_o proclaim_v a_o parliament_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o fifteen_o of_o may_n next_o to_o come_v for_o settle_v a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o further_o to_o give_v full_a assurance_n to_o the_o subject_n that_o his_o majesty_n do_v never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o his_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o royal_a intention_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n his_o majesty_n do_v enjoin_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o all_o other_o subject_n whatsoever_o to_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n former_o subscribe_v by_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o anno_fw-la 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o again_o subscribe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o anno_fw-la 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o a_o band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o of_o other_o in_o that_o cause_n as_o the_o proclamation_n of_o indiction_n be_v date_v at_o oatland_n the_o 9_o of_o september_n publish_v at_o the_o mercat_n cross_v of_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o the_o say_a month_n more_o full_o proport_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o which_o proclamation_n these_o who_o be_v attend_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o expect_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a desire_n as_o out_o of_o bind_a duty_n they_o do_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n so_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o do_v protest_v that_o they_o who_o have_v by_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o confession_n condescend_v more_o special_o to_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n can_v not_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o specification_n return_v to_o a_o implicit_a and_o more_o general_a confession_n enjoin_v conform_a to_o a_o mandat_fw-la apparent_o discrepant_a from_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n and_o want_v both_o explication_n and_o application_n and_o do_v most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n that_o they_o will_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o former_a reason_n press_v upon_o the_o subject_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o forbear_v their_o own_o subscribe_v of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n may_v result_v upon_o their_o subscribe_v thereof_o in_o a_o ambiguous_a sense_n but_o their_o lordship_n not_o have_v subscribe_v that_o confession_n contain_v our_o former_a explanation_n and_o be_v require_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o present_v to_o they_o without_o our_o explanation_n with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n now_o present_o profess_v and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n lest_o these_o word_n now_o present_o repeat_v in_o this_o year_n 1638._o shall_v infer_v any_o approbation_n of_o these_o innovation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n 1580._o whereof_o many_o do_v just_o complain_v after_o deliberation_n for_o remove_v of_o this_o scruple_n and_o prejudice_n and_o clear_v of_o their_o own_o meaning_n they_o cause_v make_v a_o act_n of_o council_n that_o their_o swear_n and_o subscribe_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o date_n the_o second_o of_o march_n 1580._o according_a as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n whereupon_o they_o rest_v satisfy_v be_v confident_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n then_o indict_v will_v remove_v any_o doubt_n and_o differ_v which_o may_v arise_v anent_o the_o meaning_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o clear_v what_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o yet_o some_o have_v subscribe_v that_o covenant_n in_o different_a sense_n other_o forbear_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o as_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o genuine_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n upon_o who_o interpretation_n as_o of_o the_o only_a competent_a judge_n they_o may_v acquiesce_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v which_o now_o after_o accurate_a trial_n of_o the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n be_v full_o clear_v and_o explain_v in_o this_o last_o general_a assembly_n by_o god_n mercy_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n of_o indiction_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n as_o the_o act_n make_v thereupon_o do_v proport_n whereby_o episcopal_a government_n among_o many_o other_o innovation_n be_v find_v upon_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o publish_v in_o name_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n a_o declaration_n tend_v to_o dissuade_v his_o majesty_n subject_n from_o receive_v the_o explanation_n of_o the_o confession_n make_v by_o this_o assembly_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o confession_n subscribe_v by_o the_o council_n do_v no_o way_n exclude_v episcopal_a government_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o establish_v by_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n the_o nine_o of_o september_n last_o notwithstanding_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o assembly_n which_o as_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o mother_n kirk_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o reverence_v by_o all_o her_o child_n and_o act_n of_o council_n whereof_o the_o word_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o they_o can_v admit_v any_o mental_a reservation_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o such_o of_o the_o councillor_n then_o present_a and_o subscriber_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v touch_v to_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o oath_n to_o god_n preponder_v with_o they_o above_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n and_o fear_n this_o declaration_n contain_v five_o argument_n with_o a_o boundle_n of_o act_n of_o parliament_n quot_v and_o draw_v up_o by_o some_o person_n who_o we_o know_v not_o but_o see_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o
be_v establish_v by_o a_o parliament_n who_o power_n do_v no_o more_o reach_n to_o the_o place_v officer_n original_o in_o the_o kirk_n than_o the_o kirk_n power_n to_o the_o make_v state_n man_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n five_o the_o law_n which_o any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o civil_a privilege_n and_o be_v always_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o land_n six_o if_o any_o assembly_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o countenance_n episcopacy_n or_o other_o corruption_n it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o the_o same_o with_o all_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v declare_v to_o have_v be_v nul_fw-fr and_o void_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la for_o undeniable_a reason_n as_o the_o act_n at_o more_o length_n proport_v seven_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o national_a covenant_n by_o introduction_n of_o corruption_n thereby_o abolish_v have_v undoubted_o in_o high_a measure_n offend_v god_n and_o therefore_o at_o the_o renovation_n of_o that_o covenant_n again_o with_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o abjure_v all_o these_o innovation_n but_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o be_v relapse_n in_o our_o offence_n eight_o in_o no_o covenant_n episcopacy_n be_v express_o or_o specifice_v abjure_v before_o all_o ecclesiastical_a law_n favour_v the_o same_o be_v repeal_v &_o declare_v null_n but_o only_o virtual_o and_o general_o as_o be_v former_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o as_o the_o trial_n hereof_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a so_o now_o when_o the_o assembly_n have_v declare_v &_o find_v presbyterial_a government_n to_o have_v be_v approve_v &_o episcopal_a government_n condemn_v abolish_v and_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o in_o lieu_n of_o perceive_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o a_o apostolic_a institution_n have_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o our_o kirk_n as_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n want_v warrant_n or_o fundament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o this_o kirk_n therefore_o albeit_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v express_o in_o the_o renovation_n of_o this_o confession_n command_v by_o his_o majesty_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o most_o necessary_a and_o incumbent_a to_o we_o all_o who_o be_v tie_v by_o that_o national_a covenant_n against_o that_o unlawful_a hierarchicall_a government_n albeit_o we_o have_v never_o renew_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v false_o calumniat_fw-la to_o have_v condemn_v the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n even_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n which_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n itself_o sufficient_o refute_v by_o allow_v s._n paul_n bishop_n towit_n pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o condemn_v only_o all_o other_o bishop_n bring_v in_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n reason_n the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o declaration_n be_v that_o the_o oath_n for_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n can_v oblige_v after_o the_o alteration_n &_o change_n of_o that_o discipline_n &_o government_n and_o see_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o only_o alterable_a but_o change_v in_o this_o kirk_n we_o be_v not_o tie_v by_o that_o oath_n after_o the_o alteration_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o policy_n and_o order_n in_o ceremony_n be_v temporary_a and_o may_v be_v change_v as_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n cite_v in_o the_o declaration_n but_o a_o bishop_n or_o his_o office_n or_o the_o government_n of_o god_n house_n can_v be_v call_v a_o ceremony_n nay_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v vilify_v by_o that_o appellation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n they_o be_v of_o no_o apostolic_a constitution_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v lawful_a governor_n in_o god_n house_n warrant_v by_o his_o word_n they_o be_v not_o alterable_a and_o so_o this_o second_o reason_n militat_v not_o for_o they_o if_o their_o office_n be_v changeable_a and_o account_v among_o alterable_a ceremony_n they_o be_v well_o explode_v from_o our_o kirk_n &_o may_v be_v so_o by_o that_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o declaration_n 2._o one_o cause_n of_o general_a counsel_n be_v for_o constitute_v a_o good_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o ceremony_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 14._o chap._n to_o the_o 1._o corinth_n will_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o power_n to_o institute_v new_a officer_n in_o his_o kirk_n but_o command_v his_o own_o officer_n to_o exerce_fw-la their_o function_n by_o his_o commandment_n without_o indecencie_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o variable_a circumstance_n thereof_o to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o edification_n 3._o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n all_o man_n invention_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v condemn_v and_o in_o the_o 19_o chap._n ecclesiastical_a discipline_n upright_o minister_v as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v matth._n 18._o 1._o cor._n 5._o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o three_o essential_a and_o unchangeable_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n with_o temporary_a changeable_a ceremony_n though_o unwarrantable_o rank_v with_o they_o in_o the_o declaration_n 4._o it_o be_v evident_a at_o our_o first_o reformation_n what_o policy_n be_v perpetual_a and_o what_o ceremony_n changeable_a for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o policy_n compile_v that_o same_o year_n with_o the_o confession_n 9_o head_n be_v express_v a_o twofold_a policy_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o one_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o all_o kirk_n the_o other_o not_o necessary_a but_o changeable_a such_o as_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n sermon_n shall_v be_v and_o the_o like_a whereof_o they_o establish_v no_o order_n but_o permit_v every_o particular_a kirk_n to_o appoint_v their_o own_o policy_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o edification_n if_o parity_n of_o reason_n will_v make_v episcopacy_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v all_o man_n judge_v 5._o our_o confession_n speak_v of_o a_o order_n in_o ceremony_n which_o can_v be_v appoint_v for_o all_o age_n as_o be_v before_o say_v but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n they_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n himself_o appoint_v a_o ordinare_fw-la constant_a government_n of_o his_o kirk_n by_o his_o four_o ordinar_n office-bearer_n the_o pastor_n elder_n doctor_n &_o deacon_n to_o administrat_fw-la the_o same_o perpetual_o as_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o treatise_n before_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v draw_v up_o at_o that_o same_o time_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o same_o person_n like_o as_o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o when_o that_o confession_n be_v make_v &_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o when_o it_o be_v ratify_v and_o by_o continual_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n kirk_n by_o these_o four_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n be_v set_v down_o as_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o constant_a unchangeable_a and_o perpetual_a and_o as_o that_o holy_a discipline_n without_o which_o god_n word_n can_v be_v preserve_v so_o that_o the_o intrude_a of_o any_o other_o officer_n in_o god_n house_n be_v account_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n 6._o by_o our_o oath_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v both_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o warrant_n whereof_o all_o tradition_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o be_v abjure_v and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n as_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n &_o command_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n whereunto_o we_o have_v swear_v and_o can_v without_o perjury_n to_o god_n gainsay_v it_o like_v as_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o such_o and_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o ratify_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o god_n whereinto_o the_o king_n prerogative_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a 7._o it_o carry_v no_o show_n of_o argument_n or_o face_n of_o probability_n that_o the_o kirk_n and_o reformer_n of_o religion_n which_o condemn_v all_o other_o ordinar_n officer_n in_o the_o kirk_n but_o these_o four_o appoint_v by_o christ_n do_v mean_a under_o the_o name_n of_o variable_a ceremony_n to_o comprehend_v and_o admit_v episcopacy_n which_o frequent_o they_o condemn_v as_o
question_n to_o be_v move_v be_v express_v albeit_o now_o the_o commissioner_n have_v pretend_v the_o examine_v for_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o his_o rise_n and_o away_o go_v from_o the_o assembly_n the_o examine_v shall_v be_v cognosce_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a and_o according_o by_o warrant_n from_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n return_v to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o september_n last_o cause_v indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o november_n last_o to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o all_o good_a subject_n and_o christian_a heart_n who_o thereby_o do_v expect_v the_o perfect_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o long_a expectation_n and_o the_o final_a remedy_n of_o their_o press_a grievance_n but_o these_o hope_n be_v soon_o blast_v for_o albeit_o the_o assembly_n do_v meet_v and_o begin_v at_o the_o appoint_a day_n and_o for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v countenance_v with_o his_o grace_n personal_a presence_n yet_o his_o grace_n do_v never_o allow_v any_o freedom_n to_o the_o assembly_n competent_a to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n but_o do_v labour_n to_o restrain_v the_o examine_v during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n there_o by_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o act_n make_v therein_o and_o against_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o by_o such_o member_n as_o by_o all_o law_n reason_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v ever_o admit_v as_o member_n constituent_v of_o our_o free_a assembly_n and_o by_o deny_v his_o approbation_n to_o the_o thing_n propon_v and_o conclude_v though_o most_o clear_a customable_a and_o uncontroverted_a and_o further_o his_o grace_n after_o the_o present_n and_o read_v of_o his_o own_o commission_n from_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n and_o after_o his_o see_v all_o our_o commission_n from_o presbytery_n burghe_n and_o university_n produce_v and_o examine_v and_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n do_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o occasion_n offer_v by_o we_o disprove_v unexpected_o depart_v and_o discharge_v any_o further_a meeting_n or_o proceed_v in_o 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 thereafter_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 then_o express_v verbal_o by_o his_o grace_n or_o contain_v in_o a_o proclamation_n make_v by_o his_o grace_n at_o glasgow_n judge_n without_o any_o warrant_n of_o a_o act_n of_o council_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v by_o our_o protestation_n of_o the_o 29._o of_o november_n or_o otherwise_o for_o such_o reason_n as_o his_o grace_n think_v meet_v to_o allege_v which_o be_v since_o superad_v in_o this_o late_a proclamation_n now_o make_v at_o edinburgh_n this_o 18._o of_o december_n wherein_o for_o our_o great_a surcharge_n of_o sorrow_n we_o be_v heavy_o and_o wrongous_o blame_v and_o tax_v of_o many_o great_a offence_n and_o first_o for_o make_v protestation_n against_o the_o proclamation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n last_o protestation_n whereas_o our_o reason_n contain_v in_o that_o our_o protestation_n be_v so_o forcible_a and_o just_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o act_n that_o we_o judge_v all_o good_a man_n and_o christian_n will_v be_v satisfy_v therewith_o whereanent_fw-la we_o remit_v ourselves_o to_o our_o protestation_n print_v and_o will_v not_o for_o shortness_n repeat_v the_o examine_v reason_n here_o and_o where_o we_o be_v reproach_v and_o blame_v in_o this_o new_a proclamation_n for_o guard_v and_o watch_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n edinburgh_n and_o impede_v to_o import_v ammunition_n or_o other_o necessary_n to_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n house_n a_o act_n which_o be_v exaggerate_v to_o be_v without_o a_o example_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n see_v we_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o our_o sovereign_n which_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o do_v assume_v to_o ourselves_o for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v unjust_o challenge_v of_o all_o the_o say_a point_n except_o for_o preven_a danger_n evident_o threaten_v unto_o we_o by_o circumspect_a attendance_n about_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n which_o afterward_o we_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v warrantable_o do_v this_o for_o we_o declare_v that_o we_o have_v never_o make_v the_o least_o stop_n or_o hindrance_n to_o the_o importation_n of_o any_o ammunition_n victual_n or_o thing_n whatsoever_o into_o any_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n house_n or_o castle_n nor_o for_o carry_v all_o necessary_a sustentation_n into_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n neither_o have_v any_o of_o we_o fortify_v or_o provide_v any_o of_o our_o private_a house_n for_o warlike_a defence_n so_o that_o all_o those_o be_v heavy_a and_o unjust_a imputation_n but_o we_o confess_v and_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o provision_n and_o ammunition_n quiet_o import_v into_o this_o kingdom_n for_o furnish_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o intend_v secret_o to_o have_v be_v put_v therein_o we_o have_v careful_o preven_v the_o examine_v by_o our_o diligent_a attendance_n and_o that_o for_o such_o reason_n ground_v upon_o equity_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o municipal_a law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o lowable_a example_n of_o our_o predecessor_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o have_v petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o redress_v of_o our_o just_a grievance_n and_o a_o legal_a trial_n thereof_o before_o we_o receive_v any_o answer_n thereunto_o all_o possible_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o dissolve_v that_o union_n which_o be_v make_v among_o we_o for_o that_o good_a cause_n and_o to_o impede_fw-la all_o our_o meeting_n from_o deliberate_v thereupon_o wherein_o the_o town_n of_o edinburgh_n make_v a_o considerable_a part_n not_o only_o as_o a_o important_a member_n of_o this_o conjunction_n but_o as_o a_o most_o commodious_a and_o ordinary_a place_n of_o our_o meeting_n so_o that_o when_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o persuasion_n have_v fail_v the_o mean_n of_o terror_n be_v not_o leave_v unassay_v and_o for_o that_o effect_n a_o great_a quantity_n of_o ammunition_n be_v bring_v by_o sea_n from_o foreign_a part_n to_o have_v be_v clandestin_o import_v into_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v intend_v see_v the_o examine_v be_v unload_v in_o the_o dead_a time_n of_o the_o night_n and_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o case_n the_o examine_v have_v be_v import_v into_o the_o castle_n with_o other_o provision_n and_o store_n former_o therein_o the_o examine_v may_v have_v be_v use_v &_o employ_v for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o that_o place_n and_o tend_v to_o our_o great_a prejudice_n by_o withdraw_a they_o upon_o that_o terror_n and_o displace_v we_o from_o our_o ordinary_a meeting_n upon_o these_o reason_n and_o consideration_n we_o preven_v the_o examine_v by_o such_o a_o loyal_a way_n as_o can_v be_v offensive_a to_o authority_n many_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o public_a be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o lawful_a power_n and_o supreme_a law_n and_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v former_o boast_v by_o that_o provision_n so_o to_o furnish_v the_o castle_n that_o it_o may_v beat_v down_o the_o town_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o bar_v the_o supplicant_n from_o meet_v therein_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o hinder_v that_o fetter_n of_o slavery_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o town_n and_o that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n which_o be_v among_o the_o first_o strength_n of_o the_o land_n against_o foreign_a force_n may_v be_v turn_v as_o a_o 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sovertie_n as_o
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 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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
command_n and_o instance_n to_o impair_v hurt_n or_o stay_v the_o say_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n correction_n of_o manner_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o offence_n &_o enormity_n or_o to_o make_v any_o appellation_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o stop_v the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v by_o god_n word_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n within_o the_o say_v kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n summary_o without_o any_o process_n or_o admonition_n to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n by_o the_o minister_n or_o minister_n which_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o they_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v know_v that_o any_o of_o the_o say_n head_n be_v transgress_v likeas_n both_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n promise_v that_o none_o thereafter_o shall_v have_v that_o cause_n to_o complain_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n in_o july_n 1597._o and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o saint_n andrews_n 24._o april_n 1582._o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o master_n robert_n montgomrie_n the_o assembly_n do_v write_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o this_o discharge_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o see_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a charge_n the_o assembly_n do_v proceed_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o say_a master_n robert_n further_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 27._o of_o june_n 1582._o sess._n 7._o among_o the_o grievance_n present_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o king_n the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o majesty_n by_o device_n of_o some_o counsellor_n be_v move_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o only_a king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o kirk_n the_o ministry_n and_o execution_n whereof_o be_v only_o give_v to_o such_o as_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o in_o his_o majesty_n person_n some_o man_n press_v to_o erect_v a_o babble_n popedom_n as_o though_o his_o majesty_n can_v not_o be_v full_a king_n and_o head_n of_o this_o common_a wealth_n unless_o alswell_o the_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a sword_n be_v put_v in_o his_o majesty_n hand_n unless_o christ_n be_v rest_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o two_o jurisdiction_n confound_v which_o god_n have_v divide_v which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o wrack_n and_o overthrow_v of_o all_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o octob._n 1582._o sess._n 15._o summon_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n against_o the_o king_n advocate_n for_o draw_v up_o the_o king_n proclamation_n of_o that_o strain_n 7._o the_o foresay_a command_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n because_o as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n so_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o national_a assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o only_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o so_o near_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o king_n james_n 6._o and_o parl._n 1_o king_n charles_n likeas_n by_o the_o 12._o par._n 114._o act_n k._n james_n 6._o ann_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o in_o her_o presbytery_n and_o assembly_n be_v full_o and_o firm_o ratify_v with_o declaration_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a over_o all_o estate_n and_o person_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n especial_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o full_a power_n even_o to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n 8._o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n by_o act_n 92._o parl._n 6._o king_n james_n 6._o be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v and_o to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o council_n in_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o the_o 47._o act_n 11._o parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n and_o supersederee_n purchase_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v discharge_v as_o contempt_n do_v to_o the_o law_n as_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o have_v and_o contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o admissible_o by_o any_o judge_n nor_o effectual_a to_o the_o purchaser_n any_o way_n and_o ordain_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v justice_n siclike_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o the_o say_a supersederee_n and_o licence_n never_o have_v be_v purchase_v nor_o produce_v like_o as_o by_o the_o 106._o act_n parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o act_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n according_a to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_n notwithstanding_o of_o privy_a warrant_n or_o prohibition_n contrary_a to_o law_n which_o common_o be_v impetrate_v from_o his_o majesty_n upon_o misinformation_n to_o proceed_v and_o minister_v justice_n 9_o to_o discharge_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n stop_v the_o execution_n thereof_o protect_v and_o defend_v such_o as_o be_v delinquent_n and_o under_o the_o kirk_n censure_n do_v direct_o repugn_v to_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n wherein_o cap._n 19_o the_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v upright_o ministration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v for_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o repress_v of_o vice_n and_o so_o no_o more_o can_v be_v impede_v nor_o just_o take_v from_o the_o kirk_n then_o any_o of_o she_o other_o two_o mark_n viz._n the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o oath_n at_o the_o king_n coronation_n he_o swear_v to_o maintain_v this_o confession_n and_o these_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o particular_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresaid_n crime_n 10._o in_o the_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o renew_v by_o the_o great_a and_o kingdom_n best_a part_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o explication_n renew_v also_o at_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o power_n so_o that_o see_v this_o general_a assembly_n have_v proceed_v in_o their_o constitution_n act_n and_o whole_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1580._o and_o 1590._o contain_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o in_o both_o these_o year_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v registrate_n and_o swear_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o clear_o distinguish_v in_o the_o 1._o c._n l._n 2._o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n may_v no_o way_n stop_v or_o impede_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o in_o the_o 7._o c._n the_o eldership_n and_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n upon_o all_o transgressor_n and_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o c._n the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a
magistrate_n be_v describe_v to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o punish_v those_o civil_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o censure_n thereof_o without_o confound_v always_o the_o one_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o other_o and_o this_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n condescend_v upon_o in_o general_a assembly_n as_o warrant_v by_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v execute_v notwithstanding_o any_o humane_a inhibition_n be_v set_v down_o before_o the_o psalm_n in_o meet_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o expect_v that_o his_o majesty_n who_o out_o of_o his_o pious_a inclination_n to_o justice_n by_o a_o late_a proclamation_n 22._o september_n last_o have_v declare_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o his_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a will_v now_o stay_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n lawful_a 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continue_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n have_v grant_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n that_o it_o be_v and_o be_v most_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o fit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n until_o after_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o try_v judge_v and_o censure_v all_o the_o bygone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n whereof_o the_o general_a and_o principal_a act_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o the_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n and_o such_o like_a that_o whosoever_o presume_v to_o utter_v any_o undutiful_a speech_n against_o the_o same_o may_v be_v due_o censure_v and_o condign_o punish_v we_o protest_v that_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n efold_o and_o faithful_o join_v and_o concur_v in_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o station_n to_o advance_v further_o and_o assist_v the_o execution_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o this_o assembly_n by_o all_o mean_n which_o their_o ability_n can_v afford_v as_o they_o affect_v the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o land_n we_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o challenge_n and_o aspersion_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o that_o our_o whole_a answer_n be_v not_o only_o true_a in_o every_o point_n but_o likewise_o sufficient_o forcible_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o unjust_a imputation_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o whole_a proceed_n and_o carriage_n which_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o blame_v likeas_n by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_a to_o the_o 12._o act._n parl._n 2._o king_n james_n 4._o and_o protest_v for_o remead_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n and_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whosoever_o and_o against_o all_o external_a and_o internal_a invasion_n and_o that_o in_o the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o national_a mother_n kirk_n that_o whatsoever_o inconvenient_n shall_v fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o observance_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o lawful_a defence_n and_o maintenance_n thereof_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o do_v yet_o still_o with_o humble_a vehemency_n beg_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a approbation_n thereunto_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v abide_v to_o any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n do_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v as_o they_o true_o be_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o realm_n we_o protest_v that_o none_o hereafter_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n former_o subscribe_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o council_n as_o they_o will_v eschew_v the_o danger_n of_o a_o contradictory_n oath_n but_o that_o all_o &_o every_o one_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n renew_v in_o february_n last_o and_o that_o with_o this_o sense_n meaning_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o subscribe_v the_o same_o conform_a to_o the_o determination_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n allanerly_a we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v till_o
by_o his_o highness_n and_o three_o estate_n in_o parliament_n be_v discharge_v and_o whereby_o it_o be_v defend_v that_o none_o of_o his_o highness_n subject_n of_o whatsoever_o quality_n estate_n or_o function_n they_o be_v of_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a presume_v or_o take_v upon_o hand_n to_o convocate_v conveen_n or_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o hold_v of_o counsel_n convention_n or_o assembly_n to_o treat_v consult_v or_o determinate_a in_o any_o matter_n of_o estate_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a except_o in_o the_o ordinary_a judgement_n without_o his_o majesty_n special_a commandment_n or_o express_v licence_n have_v and_o obtain_v to_o that_o effect_n by_o the_o 132._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n authorise_v bishop_n to_o try_v and_o judge_v minister_n guilty_a of_o crime_n merit_v deprivation_n by_o the_o 133._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n ordain_v minister_n exerce_v any_o office_n beside_o their_o calling_n to_o be_v try_v and_o adjudge_v culpable_a by_o their_o ordinary_n by_o the_o 23._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1587._o whereby_o all_o act_n make_v by_o his_o highness_n or_o his_o most_o noble_a progenitor_n anent_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n present_o profess_v be_v ratify_v by_o the_o 231._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o bearing_n that_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o highness_n estate_n in_o parliament_n have_v special_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n grant_v by_o his_o highness_n predecessor_n to_o the_o holy_a kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o to_o the_o special_a person_n exerce_v the_o office_n title_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o prelate_n within_o the_o same_o which_o person_n have_v ever_o represent_v one_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o all_o convention_n of_o the_o say_a estate_n and_o that_o the_o say_v privilege_n and_o freedom_n have_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n renew_a and_o conserve_v in_o the_o same_o integrity_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n before_o so_o that_o his_o majesty_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o to_o he_o fall_v now_o under_o his_o majesty_n most_o favourable_a protection_n therefore_o his_o majesty_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n declare_v that_o the_o kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n wherein_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v profess_v be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a kirk_n and_o that_o such_o minister_n as_o his_o majesty_n at_o any_o time_n shall_v please_v to_o provide_v to_o the_o office_n place_n title_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n sicklike_a and_o all_o be_v free_o as_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a prelate_n have_v at_o any_o time_n bygone_a and_o also_o declare_v that_o all_o bishopric_n vaick_v or_o that_o shall_v vaick_a shall_v be_v only_o dispone_v to_o actual_a preacher_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o exerce_fw-la the_o say_a function_n by_o the_o 2._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1606._o whereby_o the_o ancient_a and_o fundamental_a policy_n consist_v in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n be_v of_o late_a great_o impair_v and_o almost_o subvert_v especial_o by_o the_o indirect_a abolish_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n by_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n albeit_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v by_o his_o majesty_n nor_o by_o his_o estate_n that_o the_o say_a estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o necessary_a estate_n of_o the_o parliament_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v suppress_v yet_o by_o dismember_n and_o abstract_n from_o they_o of_o their_o living_n be_v bring_v in_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n the_o say_a estate_n of_o bishop_n be_v restore_v and_o redintegrate_a to_o their_o ancient_a and_o accustom_a honour_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n land_n teinde_n rent_n as_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n most_o ample_o and_o free_a at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o act_n of_o annexation_n rescind_v and_o annul_v all_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n in_o the_o premise_n or_o any_o of_o they_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o the_o effect_n they_o may_v peaceable_o enjoy_v the_o honour_n dignity_n privilege_n and_o prerogative_n competent_a to_o they_o or_o their_o estate_n since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o 6._o act_n of_o the_o 20._o parliament_n declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v redintegrate_a to_o their_o former_a authority_n dignity_n prerogative_n privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o pertain_v and_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o pertain_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o 1._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o ordain_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v elect_v by_o their_o chapter_n and_o no_o other_o way_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o rite_n and_o order_n accustom_v this_o be_v the_o explanation_n and_o now_o follow_v their_o answer_n which_o shall_v receive_v no_o reply_n as_o be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o have_v weaken_v any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o five_o reason_n only_o where_o there_o be_v any_o new_a or_o dangerous_a position_n of_o they_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v with_o any_o show_n fit_a to_o be_v observe_v you_o shall_v find_v it_o note_v upon_o the_o margin_n as_o it_o here_o ensue_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o declaration_n make_v by_o james_n marquesse_n of_o hamilton_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n at_o edinburgh_n an._n 1638._o in_o december_n this_o ancient_a kingdom_n although_o not_o the_o most_o flourish_a in_o the_o glory_n and_o wealth_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o large_o recompense_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o reformation_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o abundant_a mercy_n &_o free_a grace_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o that_o all_o the_o 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