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 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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
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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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
will_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o call_v a_o parliament_n for_o those_o good_a end_n but_o that_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v conceive_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n thereby_o to_o cast_v off_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n for_o maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o being_n most_o willing_a to_o remove_v that_o as_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n therefore_o and_o for_o clear_v of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o imputation_n we_o do_v now_o in_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v and_o sorry_a that_o any_o good_a man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n shall_v so_o conceive_v of_o our_o do_v and_o that_o we_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o faâ—re_v from_o any_o thought_n of_o withdraw_a ourselves_o from_o our_o dutiful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n government_n which_o by_o the_o descent_n and_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o 107_o king_n be_v most_o cheerful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n that_o we_o never_o have_v nor_o have_v any_o intention_n or_o desire_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o king_n greatness_n and_o authority_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o acknowledge_v our_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n have_v solemn_o swear_v not_o only_o our_o mutual_a concurrence_n and_o assistance_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n free_a from_o that_o and_o all_o other_o imputation_n of_o that_o kind_n most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o grace_n to_o esteem_v that_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n to_o have_v be_v intend_v and_o to_o be_v the_o large_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o that_o hindrance_n be_v remove_v must_v still_o supplicate_v that_o your_o grace_n will_v be_v please_v to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o will_v undoubted_o redress_v all_o our_o evil_n settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o procure_v that_o chearfulnesse_n of_o obedience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v to_o his_o majesty_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o offer_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o best_a endeavour_n for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o do_v this_o petition_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o explication_n as_o shall_v give_v either_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n any_o satisfaction_n no_o for_o it_o contain_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o shake_v off_o their_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v give_v way_n to_o all_o their_o course_n which_o by_o this_o petition_n they_o justify_v so_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o will_v continue_v obedient_a subject_n if_o we_o will_v part_v from_o our_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o they_o will_v obey_v if_o we_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o command_v but_o where_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o to_o these_o word_n of_o their_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o mutual_a maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v have_v be_v add_v except_o the_o king_n and_o his_o successor_n that_o be_v refuse_v though_o even_o that_o can_v have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n unless_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n have_v make_v sedition_n and_o punishable_a with_o death_n upon_o notice_n give_v by_o our_o commissioner_n of_o his_o intend_a departure_n the_o debatement_n at_o their_o table_n grow_v very_o hot_a and_o fiery_a upon_o this_o point_n whether_o they_o shall_v present_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n and_o fall_v upon_o the_o violent_a course_n intend_v by_o they_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v grant_v some_o short_a time_n for_o his_o journey_n his_o stay_n with_o we_o his_o return_n to_o they_o again_o with_o our_o final_a answer_n and_o last_o resolution_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promise_v that_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o and_o continue_v all_o thing_n in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la until_o his_o return_n this_o last_o be_v agree_v unto_o though_o not_o without_o much_o contrariety_n of_o voice_n and_o so_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n come_v and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o this_o their_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o they_o will_v expect_v our_o answer_n and_o his_o return_n upon_o the_o five_o of_o august_n next_o at_o the_o further_a until_o which_o time_n they_o will_v break_v up_o their_o great_a meeting_n contain_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o by_o that_o day_n he_o do_v either_o not_o return_v or_o not_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o we_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o expect_v than_o they_o will_v hold_v themselves_o free_a and_o go_v on_o to_o prosecute_v the_o course_n which_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o us._n after_o our_o commissioner_n have_v at_o greenwich_n make_v we_o full_o acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o insolence_n we_o speedy_o dispatch_v he_o with_o new_a instruction_n and_o command_v he_o to_o return_v so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v back_o in_o scotland_n by_o the_o five_o of_o august_n and_o give_v he_o order_n for_o the_o indict_v both_o of_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o a_o parliament_n but_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v full_o satisfy_v by_o all_o information_n which_o he_o can_v convenient_o receive_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n with_o which_o perhaps_o many_o be_v not_o acquaint_v none_o have_v be_v keep_v for_o divers_a year_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v require_v good_a deliberation_n to_o agree_v both_o upon_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o for_o their_o person_n but_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o of_o what_o thing_n be_v usual_o treat_v and_o handle_v there_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o return_v into_o scotland_n but_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o much_o worse_a case_n and_o in_o a_o far_o great_a combustion_n than_o he_o leave_v they_o for_o he_o find_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faction_n be_v afraid_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v back_o with_o he_o some_o satisfactory_a accommodation_n which_o our_o subject_n may_v like_v well_o but_o they_o themselves_o resolve_v to_o reject_v have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n assure_v their_o follower_n that_o they_o may_v compass_v their_o end_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o themselves_o desire_v nay_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o untrue_a viz._n that_o our_o commissioner_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o especial_o with_o their_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o late_a explication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o use_v that_o inducement_n for_o a_o argument_n whereby_o they_o persuade_v many_o of_o all_o sort_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o stand_v out_o against_o their_o covenant_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o this_o short_a time_n of_o his_o absence_n from_o they_o and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdene_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o print_v that_o our_o commissioner_n rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o covenant_n according_a to_o their_o explication_n of_o it_o with_o which_o their_o notorious_a calumny_n he_o find_v himself_o so_o high_o injure_v in_o a_o point_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v his_o loyalty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o
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
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
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
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 and_o grave_a sentence_n of_o this_o national_a kirk_n so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o necessary_a for_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n which_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o article_n before_o mention_v have_v promise_v to_o defend_v and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o defence_n of_o excommunicate_a and_o obstinate_a person_n but_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o his_o gracious_a majesty_n will_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v that_o reverence_n and_o all_o ready_a obedience_n may_v be_v defer_v to_o the_o whole_a act_n constitution_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o all_o his_o subject_n who_o undoubted_o and_o necessary_o be_v oblige_v to_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o mother_n kirk_n if_o they_o will_v be_v account_v member_n or_o son_n thereof_o by_o all_o which_o all_o cloud_n of_o weighty_a reason_n the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o just_a proceed_n do_v evident_o appear_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o challenge_n adduce_v against_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o therefore_o for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n we_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o we_o represent_v and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o before_o mention_v do_v solemn_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o protest_v they_o that_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o incumbent_n to_o we_o as_o good_a christian_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a subject_n towards_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n and_o we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v and_o shall_v 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
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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 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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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to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n but_o although_o our_o adversary_n have_v herein_o calumniate_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v always_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o loyal_a subject_n petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o a_o legal_a redress_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n to_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o covenant_n the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n have_v many_o time_n and_o most_o instant_o press_v we_o with_o that_o point_n we_o do_v first_o by_o child_n invincible_a argument_n make_v manifest_a that_o we_o can_v not_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o without_o do_v wrong_n to_o this_o national_n church_n and_o all_o posterity_n rescind_n or_o alter_v the_o same_o and_o thereafter_o do_v at_o large_a clear_v the_o same_o of_o all_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n by_o our_o last_o supplication_n and_o declaration_n which_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n any_o accept_v as_o the_o 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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
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
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 order_n of_o law_n and_o without_o due_a form_n of_o process_n thrust_v out_o the_o moderatour_n lawful_o establish_v and_o place_v other_o who_o they_o find_v most_o inclinable_a to_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n associate_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n a_o laick-eld_a out_o of_o each_o paroch_n who_o be_v in_o most_o place_n equal_a if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o ministry_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o shall_v be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n as_o also_o of_o a_o ruling-eld_a be_v direct_v more_o therein_o by_o the_o warrant_n from_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a table_n then_o by_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a private_a instruction_n send_v from_o they_o far_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o lowable_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o do_n it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o no_o calm_a nor_o peaceable_a 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
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
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
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
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
member_n of_o the_o assembly_n allege_v to_o be_v under_o censure_n censure_n who_o have_v make_v the_o covenanter_n judge_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n either_o of_o the_o judicatorie_a or_o the_o cause_n especial_o what_o a_o intolerable_a presumption_n be_v it_o in_o they_o to_o judge_v our_o judicatories_n in_o ireland_n ireland_n but_o they_o know_v that_o many_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n be_v denounce_v our_o rebel_n and_o put_v to_o our_o horn_n long_o before_o our_o assembly_n be_v think_v on_o anent_o the_o allege_a instrument_n send_v from_o the_o table_n table_n not_o from_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o they_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v know_v but_o from_o a_o cabinet_n meeting_n consist_v of_o they_o who_o lead_v the_o rest_n by_o the_o nose_n &_o who_o name_n we_o know_v and_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o all_o in_o due_a time_n time_n if_o it_o be_v forge_v it_o be_v forge_v by_o none_o but_o covenanter_n who_o from_o many_o several_a shire_n in_o the_o kingdom_n do_v send_v copy_n of_o the_o same_o write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o other_o and_o yet_o those_o covenanter_n do_v not_o know_v one_o of_o another_o send_n send_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o assembly_n who_o offer_v any_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v here_o allege_a we_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o may_v have_v take_v that_o oath_n safe_o because_o they_o be_v indeed_o never_o acquaint_v with_o these_o paper_n but_o our_o commissioner_n if_o he_o have_v be_v put_v to_o it_o by_o the_o assembly_n can_v have_v name_v many_o especial_o some_o of_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n and_o minister_n who_o can_v not_o have_v take_v that_o oath_n without_o perjury_n and_o since_o it_o be_v now_o deny_v they_o shall_v be_v name_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n place_n first_o this_o nor_o the_o eight_o be_v not_o publish_v in_o their_o public_a instruction_n for_o it_o will_v have_v offend_v many_o covenanter_n who_o be_v both_o chapter-man_n and_o chappel-man_n and_o therefore_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v one_o of_o their_o instruction_n must_v needs_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v among_o their_o private_a one_o but_o a_o wonder_n it_o be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o avow_v in_o print_n this_o their_o false_a and_o partial_a deal_n for_o this_o instruction_n concern_v chapter-man_n and_o chappel-man_n be_v only_o give_v to_o bar_v some_o moderate_a covenant_a minister_n from_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n for_o notwithstanding_o this_o instruction_n master_n ramsey_n who_o both_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chapter_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o subdeane_n of_o our_o chapel_n and_o rollock_n who_o be_v prebend_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o one_o of_o our_o chaplain_n who_o due_o preach_v his_o turn_n in_o our_o chapel_n and_o some_o other_o fierce_a and_o fiery_a revolt_a chapterman_n and_o chappel-man_n be_v choose_v commissioner_n though_o the_o reason_n here_o express_v be_v as_o strong_a against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o rest_n anent_o our_o go_v to_o glasgow_n with_o allege_a number_n and_o weapon_n weapon_n most_o false_a anent_o our_o refusal_n of_o assessor_n and_o of_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n declinator_n it_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o impudent_a speech_n to_o affirm_v that_o our_o royal_a father_n keep_v unlawful_a assembly_n especial_o when_o some_o of_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o parliament_n anent_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a satisfactory_a god_n never_o put_v it_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n rebellion_n but_o never_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o and_o our_o successor_n successor_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n annex_v upon_o which_o their_o covenant_n be_v ground_v be_v enjoin_v at_o the_o first_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n 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to_o reject_v that_o as_o popish_a and_o anti-christian_n anti-christian_n nay_o but_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n have_v erect_v a_o popedom_n and_o for_o their_o authority_n go_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o use_v the_o very_a same_o argument_n and_o abuse_v the_o very_a same_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o learn_a patron_n of_o the_o pope_n do_v for_o rob_v of_o prince_n of_o their_o authority_n over_o all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o cause_n in_o their_o several_a dominion_n the_o word_n which_o next_o follow_v be_v mere_a babble_n babble_n by_o the_o great_a but_o the_o worst_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n kingdom_n the_o sentence_n of_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n be_v most_o unlawful_a light_a and_o mad_a sentence_n sentence_n it_o seem_v indeed_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o cloud_n for_o both_o they_o be_v so_o dark_a as_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v and_o they_o do_v portend_v a_o storm_n but_o have_v no_o weight_n in_o they_o at_o all_o all_o these_o particular_a protestation_n be_v the_o very_a same_o former_o make_v by_o they_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v even_o unto_o tediousness_n and_o therefore_o the_o reader_n need_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v any_o more_o with_o they_o
of_o that_o employment_n by_o their_o place_n or_o such_o as_o be_v legal_o disable_v to_o sit_v and_o decide_v in_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n a_o meeting_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n can_v be_v think_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n ja._n 6._o par_fw-fr 3._o cap._n 46._o 1572._o every_o minister_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n parliament_n and_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o province_n give_v his_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 and_o open_o upon_o some_o sunday_n in_o time_n of_o sermon_n or_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o kirk_n where_o he_o 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superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o province_n subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la deprive_v and_o their_o place_n void_a as_o if_o they_o be_v natural_o dead_a and_o consequent_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o function_n in_o the_o church_n can_v be_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n hoc_fw-la maximè_fw-la attento_fw-it that_o the_o say_v person_n not_o only_o have_v never_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n nor_o can_v show_v no_o testimonial_a thereupon_o as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o say_a act_n but_o also_o have_v as_o subject_n comprehend_v in_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o acknowledge_v obey_v maintain_v defend_v &_o advance_v the_o life_n honour_n safety_n dignity_n sovereign_a authority_n and_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o his_o sovereign_a majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o highness_n crown_n with_o their_o life_n land_n and_o good_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n constant_o and_o faithful_o to_o withstand_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n power_n and_o estate_n who_o shall_v presume_v press_v or_o intend_v any_o wise_a to_o impugn_v prejudge_v hurt_n or_o impair_v the_o same_o and_o never_o to_o come_v in_o the_o contrary_a thereof_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o any_o time_n come_v as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n jacob._n 6._o parl._n 18._o cap._n 1._o car._n parl._n cap._n 1_o do_v proport_n and_o moreover_o be_v oblige_v at_o their_o admission_n to_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o testify_v and_o declare_v on_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o lawful_a supreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a band_n act_n and_o promise_n whereby_o the_o say_v person_n be_v so_o strict_o bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o premise_n his_o majesty_n have_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n at_o holy-rood-house_n septem_n 24._o 1638._o and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o his_o majesty_n have_v of_o whatsoever_o estate_n degree_n or_o quality_n ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a shall_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n together_o with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o without_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a band_n and_o confession_n but_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o other_o speech_n dissuade_v deter_v impede_v and_o hinder_v other_o of_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o public_o protest_v against_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o can_v conveen_v nor_o concur_v lawful_o to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v deprive_v and_o denude_v of_o all_o place_n and_o function_n in_o the_o same_o a_o general_a assembly_n be_v condescend_v to_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a clemency_n and_o pious_a disposition_n as_o a_o royal_a favour_n to_o those_o that_o so_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o acquiesce_v to_o his_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n which_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n sept._n 1638._o do_v not_o so_o account_v of_o and_o accept_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a protestation_n whereby_o they_o protest_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o at_o other_o time_n so_o at_o this_o to_o assemble_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n to_o the_o contrary_n as_o also_o by_o continue_v their_o meeting_n and_o table_n discharge_v by_o authority_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o counsel_n command_v for_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n protest_v against_o the_o same_o still_o insist_v with_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o remit_v nothing_o of_o their_o former_a proceed_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n wrath_n be_v provoke_v thereby_o they_o be_v become_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o pardon_n and_o so_o forfeit_a the_o favour_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v just_o fear_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o in_o this_o convention_n for_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o parl._n 15._o cap._n 31._o prelacy_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o par._n 8._o cap._n 130._o all_o person_n be_v discharge_v to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_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 and_o whereas_o the_o king_n by_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o for_o that_o effect_n as_o constant_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o all_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v present_a as_o appear_v by_o many_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n ordain_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o assist_v at_o the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n decemb._n 15._o 1566._o at_o edinburgh_n 6._o march_n 1572._o at_o edinburgh_n may_v 10._o 1586._o and_o by_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o assembly_n march_v 6._o 1573._o to_o the_o regent_n earnest_o desire_v his_o own_o or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o assembly_n they_o notwithstanding_o by_o the_o say_a protestation_n septemb_n 22_o declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o their_o office_n in_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v authorize_v with_o no_o lawful_a commission_n and_o to_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n and_o withal_o do_v arrogate_v to_o their_o meeting_n a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o can_v arise_v contrary_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n whether_o in_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o in_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o
proceed_v which_o how_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o majesty_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o that_o judgement_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v and_o do_v call_v god_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v if_o these_o be_v fit_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n intend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n giving_z and_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a direct_v commissioner_n in_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o this_o meeting_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o say_v presbytery_n have_v the_o authority_n to_o direct_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n yet_o have_v they_o now_o lose_v and_o fall_v from_o all_o such_o right_a if_o any_o they_o have_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v depose_v the_o moderatour_n who_o be_v lawful_o appoint_v to_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o synod_n and_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o place_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o and_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o ordain_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderatour_n at_o these_o meeting_n and_o in_o their_o absence_n the_o minister_n who_o the_o bishop_n shall_v appoint_v at_o the_o synod_n so_o these_o meeting_n have_v disclaim_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n depose_v their_o lawful_a moderatour_n and_o choose_v other_o without_o authority_n can_v be_v esteem_v lawful_a convocation_n that_o can_v have_v lawful_a power_n of_o send_v out_o commissioner_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o do_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o commission_n flow_v from_o such_o meeting_n further_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v associate_v to_o themselves_o a_o laic_a roll_a elder_a as_o they_o call_v he_o out_o of_o every_o session_n and_o parish_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o parish_n or_o a_o man_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o bound_n do_v over-rule_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n both_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o their_o number_n be_v more_o than_o the_o minister_n whereof_o some_o be_v ordinary_o absent_a and_o five_o or_o six_o or_o so_o many_o of_o they_o put_v in_o list_n and_o remove_v there_o remain_v but_o a_o few_o minister_n to_o voice_n to_o the_o election_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o clergy_n be_v choose_v by_o lay-man_n contrary_a to_o all_o order_n decency_n and_o custom_n observe_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n no_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v the_o presbytery_n former_o never_a associate_a to_o themselves_o lay-elder_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o only_o for_o their_o assistance_n in_o discipline_n and_o correction_n of_o manner_n call_v for_o they_o at_o such_o occasion_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o godly_a concurrence_n declare_v otherwise_o their_o meeting_n not_o necessary_a and_o provide_v express_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v equal_a but_o few_o in_o number_n then_o the_o pastor_n as_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n april_n 24._o 1582._o where_o master_n andrew_n melvill_n be_v moderator_n do_v appear_v like_a as_o these_o forty_o year_n by_o go_v and_o upward_o long_o before_o the_o re-establish_a of_o bishop_n these_o lay-elder_n have_v not_o be_v call_v at_o all_o to_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o presbytery_n have_v authority_n to_o send_v these_o lay_n commissioner_n it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o those_o lay-elder_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o choose_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n authorise_v presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n nor_o have_v lay_v elder_n sit_v ordinary_o in_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o occasion_n these_o forty_o year_n and_o upward_o nor_o ever_o have_v any_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n for_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o consequent_o those_o choose_v by_o they_o to_o this_o assembly_n have_v no_o lawful_a power_n nor_o authority_n beside_o the_o person_n ecclesiastical_a pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n have_v so_o behave_v themselves_o that_o just_o they_o may_v be_v think_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n to_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n 1._o for_o that_o by_o their_o seditious_a and_o rail_a sermon_n and_o pamphlet_n they_o have_v wound_v the_o king_n honour_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o animate_v his_o liedge_n to_o rebellion_n aver_v that_o all_o authority_n sovereign_a be_v original_o in_o the_o collective_a body_n derive_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o negligence_n it_o be_v suppletiuè_fw-la in_o the_o collective_a body_n as_o be_v communicate_v from_o the_o commontie_z to_o the_o king_n cumulatiuè_n not_o privatiuè_a but_o also_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n to_o return_v to_o the_o collective_a body_n so_o that_o rex_fw-la excidit_fw-la jure_fw-la svo_fw-la and_o that_o they_o may_v refuse_v obedience_n 2._o next_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v either_o be_v schismatical_o refractorie_a and_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n or_o such_o as_o have_v promise_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n have_v never_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o oath_n or_o such_o as_o have_v swear_v and_o according_o practise_v yet_o contrary_a to_o their_o promise_n and_o practice_n have_v resile_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o order_n or_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n or_o convene_v at_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o the_o ordinary_n or_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n for_o divers_a transgression_n deserve_v deprivation_n as_o first_o for_o utter_v in_o their_o sermon_n rash_a and_o irreverent_a speech_n in_o pulpit_n against_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o their_o proceed_n punishable_a by_o deprivation_n by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n may_v 22._o 1590._o next_o for_o reprove_v his_o majesty_n law_n statute_n and_o ordinance_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o perth_n maii_n 1._o 1596._o three_o for_o express_v of_o man_n name_n in_o pulpit_n or_o describe_v they_o vive_o to_o their_o reproach_n where_o there_o be_v no_o notorious_a fault_n against_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n four_o for_o use_v application_n in_o their_o sermon_n not_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o present_a auditory_a contrary_a to_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n 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