of_o sectary_n in_o england_n be_v remonstrate_v by_o we_o to_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n it_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o who_o now_o be_v most_o active_a and_o forward_a for_o a_o engagement_n that_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n be_v in_o no_o such_o danger_n from_o the_o sectary_n in_o england_n and_o the_o army_n there_o as_o may_v be_v any_o cause_n of_o not_o disband_v the_o army_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o be_v this_o candid_a or_o fair_a deal_n to_o extenuat_fw-la or_o elevat_fw-la danger_n from_o sectary_n so_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v man_n present_a business_n or_o if_o the_o design_n at_o that_o time_n be_v to_o disband_v that_o army_n as_o to_o make_v up_o another_o of_o their_o own_o model_n why_o be_v this_o somuch_o disclaim_v when_o mention_v among_o our_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n in_o our_o romonstrance_n octob._n 13_o however_o it_o seem_v the_o thing_n then_o suspect_v be_v now_o begin_v to_o be_v act_v and_o it_o be_v too_o aparent_a that_o our_o former_a fear_n be_v not_o without_o some_o real_a ground_n as_o to_o any_o calumny_n or_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o our_o proceed_n by_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v person_n as_o our_o conscience_n before_o god_n so_o the_o very_a course_n of_o our_o proceed_n before_o man_n do_v clear_o wipe_v they_o off_o and_o because_o we_o have_v here_o only_o summary_o point_v at_o thing_n we_o shall_v for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o all_o refer_v to_o the_o several_a paper_n themselves_o herewithal_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n into_o the_o particular_n all_o that_o do_v ingenious_o seek_v after_o satisfaction_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o particular_a paper_n that_o we_o have_v not_o meddle_v with_o civil_a business_n but_o only_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o mere_o concern_v the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n so_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o well-affected_n in_o the_o land_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v more_o credit_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o information_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o work_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n or_o of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v constant_a and_o real_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o this_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n we_o trust_v god_n will_v discover_v more_o and_o more_o the_o mystery_n of_o malignancy_n now_o so_o strong_o work_v manifest_a the_o innocency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n deliver_v his_o people_n out_o of_o the_o present_a snare_n and_o guide_v they_o in_o a_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n which_o afterward_o shall_v be_v no_o grief_n of_o heart_n but_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o a._n ker_n the_o parliament_n answer_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o of_o march_n 9_o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v by_o mr._n robert_n dowglas_n accompany_v with_o divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n and_o rule_v elder_n read_v in_o audience_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n acknowledge_v and_o take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v this_o counsel_n or_o advise_v to_o the_o parliament_n and_o remit_v the_o same_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o several_a body_n but_o the_o parliament_n desire_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n which_o they_o will_v do_v with_o all_o possible_a speed_n that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n will_v take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o same_o and_o declare_v that_o as_o they_o conceive_v this_o offer_n of_o council_n from_o the_o church_n to_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o parliamentary_a power_n and_o liberty_n so_o by_o this_o delay_n or_o answer_v they_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o way_n to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o privilege_n due_a to_o the_o church_n or_o commission_n thereof_o their_o intention_n be_v mere_o for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o they_o extractum_fw-la alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n answer_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o parliament_n paper_n of_o the_o 9_o of_o march_n edinburgh_n 10._o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v this_o day_n receive_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n register_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n concern_v their_o declaration_n present_v to_o their_o honour_n yesterday_o do_v humble_o return_v this_o answer_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n that_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v our_o counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o that_o they_o profess_v their_o intention_n for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o their_o lordship_n and_o we_o without_o entrench_v any_o way_n upon_o he_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o be_v necessitate_v humble_o to_o represent_v to_o their_o honour_n that_o their_o desire_n to_o we_o to_o take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o say_a declaration_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n be_v such_o that_o this_o kirk_n have_v not_o be_v former_o acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a neither_o can_v we_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o trust_n put_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o delay_n to_o emit_v and_o publish_v this_o declaration_n unless_o we_o have_v assurance_n which_o we_o have_v not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o delay_n otherwise_o we_o come_v under_o great_a guiltiness_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o give_v timous_a and_o due_a warning_n not_o only_o to_o their_o honour_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o god_n require_v of_o watchman_n in_o time_n of_o evident_a danger_n which_o make_v we_o as_o before_o in_o like_a case_n we_o have_v do_v to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o print_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n before_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o honour_n desire_n for_o not_o publish_v it_o thus_o have_v exoner_v our_o own_o conscience_n we_o humble_o desire_v their_o honour_n to_o rest_v confident_a that_o as_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o keep_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o give_v to_o their_o honour_n any_o cause_n of_o offence_n a._n ker_n the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n upon_o the_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o march_v concern_v berwick_n and_o carlisle_n whereas_o we_o have_v earnest_o desire_v and_o press_v that_o no_o power_n he_o grant_v to_o any_o committee_n to_o do_v act_n or_o order_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v engage_v this_o kingdom_n in_o a_o war_n before_o the_o parliament_n resolve_v on_o a_o war_n and_o state_n the_o cause_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o it_o be_v in_o our_o judgement_n neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n and_o tenor_n of_o commission_n from_o shire_n and_o burgh_n nor_o to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1640._o against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n it_o be_v also_o of_o dangerous_a preparative_n and_o much_o derogatory_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n we_o do_v therefore_o dissent_v from_o the_o grant_n of_o any_o such_o power_n and_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v include_v in_o any_o such_o vote_n or_o resolution_n but_o may_v be_v free_a before_o god_n and_o man_n of_o all_o the_o guiltiness_n prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_n that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o the_o cause_n covenant_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o the_o union_n betwext_v the_o kingdom_n edinburgh_n 22._o martii_fw-la 1648._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n whereas_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o some_o of_o your_o lordship_n which_o do_v go_v on_o towards_o a_o agreement_n till_o it_o be_v obstruct_v by_o a_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o have_v already_o show_v by_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 17._o and_o
we_o insist_v upon_o the_o prejudice_n that_o preparative_n of_o the_o take_n of_o resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi may_v bring_v to_o the_o interest_n and_o liberty_n thereof_o but_o conceive_v that_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o demand_n as_o intend_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n in_o case_n the_o seaman_n shall_v be_v refuse_v by_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n we_o can_v return_v our_o thought_n thereupon_o until_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n former_o propound_v to_o your_o lordship_n and_o until_o you_o shall_v be_v please_v also_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o article_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n and_o other_o demand_n for_o reparation_n thereof_o mention_v in_o the_o paper_n send_v to_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o only_o know_v that_o no_o other_o of_o the_o demand_n do_v cross_v this_o or_o tend_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n but_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v and_o resolve_v as_o may_v indeed_o contribute_v for_o establish_v the_o covenant_n and_o settle_v of_o reformation_n of_o and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o attain_v all_o thing_n express_v in_o your_o lordship_n demand_n communicate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n see_v your_o lordship_n do_v profess_v that_o the_o cause_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o chief_n ground_n of_o the_o undertake_n be_v for_o religion_n we_o desire_v your_o lordship_n serious_o in_o your_o conscience_n to_o ponder_v how_o you_o can_v make_v the_o refusal_n of_o this_o demand_n a_o cause_n of_o war_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n with_o who_o this_o nation_n be_v late_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n and_o end_n thereof_o when_o the_o king_n be_v in_o arm_n against_o both_o and_o yet_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n for_o the_o king_n while_o he_o still_o refuse_v to_o settle_v religion_n and_o enjoin_v the_o covenant_n and_o will_v come_v no_o further_o at_o the_o uttermost_a then_o to_o leave_v the_o seaman_n arbitrary_a as_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o late_a concession_n or_o how_o your_o lordship_n can_v propound_v any_o such_o demand_n unto_o other_o whilst_o yourselves_o have_v not_o declare_v the_o king_n concession_n so_o much_o as_o unsatisfactory_a see_v these_o concession_n be_v destructive_a to_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o your_o lordship_n demand_n a._n ker._n edinb_n 18_o april_n 1648._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o excellent_a as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o in_o deavour_n and_o undertake_n of_o this_o nation_n so_o it_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o care_n and_o we_o trust_v be_v most_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o godly_a people_n throughout_o the_o land_n as_o several_a of_o their_o supplication_n unto_o your_o lordship_n do_v make_v evident_a it_o be_v from_o the_o tender_a regard_n we_o have_v of_o this_o so_o precious_a a_o jewel_n that_o we_o do_v emit_v a_o declaration_n concern_v present_a danger_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v also_o from_o our_o respect_n thereunto_o perceive_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi incline_v to_o a_o engagement_n from_o which_o we_o neither_o be_v then_o nor_o now_o be_v averse_a be_v first_o satisfy_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o undertake_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o same_o that_o we_o do_v afterward_o propound_v some_o humble_a desire_n unto_o your_o lordship_n contain_v thing_n necessary_a for_o a_o right_a undertake_n for_o and_o secure_v of_o religion_n and_o preserve_v the_o union_n between_o the_o kingdom_n but_o after_o long_a attendance_n and_o most_o earnest_a expectation_n have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n from_o your_o lordship_n in_o these_o our_o desire_n and_o conceive_v that_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n be_v towards_o a_o engagement_n in_o a_o war_n we_o do_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n and_o intention_n than_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a entreat_v and_o obtest_v your_o lordship_n that_o as_o you_o do_v profess_v that_o any_o undertake_n which_o you_o now_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v unto_o shall_v only_o be_v for_o settle_v religion_n truth_n and_o peace_n under_o his_o majesty_n government_n so_o for_o convince_v our_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o both_o kingdom_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o your_o intention_n that_o your_o lordship_n will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o satisfaction_n in_o all_o these_o our_o former_a just_a and_o necessary_a desire_n and_o that_o for_o the_o say_a end_n your_o lordship_n will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o mean_v to_o be_v far_o from_o interess_v yourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v put_v in_o his_o majesty_n hand_n such_o power_n as_o may_v not_o only_o bring_v the_o bygon_a proceed_n of_o both_o kingdom_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o question_n but_o also_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v make_v void_a all_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n though_o proceed_v never_o so_o right_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o your_o lordship_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o associate_a with_o or_o give_v trust_n and_o countenance_n to_o any_o within_o the_o three_o kingdom_n who_o do_v not_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a your_o lordship_n will_v hold_v they_o all_o for_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n and_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v they_o if_o they_o rise_v in_o arm_n which_o we_o think_v we_o may_v with_o the_o great_a reason_n and_o confidence_n expect_v from_o your_o lordship_n because_o you_o have_v resolve_v to_o demand_v of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n that_o a_o effectual_a course_n be_v take_v by_o the_o house_n for_o enjoin_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n conform_v to_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o treaty_n &_o the_o declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n in_o anno_fw-la 1643_o by_o which_o all_o who_o will_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v public_a enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o punish_v as_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n and_o we_o trust_v that_o whilst_o your_o lordship_n require_v of_o they_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n contain_v in_o the_o treaty_n and_o declaration_n you_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o intend_v to_o do_v nothing_o yourselves_o contrary_a thereunto_o the_o obligation_n therein_o be_v equal_a in_o regard_n of_o both_o and_o the_o performance_n alike_o conduce_v for_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o we_o do_v humble_o entreat_v that_o your_o honour_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o your_o resolutionsupon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o we_o may_v see_v there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o that_o may_v cross_v your_o lordship_n demand_n concern_v religion_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o security_n thereof_o and_o our_o desire_n for_o the_o same_o and_o that_o what_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_v to_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n concern_v religion_n for_o render_v the_o same_o the_o more_o effectual_a your_o lordship_n will_n at_o the_o same_o time_n solicit_v his_o majesty_n for_o his_o royal_a assent_n thereunto_o that_o his_o majesty_n and_o all_o other_o may_v know_v that_o what_o you_o intend_v on_o his_o behalf_n be_v with_o a_o subordination_n to_o those_o end_n and_o so_o his_o majesty_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o remove_v all_o obstruction_n on_o his_o part_n that_o hinder_v the_o settle_n of_o religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n government_n and_o be_v desirous_a that_o all_o mean_n be_v first_o assay_v which_o may_v prevent_v the_o effusion_n of_o more_o christian_a blood_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a therefore_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o peace_n we_o do_v supplicate_v that_o your_o lordship_n will_v take_v such_o course_n for_o seek_v reparation_n from_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n as_o may_v be_v most_o probable_a in_o
dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o for_o the_o particular_n we_o shall_v express_v our_o sense_n thereof_o in_o a_o distinct_a paper_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o can_v put_v our_o thought_n in_o order_n which_o we_o hope_v shall_v be_v very_o short_o as_o to_o our_o other_o two_o paper_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v your_o lordship_n in_o mind_n of_o some_o particular_n contain_v therein_o which_o we_o observe_v not_o to_o be_v touch_v much_o less_o satisfy_v by_o your_o lordship_n either_o in_o your_o answer_n of_o the_o 20_o or_o in_o the_o declaration_n as_o namely_o 1._o in_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 13_o we_o desire_v your_o lordship_n serious_o to_o ponder_v how_o you_o can_v make_v the_o refusal_n of_o that_o demand_n concern_v religion_n a_o cause_n of_o war_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n with_o who_o this_o nation_n be_v late_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o league_n and_o 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petition_n that_o your_o lordship_n may_v let_v his_o majesty_n and_o all_o other_o know_v that_o what_o you_o intend_v on_o his_o behalf_n be_v with_o a_o subordmation_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o security_n thereof_o some_o particular_n in_o these_o two_o paper_n your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o make_v answer_n unto_o and_o first_o to_o that_o which_o we_o desire_v concern_v application_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n your_o lordship_n answer_n that_o the_o parliament_n conceive_v the_o same_o way_n be_v now_o take_v that_o have_v be_v former_o which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v so_o not_o have_v know_v heretofore_o such_o a_o way_n of_o send_v demand_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n but_o that_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n be_v always_o desire_v to_o concur_v with_o this_o kingdom_n in_o the_o send_n of_o 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in_o that_o condition_n as_o that_o he_o may_v make_v a_o perfect_a settlement_n of_o religion_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o why_o even_o in_o the_o condition_n he_o now_o be_v in_o there_o may_v not_o be_v application_n make_v to_o he_o for_o obtain_v from_o he_o security_n and_o assurance_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o whereas_o your_o lordship_n by_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o your_o answer_n let_v we_o know_v that_o you_o suspend_v your_o insist_v for_o satisfaction_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o religion_n till_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o freedom_n honour_n and_o safety_n as_o his_o concession_n may_v be_v effectual_a to_o pass_v the_o ambiguity_n which_o may_v be_v conceal_v in_o these_o last_o word_n and_o what_o concession_n be_v mean_v whither_o his_o majesty_n future_a concession_n or_o those_o already_o grant_v we_o do_v not_o think_v this_o delay_n safe_a neither_o can_v we_o know_v how_o long_o it_o may_v be_v withal_o this_o clause_n give_v some_o light_n to_o that_o part_n of_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n for_o his_o majesty_n come_v with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n to_o some_o of_o his_o house_n in_o or_o near_a london_n this_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n be_v conceive_v by_o your_o lordship_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v enable_v his_o majesty_n to_o effectuate_v his_o concession_n concern_v religion_n appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o restore_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n without_o security_n first_o have_v from_o he_o for_o settle_v religion_n the_o second_o part_n of_o your_o lordship_n answer_n we_o humble_o conceive_v do_v rather_o confirm_v than_o satisfy_v our_o just_a complaint_n concern_v resolution_n take_v by_o your_o lordship_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi for_o when_o your_o lordship_n say_v that_o what_o be_v now_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o new_a ground_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n yea_o that_o in_o your_o lordshp_n demand_v concern_v religion_n our_o advice_n be_v desire_v all_o this_o add_v to_o our_o just_a grievance_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o your_o lordship_n interpret_v the_o covenant_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v forwe_v can_v conceive_v how_o your_o lo_o declarat_fw-la agree_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o covenant_n &_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o that_o it_o go_v upon_o new_a ground_n not_o contain_v in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a our_o advice_n be_v desire_v in_o that_o demand_n concern_v religion_n but_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o the_o demand_n be_v resolve_v upon_o by_o your_o lordship_n before_o our_o advice_n be_v desire_v and_o that_o the_o answer_n and_o advise_v return_v from_o we_o have_v not_o find_v good_a acceptance_n neither_o have_v your_o lordship_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o whereas_o your_o lordship_n say_v that_o as_o you_o have_v never_o hitherto_o take_v any_o resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o advice_n from_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o here_o give_v instance_n in_o those_o particular_n complain_v of_o by_o we_o so_o you_o shall_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v prejudice_v this_o just_a interest_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n as_o we_o shall_v not_o call_v to_o mind_v all_o that_o be_v past_a so_o that_o which_o be_v here_o express_v by_o your_o lordship_n do_v yet_o further_o add_v unto_o our_o grievance_n for_o to_o parallel_v and_o proportion_v the_o measure_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v for_o the_o future_a with_o that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o these_o late_a passage_n
viz._n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mâ—an_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o prese_n vation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o also_o in_o every_o cause_n which_o may_v concern_v his_o majesty_n honour_n to_o concur_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n yet_o your_o lordship_n know_v that_o no_o such_o interpretation_n bathe_v be_v make_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v here_o to_o make_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o your_o lordship_n meaning_n be_v only_o of_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v withal_o that_o the_o plain_a and_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n will_v carry_v that_o interpretation_n either_o upon_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n only_o or_o both_o upon_o it_o and_o upon_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n however_o although_o our_o national_a covenant_n only_o be_v here_o fix_v upon_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o expression_n in_o the_o supplication_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1639._o to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o weighty_a consideration_n which_o we_o humble_o offer_v against_o the_o application_n of_o that_o supplication_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o present_a dusinesse_n for_o 1._o his_o majesty_n be_v at_o that_o time_n give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o public_a desire_n of_o this_o kirk_n concern_v religion_n we_o hearty_o wish_v we_o may_v say_v the_o like_a now_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o cause_n state_v in_o the_o declaration_n to_o be_v for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o so_o to_o fall_v within_o that_o duty_n express_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n and_o your_o lordship_n also_o have_v acknowledge_v in_o your_o oath_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o honour_n happiness_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n so_o whatsoever_o cross_v or_o prejudice_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o of_o the_o end_n thereof_o can_v with_o we_o find_v any_o such_o commendation_n as_o to_o be_v a_o cause_n which_o concern_v his_o majesty_n honour_n 3._o whatsoever_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o king_n in_o civil_a matter_n distinct_a from_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n sure_o all_o these_o other_o duty_n be_v with_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o confident_a it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v far_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n under_o colour_n of_o his_o majesty_n honour_n to_o concur_v with_o he_o or_o any_o in_o his_o name_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v hurtful_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o other_o end_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n yet_o the_o cause_n state_v in_o the_o declaration_n we_o humble_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o 4._o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o crosse-petition_n have_v cite_v the_o same_o clause_n of_o the_o say_a petition_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o make_v use_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n in_o his_o majesty_n quarrel_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n be_v declare_v against_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1643._o and_o among_o other_o particular_n it_o be_v then_o declare_v that_o the_o limitation_n express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n supplication_n viz._n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n be_v interpret_v by_o some_o that_o speak_v at_o the_o time_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v within_o this_o kingdom_n we_o not_o know_v of_o any_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o further_a extent_n it_o be_v also_o then_o observe_v any_o may_v now_o be_v apply_v and_o remember_v that_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n have_v be_v subscribe_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o 1590._o before_o king_n james_n be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o be_v qualify_v in_o the_o particular_a head_n and_o article_n by_o express_a limitation_n and_o restriction_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o scotland_n can_v no_o more_o be_v extend_v to_o municipal_a debate_n and_o to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o england_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v stranger_n than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n can_v judge_v of_o our_o law_n and_o determine_v our_o difference_n the_o two_o kingdom_n be_v still_o independent_a each_o on_o other_o and_o not_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o large_a treaty_n full_o declare_v as_o to_o that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o declaration_n that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n will_v now_o make_v it_o evident_a as_o they_o have_v often_o declare_v that_o their_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o maintenance_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o royal_a authority_n who_o be_v 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 we_o shall_v only_o put_v your_o sordship_n in_o mind_n that_o your_o national_a covenant_n join_v with_o his_o majesty_n safety_n his_o good_a behaviour_n in_o his_o office_n and_o say_v that_o the_o quietness_n and_o stability_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o kick_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o saety_n and_o good_a behaviour_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o upon_o a_o comfortable_a instrument_n of_o god_n mercy_n grant_v to_o this_o country_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n otherwise_o if_o a_o king_n do_v not_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v ot_fw-mi his_o safety_n alone_o that_o make_v his_o peaple_n to_o be_v in_o quietness_n and_o happiness_n withal_o as_o our_o quietness_n and_o happiness_n depend_v on_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o do_v of_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o good_a so_o the_o honour_n greatness_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o subject_n depend_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v well_o express_v in_o your_o lordship_n oath_n gf_a parliament_n and_o now_o we_o shall_v with_o your_o lordship_n favour_n and_o permission_n make_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o as_o we_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v against_o a_o engagement_n with_o this_o kingdom_n in_o war_n but_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o consent_v thereto_o if_o once_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v the_o clearness_n lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o quarrel_n and_o concern_v our_o call_n manner_n of_o proceed_v instrument_n to_o be_v entrust_v security_n to_o be_v have_v for_o religion_n and_o other_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o former_a paper_n not_o yet_o satisfy_v by_o your_o lordship_n so_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o we_o can_v we_o dare_v not_o in_o our_o conscience_n agree_v to_o a_o engagement_n upon_o such_o ground_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v state_v in_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o exoneration_n do_v dissent_n from_o the_o whole_a complex_fw-la business_n in_o the_o say_a declaration_n as_o not_o contain_v clear_a and_o convince_a ground_n of_o undertake_v of_o a_o war_n nor_o provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o religion_n nor_o clear_o disclaim_v his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v as_o unsatisfactory_a nor_o tend_v to_o the_o suppression_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n but_o rather_o to_o compliance_n with_o they_o as_o we_o humble_o conceive_v nor_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n and_o know_a interest_n of_o the_o kirk_n nor_o propose_v the_o way_n of_o treaty_n and_o all_o other_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o assay_v before_o a_o war_n for_o which_o reason_n and_o other_o before_o mention_v upon_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o declaration_n we_o plain_o declare_v our_o dissent_n from_o the_o complex_fw-la circumstantiat_fw-la state_n of_o the_o present_a business_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o take_v to_o witness_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n that_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o
20._o the_o reason_n of_o our_o not_o proceed_v in_o that_o conference_n and_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o do_v now_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o own_o exoneration_n for_o prevent_v of_o mistake_n and_o for_o a_o clear_a understanding_n between_o your_o lordship_n and_o we_o represent_v these_o our_o humble_a desire_n which_o we_o recommend_v to_o your_o lordship_n serious_a thought_n i._o that_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o undertake_v a_o war_n may_v be_v clear_v to_o be_v so_o just_a as_o that_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o engagement_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v act_v in_o reference_n to_o a_o war_n before_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o war_n and_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v agree_v upon_o ii_o that_o as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o prevalent_a party_n of_o sectary_n be_v evident_a so_o we_o desire_v and_o hope_n that_o according_a to_o the_o treaty_n it_o may_v be_v condescend_v upon_o and_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n what_o be_v those_o breach_n of_o peace_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n and_o that_o reparation_n thereof_o may_v be_v seek_v iii_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o quarrel_n or_o ground_n of_o the_o war_n as_o may_v break_v the_o union_n between_o the_o kingdom_n or_o may_v discourage_v or_o disoblige_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o england_n who_o continue_v firm_a in_o adhere_v to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n iv_o that_o if_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a or_o malignant_a party_n shall_v again_o rise_v in_o arm_n this_o nation_n and_o their_o army_n may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o join_v or_o associate_a with_o they_o that_o one_o the_o contrary_a they_o may_v oppose_v they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v they_o as_o enemy_n to_o this_o cause_n and_o covenant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o v._o see_v your_o lordship_n undertake_v shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o religion_n we_o desire_v that_o his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v concern_v religion_n as_o they_o have_v be_v by_o the_o church_n so_o may_v be_v by_o the_o parliament_n deelare_v unsatisfactory_a whereby_o your_o lordship_n may_v give_v further_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o your_o intention_n for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o religion_n vi_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v be_v please_v not_o to_o fix_v or_o settle_v upon_o any_o such_o state_n of_o a_o question_n as_o do_v not_o contain_v security_n to_o be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o solemn_a oath_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v that_o he_o shall_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o act_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n and_o full_o establish_v presbyterian_a government_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v never_o make_v opposition_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o endeavour_v any_o change_n thereof_o and_o that_o this_o security_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n before_o his_o restitution_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n which_o desire_n we_o propone_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o because_o we_o can_v see_v how_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v and_o we_o trust_v shall_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o nation_n can_v be_v otherwise_o secure_v but_o that_o without_o this_o security_n it_o shall_v be_v leave_v in_o very_o great_a hazard_n vii_o that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n of_o secure_v religion_n which_o be_v profess_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o engagement_n and_o for_o secure_v all_o other_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o person_n only_o may_v be_v entrust_v by_o your_o lordship_n to_o be_v of_o your_o committee_n and_o army_n as_o have_v give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o exception_n or_o jealousy_n that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o more_o confident_o encourage_v our_o flock_n and_o congregation_n to_o follow_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v entrust_v by_o your_o lordship_n viii_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o engagement_n without_o a_o solemn_a oath_n wherein_o the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o cause_n be_v the_o same_o all_o which_o desire_v be_v due_o ponder_v by_o your_o lordship_n in_o a_o equal_a balance_n will_v we_o trust_v be_v find_v just_a and_o necessary_a and_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o satisfaction_n from_o your_o lordship_n therein_o may_v be_v a_o happy_a and_o effectual_a mean_n for_o facilitate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o for_o unite_n this_o nation_n in_o a_o unanimous_a undertake_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n a._n ker_n edinb_n 27._o march_v 1648._o answer_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n represent_v by_o they_o to_o the_o parliament_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n now_o convene_v in_o this_o first_o session_n of_o the_o second_o triennial_n parliament_n have_v consider_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n represent_v to_o they_o they_o after_o full_a debate_n and_o consideration_n concern_v the_o same_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o desire_n 1._o declare_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o undertake_v of_o war_n shall_v be_v clear_v to_o be_v so_o just_a as_o that_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o engagement_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o nothing_o be_v act_v in_o reference_n to_o a_o war_n during_o the_o conference_n and_o until_o the_o same_o be_v report_v to_o the_o parliament_n 2._o item_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n think_v fit_a that_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n be_v represent_v and_o the_o seek_n of_o reparation_n and_o the_o best_a time_n and_o manner_n thereof_o consider_v and_o appoint_v the_o committee_n of_o twenty_o four_o or_o such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o do_v the_o same_o 3._o item_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o three_o desire_n the_o say_v estate_n of_o parliament_n declare_v that_o this_o kingdom_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v war_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o any_o engagement_n they_o shall_v enter_v into_o shall_v be_v for_o strengthen_v the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n and_o for_o encourage_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o well-affected_a in_o england_n 4._o item_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o four_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n agree_v to_o the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o four_o desire_n and_o remit_v to_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o conference_n for_o state_v the_o question_n to_o explain_v the_o same_o 5._o item_n to_o the_o fist_n desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o desire_n declare_v that_o upon_o the_o agreement_n on_o the_o hail_o matter_n and_o state_n of_o the_o question_n they_o will_v declare_v his_o majesty_n concession_n concern_v religion_n not_o to_o be_v satisfactory_a 6._o item_n to_o the_o sixth_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o declare_v that_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v and_o they_o trust_v ever_o shall_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o kingdom_n so_o they_o will_v be_v careful_a that_o the_o present_a question_n to_o be_v state_v shall_v contain_v security_n and_o assurance_n to_o be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v his_o solemn_a oath_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v that_o he_o shall_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n give_v his_o royal_a consent_n to_o pass_v act_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n establish_v presbyterian_a government_n the_o directory_n of_o worship_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v never_o make_v any_o opposition_n to_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o endeavour_v any_o change_n thereof_o and_o as_o to_o that_o clause_n viz._n that_o this_o security_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n before_o his_o restiution_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n remit_v this_o to_o these_o on_o the_o
conference_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v appoint_v for_o draw_v up_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o find_v out_o some_o more_o smooth_a expression_n in_o place_n thereof_o with_o the_o like_a security_n to_o religion_n 7._o item_n to_o the_o seven_o desire_n the_o say_v estate_n of_o parliament_n declare_v that_o they_o will_v be_v careful_a that_o none_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o command_n of_o their_o army_n nor_o in_o their_o committee_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o know_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o just_a case_n of_o exception_n item_n to_o the_o eight_o article_n or_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n declare_v that_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o engagement_n and_o undertake_v a_o oath_n shall_v be_v subjoin_v wherein_o both_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o otherways_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v their_o due_a interest_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n desire_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o of_o that_o committee_n of_o parliament_n of_o 24._o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o same_o committee_n for_o the_o conference_n and_o state_v of_o the_o question_n for_o agree_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o engagement_n and_o draw_v up_o such_o a_o state_n of_o a_o question_n as_o may_v unite_v this_o nation_n in_o a_o unanimous_a undertake_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o safety_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o this_o kingdom_n extract_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o parliament_n by_o i_o sir_n alexander_n gibson_n of_o durie_n knight_n clerk_z of_o his_o majesty_n register_n council_n and_o roll_n under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manuel_n alex._n gibson_n cler_n regist_n edinburgh_n 29._o martii_fw-la 1648._o a_o humble_a representation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parli_n upon_o their_o l._n answer_n to_o the_o eight_o desire_n late_o present_v to_o their_o lordship_n have_v receive_v yesterday_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n to_o our_o late_a desire_n present_v to_o their_o lordship_n upon_o the_o 22._o of_o this_o instant_n we_o do_v immediate_o take_v to_o our_o consideration_n the_o particular_a answer_n give_v thereunto_o and_o now_o without_o any_o long_a delay_n do_v humble_o represent_v to_o their_o honour_n our_o sense_n of_o the_o particular_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o desire_n we_o conceive_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n express_v in_o your_o lordship_n answer_v there_o may_v be_v a_o act_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o war_n before_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o war_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v agree_v upon_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o do_v desire_v to_o be_v avoid_v 2._o in_o the_o answer_n to_o our_o second_o desire_n we_o neither_o find_v any_o breach_n of_o peace_n between_o the_o kingdom_n which_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n condescend_v upon_o nor_o any_o positive_a resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n to_o seek_v reparation_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o treaty_n yet_o both_o these_o be_v desire_v by_o we_o 3._o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o desire_n instead_o of_o that_o clause_n of_o the_o desire_n the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o england_n who_o continue_v firm_a in_o adhere_v to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n we_o find_v this_o change_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o answer_n the_o presbyterian_o and_o well-affected_a in_o england_n which_o as_o the_o word_n stand_v may_v intimate_v and_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o well-affected_a in_o england_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n nor_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n 4._o our_o four_o desire_n for_o not_o join_v or_o associate_a what_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a or_o malignant_a party_n if_o they_o shall_v again_o rise_v in_o arm_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v endeavour_v to_o suppress_v they_o as_o enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o sectary_n upon_o the_o other_o be_v so_o just_a in_o itself_o so_o consonant_a to_o the_o former_a principle_n and_o profession_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n since_o their_o first_o engagement_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o be_v also_o as_o clear_v both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n as_o the_o covenant_n treaty_n and_o declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n we_o can_v conceive_v wherein_o it_o need_v explanation_n or_o what_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n can_v be_v make_v concern_v it_o as_o it_o stand_v unless_o there_o be_v now_o some_o more_o favourable_a and_o friendly_a intention_n towards_o the_o malignant_a party_n then_o former_o which_o we_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o avert_v and_o although_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o some_o plead_v for_o malignant_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o as_o friend_n rather_o than_o avoid_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o our_o late_a declaration_n yet_o we_o trust_v that_o any_o such_o design_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n 5._o touch_v the_o 5_o desire_v as_o your_o lordship_n answer_n em_v to_o sup_v see_v his_o majeâ—late_a concession_n concern_v religion_n not_o to_o be_v satisfactory_a so_o these_o concession_n be_v so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o cause_n &_o covenant_n we_o wish_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v against_o they_o both_o positive_o without_o any_o condition_n and_o present_o without_o any_o delay_n 6._o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o sixth_o desire_n as_o thereis_n much_o say_v in_o the_o first_o part_n for_o security_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n so_o that_o clause_n viz._n that_o this_o security_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n before_o his_o restitution_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a tower_n not_o be_v agree_v to_o by_o your_o lordship_n but_o rather_o lay_v aside_o until_o some_o smooth_a expression_n be_v find_v out_o we_o be_v leave_v unsatisfied_a in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a of_o that_o desire_n and_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o security_n express_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o your_o lordship_n answer_n if_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v upon_o another_o expression_n contain_v as_o good_a and_o as_o real_a security_n for_o religion_n we_o shall_v have_v acquiess_v therein_o without_o stick_v upon_o word_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o expression_n yet_o condescend_v upon_o and_o that_o clause_n of_o we_o without_o which_o the_o whole_a desire_n be_v lest_o uncertain_a lay_v aside_o for_o the_o present_a we_o can_v find_v ourselves_o therein_o satisfy_v as_o yet_o 7._o the_o answer_n to_o the_o seven_o desire_n concern_v such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v in_o army_n and_o committee_n do_v omit_v some_o of_o the_o qualification_n express_v in_o our_o desire_n viz._n such_o as_o have_v give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o more_o confident_o encourage_v our_o flock_n to_o follow_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o fidelity_n which_o qualification_n be_v contain_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o omit_v in_o your_o lordship_n answer_n we_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n that_o this_o omission_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o as_o if_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o mean_v to_o agree_v full_o to_o that_o desire_n and_o so_o take_v occasion_n to_o deal_v for_o employ_v and_o entrust_v such_o in_o the_o committee_n and_o army_n as_o may_v be_v just_o exclude_v by_o the_o qualification_n contain_v in_o our_o say_a desire_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o desire_n in_o stead_n of_o that_o clear_a expression_n use_v by_o we_o namely_o that_o the_o kirke_n may_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o any_o oath_n for_o a_o new_a engagement_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n we_o find_v this_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a expression_n the_o church_fw-mi shall_v have_v their_o due_a interest_n which_o difference_n of_o your_o lordship_n expression_n from_o we_o may_v also_o be_v interpret_v by_o some_o as_o if_o the_o kirk_n have_v assume_v more_o interest_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n than_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o unto_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o our_o desire_n unto_o which_o we_o still_o adhere_v as_o just_a and_o necessary_a be_v
not_o satisfy_v by_o your_o lordship_n answer_n and_o without_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o desire_n we_o find_v it_o not_o safe_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n for_o agree_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o a_o question_n for_o war_n yet_o if_o your_o lordship_n have_v desire_v or_o do_v desire_v further_a conference_n with_o some_o of_o our_o number_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o above_o mention_a desire_n we_o shall_v have_v yield_v and_o yet_o shall_v willing_o yield_v thereunto_o and_o as_o the_o present_a want_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o desire_v do_v retard_v and_o hinder_v our_o proceed_n towards_o a_o agreement_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o a_o question_n so_o we_o be_v still_o confident_a that_o a_o real_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o say_a desire_n may_v be_v a_o happy_a and_o effectual_a mean_n for_o facilitate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o for_o unite_n this_o nation_n in_o a_o unanimous_a undertake_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o safety_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o good_a peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n a._n ker_n a_o paper_n from_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o 29_o march_n 1648._o at_o edinburgh_n the_o 29_o day_n of_o march_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1648_o year_n whereas_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n have_v this_o day_n exhibit_v to_o the_o parliament_n one_o paper_n entitle_v a_o humble_a representation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n upon_o their_o lordship_n answer_n to_o the_o eight_o desire_n late_o present_v to_o their_o lordship_n and_o the_o same_o be_v read_v in_o audience_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n they_o ordain_v the_o former_a committee_n of_o 24_o to_o confer_v with_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o who_o they_o shall_v appoint_v upon_o the_o paper_n exhibit_v by_o the_o church_n and_o answer_v give_v thereto_o by_o the_o parliament_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o debate_v thereupon_o and_o for_o remove_v all_o difference_n and_o also_o upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o whole_a matter_n and_o ordain_v this_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o paper_n exhibit_v by_o they_o to_o the_o parliament_n this_o day_n and_o desire_v that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o those_o who_o they_o shall_v appoint_v may_v come_v authorize_v with_o the_o like_a power_n to_o confer_v extract_n alex._n gibson_n cler._n registri_fw-la the_o answer_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n edin_n penult_n mar._n 1648._o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v this_o day_n receive_v a_o power_n from_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n desire_v a_o conference_n upon_o our_o late_a desire_n and_o the_o parliament_n answer_v give_v thereunto_o and_o also_o upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o whole_a matter_n do_v humble_o return_v this_o answer_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v so_o we_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n upon_o the_o eight_o desire_n late_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n and_o upon_o the_o unsatisfactorinesse_n of_o your_o lordship_n answer_n thereunto_o and_o if_o your_o lordship_n shall_v yet_o be_v please_v to_o give_v real_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o say_a desire_n we_o shall_v immediate_o thereupon_o appoint_v some_o of_o our_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o a_o committee_n of_o parliament_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n this_o insist_v upon_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o desire_n before_o we_o appoint_v a_o conference_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o peremptorinesse_n about_o word_n or_o thing_n of_o small_a moment_n nor_o from_o any_o partiality_n or_o self_n interest_n nor_o from_o any_o inclination_n to_o stretch_v ourselves_o beyond_o our_o line_n nor_o from_o intention_n to_o obstruct_v any_o lawful_a endeavour_n either_o for_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n or_o for_o prefer_v oppose_v and_o suppress_v of_o sectary_n our_o record_n be_v in_o heaven_n we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o such_o way_n but_o our_o real_a purpose_n be_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o free_a that_o in_o a_o implicit_a way_n we_o consent_v not_o to_o nor_o concur_v in_o state_v of_o a_o question_n of_o war_n before_o we_o see_v the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n sufficient_o provide_v for_o be_v tender_a of_o the_o great_a trust_n commit_v to_o we_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o officer_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o preserve_v the_o precious_a jewel_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o well_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o to_o we_o above_o all_o worldly_a interest_n a._n ker_n the_o article_n of_o the_o demand_n which_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o a_o effectual_a course_n be_v take_v by_o the_o house_n for_o enjoin_v the_o covenant_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n conform_v to_o the_o first_o article-of_a the_o treaty_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n in_o anno_fw-la 1643._o by_o which_o all_o who_o will_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v public_a enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o punish_v as_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n and_o that_o reformation_n of_o and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n be_v settle_v according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o as_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n have_v agree_v to_o the_o directory_n of_o worship_n so_o they_o will_v take_v a_o real_a course_n for_o the_o practise_v thereof_o by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n transmit_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n to_o the_o house_n be_v approve_v and_o that_o presbyterial_a government_n with_o a_o subordination_n of_o the_o low_a assembly_n to_o the_o high_a be_v settle_v and_o full_o establish_v in_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o that_o effectual_a course_n be_v take_v for_o suppress_v and_o extirpate_v all_o heresy_n and_o schism_n particular_o socinianism_n arminianism_n arrianisme_n anabaptism_n antinomianisme_n errastianisme_n familisme_n brownism_n and_o independency_n and_o for_o perfect_a what_o be_v yet_o further_o to_o be_v do_v for_o extirpate_v popery_n and_o prelacy_n and_o suppress_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o service-book_n common_o call_v the_o book_n of_o english_a common-prayer_n 2_o aprilis_fw-la 1648._o this_o article_n read_v and_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n be_v think_v fit_v to_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o the_o estate_n appoint_v the_o seven_o article_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o they_o may_v return_v their_o thought_n thereupon_o either_o for_o addition_n or_o alteration_n which_o the_o parliament_n will_v take_v to_o their_o consideration_n and_o the_o estate_n appoint_v the_o lord_n balmerinoth_n lord_n huniby_n and_o archbald_n sydserse_n to_o acquaint_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n therewith_o extract_v forth_o of_o the_o record_n of_o parliament_n and_o article_n of_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n and_o demand_n for_o reparation_n thereof_o respective_a by_o i_o sir_n alex._n gibson_n of_o dure_n etc._n etc._n alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n edinb_n 13_o aprilis_n 1648._o the_o humble_a return_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n unto_o that_o article_n of_o the_o demand_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n communicate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v more_o earnest_o wish_v and_o serious_o study_v than_o the_o settle_n of_o religion_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o uniformity_n in_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n so_o it_o be_v still_o our_o desire_n that_o your_o lordship_n shall_v sincere_o and_o real_o endeavour_v the_o same_o in_o all_o fair_a and_o lawful_a way_n both_o with_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o article_n communicate_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n why_o your_o lordship_n have_v change_v the_o way_n former_o use_v of_o send_v proposition_n to_o his_o majesty_n without_o who_o confidence_n your_o lordship_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n can_v render_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o demand_n effectual_a for_o secure_v of_o religion_n neither_o shall_v
shall_v we_o be_v caution_n of_o engage_v in_o such_o a_o business_n where_o there_o be_v a_o constitute_v settle_a church_n without_o their_o advice_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a breach_n both_o of_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o determine_v or_o approve_v of_o a_o business_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o their_o commissioner_n see_v by_o both_o covenant_n we_o be_v plain_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi which_o yet_o can_v be_v preserve_v but_o overthrow_v by_o such_o a_o parliamentary_a determination_n and_o declaration_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi neither_o can_v we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o undertake_n if_o in_o this_o cause_n wherein_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v we_o shall_v engage_v without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi who_o god_n have_v use_v as_o main_a instrument_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n edinb_n 20._o april_n 1648._o answer_n of_o the_o parliament_n to_o the_o desire_v give_v in_o to_o they_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o to_o the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o they_o upon_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o day_n of_o this_o month_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n have_v again_o take_v to_o their_o consideration_n the_o desire_n give_v in_o to_o they_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o have_v also_o consider_v the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n upon_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o day_n of_o this_o month_n do_v conceive_v that_o the_o declaration_n of_o parliament_n be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o eight_o desire_n as_o also_o to_o the_o other_o two_o paper_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v concident_fw-la with_o these_o desire_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o particular_n of_o their_o two_o last_o paper_n concern_v the_o way_n and_o time_n of_o send_v proposition_n to_o the_o king_n 1._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o parliament_n conceive_v the_o same_o way_n be_v now_o take_v that_o have_v be_v former_o and_o in_o regard_n the_o parliament_n of_o england_n have_v lay_v aside_o these_o proposition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o joint_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v our_o first_o application_n to_o they_o who_o must_v first_o agree_v and_o condescend_v thereunto_o before_o his_o majesty_n assent_n can_v be_v demand_v and_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n that_o we_o real_o intend_v to_o insist_v for_o satisfaction_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o that_o that_o concern_v religion_n before_o all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o his_o majesty_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o freedom_n honour_n and_o safety_n as_o his_o concession_n may_v be_v effectual_a and_o as_o to_o that_o prejudice_n allege_v in_o the_o preparative_n of_o take_v resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi 2._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o as_o we_o have_v never_o hitherto_o take_v any_o resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o advice_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o since_o what_o be_v now_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o new_a ground_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o in_o our_o demand_n concern_v religion_n as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v be_v desire_v so_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v prejudice_v the_o just_a interest_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o for_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o declaration_n which_o contain_v the_o ground_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o do_v cross_v the_o demand_n concern_v religion_n or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o security_n thereof_o and_o far_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v agree_v unto_o the_o declaration_n it_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n before_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n that_o the_o parliament_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o hear_v and_o consider_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi extract_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o parliament_n by_o sir_n alex_n gibson_n of_o dury_n knight_n clerk_z of_o his_o majesty_n register_n council_n and_o roll_n etc._n etc._n alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n edinb_n 25._o april_n 1648._o the_o humble_a return_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o honourable_a and_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n to_o our_o 8_o desire_n and_o to_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o of_o this_o month._n whereas_o your_o lordship_n do_v communicate_v unto_o we_o your_o large_a declaration_n contain_v principal_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n concern_v danger_n and_o duty_n relate_v to_o religion_n we_o wish_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o liberty_n and_o due_a interest_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n &_o their_o commissioner_n as_o to_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o a_o business_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n before_o not_o after_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n take_v therein_o and_o that_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o so_o many_o &_o so_o considerable_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v give_v most_o real_a and_o constant_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o this_o cause_n to_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o your_o lordship_n proceed_v to_o determine_v a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o consultation_n with_o we_o and_o our_o consent_n have_v therein_o for_o our_o part_n the_o trust_v commit_v to_o we_o be_v so_o precious_a that_o we_o may_v not_o hold_v our_o peace_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o must_v free_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o this_o act_n be_v real_o a_o take_n from_o we_o to_o yourselves_o the_o antecedent_n judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o danger_n sand_n duty_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n in_o this_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v so_o 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and_o desire_v your_o lordship_n to_o remember_v what_o we_o do_v former_o profess_v in_o our_o late_a petition_n that_o we_o never_o be_v nor_o now_o be_v averse_a from_o any_o engagement_n be_v first_o satisfy_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o undertake_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v the_o same_o we_o proceed_v to_o make_v our_o humble_a return_n to_o your_o lordship_n answer_n of_o the_o 20_o of_o this_o month_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n and_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o of_o the_o same_o month_n whereas_o your_o lordship_n conceive_v that_o your_o declaration_n communicate_v unto_o we_o be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n we_o must_v clear_o profess_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o declaration_n as_o a_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n but_o that_o we_o find_v diverse_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o we_o humble_o conceive_v to_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o our_o desire_n and_o of_o very_o
receive_v from_o your_o lordship_n can_v but_o leave_v we_o under_o just_a fear_n and_o sad_a apprehension_n the_o three_o part_n of_o your_o lordship_n answer_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o desire_n of_o be_v satisfy_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n where_o your_o lordship_n again_o refer_v we_o to_o the_o declaration_n as_o contain_v the_o ground_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n this_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v with_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o declaration_n where_o your_o lordship_n profess_v that_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o war_n before_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n thereof_o be_v clear_v so_o as_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o reparation_n to_o such_o breach_n or_o injury_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v condescend_v on_o shall_v be_v demand_v in_o such_o a_o just_a and_o fit_a way_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v most_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a the_o one_o passage_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o satisfaction_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o other_o hold_v we_o still_o in_o suspense_n till_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o war_n be_v clear_v and_o the_o way_n of_o demand_v reparation_n resolve_v upon_o for_o that_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o say_v in_o the_o end_n that_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o declaration_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o do_v cross_v the_o demand_n concern_v religion_n or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o security_n thereof_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n shall_v appear_v to_o your_o lordship_n in_o our_o paper_n which_o we_o be_v to_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n concern_v the_o declaration_n unto_o which_o we_o refer_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o sense_n of_o other_o particular_n in_o this_o business_n not_o here_o express_v a._n ker_n the_o humble_a representation_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n upon_o their_o declaration_n late_o communicate_v to_o we_o edinburgh_n 28._o april_n 1648._o see_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v in_o your_o answer_n to_o we_o of_o the_o twenty_o of_o this_o month_n to_o remit_v we_o to_o your_o declaration_n to_o the_o kingdom_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n former_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n as_o likewise_o to_o our_o other_o desire_n concern_v application_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o see_v your_o lordship_n in_o the_o same_o paper_n answer_v our_o desire_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v please_v again_o to_o remit_v we_o to_o the_o declaration_n as_o contain_v the_o ground_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o have_v therefore_o take_v to_o our_o serious_a consideration_n your_o lordship_n declaration_n to_o look_v after_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o these_o our_o desire_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o our_o fear_n and_o dis-satisfaction_n be_v not_o a_o little_a increase_v by_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n we_o shall_v not_o search_v into_o some_o particular_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o narrative_a part_n neither_o shall_v we_o be_v curious_a after_o the_o reason_n why_o in_o so_o large_a a_o declaration_n concern_v public_a danger_n duty_n and_o remedy_n there_o be_v no_o expression_n for_o preservation_n of_o monarchical_a government_n in_o his_o majesty_n posterity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o the_o preface_n we_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o we_o can_v have_v wish_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v to_o express_v yourselves_o more_o plain_o who_o be_v those_o obstructer_n and_o traducer_n of_o your_o lordship_n proceed_n those_o deceiver_n and_o abuser_n of_o the_o people_n which_o 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or_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o declaration_n his_o majesty_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n before_o security_n have_v from_o he_o for_o religion_n as_o we_o desire_v the_o next_o qualification_n add_v by_o your_o lordship_n immediate_o be_v in_o these_o word_n have_v find_v his_o late_a concession_n and_o offer_n concern_v religion_n not_o satisfactory_a where_o first_o the_o word_n have_v find_v may_v be_v various_o understand_v either_o when_o his_o majesty_n shall_v have_v find_v or_o when_o your_o lordship_n shall_v have_v find_v or_o because_o his_o majesty_n have_v find_v or_o because_o your_o lordship_n have_v find_v next_o the_o word_n not_o satisfactory_a be_v as_o doubtful_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v in_o several_a sense_n either_o that_o his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v concern_v religion_n be_v not_o satisfactory_a in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o satisfactory_a to_o your_o lordship_n nor_o 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oath_n to_o be_v subjoin_v and_o that_o not_o without_o some_o uncertain_a and_o dubious_a qualification_n as_o have_v be_v touch_v mean_o while_o we_o see_v only_o a_o declaration_n without_o a_o oath_n and_o as_o declaration_n be_v alterable_a by_o parliament_n and_o their_o proceed_n sometime_o not_o agreeable_a to_o their_o declaration_n which_o he_o experience_n of_o these_o time_n have_v teach_v we_o so_o if_o there_o be_v a_o oath_n subjoin_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o undertake_v express_v in_o this_o declaration_n we_o can_v not_o account_v it_o a_o lawful_a oath_n but_o that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o business_n worse_o your_o lordship_n add_v somewhat_o further_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o first_o and_o second_o desire_n namely_o that_o your_o lordship_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o war_n before_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n thereof_o be_v clear_v so_o as_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o 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to_o the_o declaretion_n as_o contain_v the_o ground_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v concern_v a_o present_a put_v of_o the_o country_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n as_o in_o anno_fw-la 1643._o we_o shall_v be_v glad_a it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v real_o that_o the_o ground_n principle_n and_o end_n be_v the_o same_o now_o they_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1643._o otherwise_o the_o like_a act_n upon_o different_a ground_n and_o for_o different_a end_n make_v it_o not_o the_o same_o cause_n your_o lordship_n do_v indeed_o speak_v of_o the_o principle_n express_v in_o the_o declaration_n as_o the_o same_o with_o the_o first_o principle_n contain_v in_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n but_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o conceive_v they_o be_v new_a and_o different_a principle_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o several_a particular_n before_o mention_v we_o can_v 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want_v warning_n from_o the_o watchman_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v free_a of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n misery_n and_o blood_n which_o may_v follow_v upon_o your_o lordship_n proceed_v to_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o declaration_n we_o further_o call_v to_o record_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o our_o not_o concur_v proceed_v not_o from_o want_n of_o zeal_n against_o sectary_n nor_o from_o any_o remissness_n in_o that_o which_o may_v concern_v his_o majesty_n true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o monarchical_a government_n in_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n nor_o from_o any_o want_n of_o tenderness_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n nor_o from_o any_o want_n of_o sympathy_n with_o our_o afflict_a and_o oppress_v brethren_n in_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o which_o our_o proceed_n have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v we_o trust_v real_a testimony_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o sincerity_n but_o our_o not_o concur_v proceed_v mere_o from_o tenderness_n in_o the_o point_n of_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o union_n between_o the_o kingdom_n and_o from_o the_o unsatisfactorinesse_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n as_o have_v be_v express_v in_o the_o particular_n wherefore_o we_o humble_o beseech_v your_o lordship_n to_o interpret_v favourable_o and_o charitable_o any_o liberty_n which_o we_o have_v use_v the_o matter_n be_v such_o as_o lie_v sad_a and_o weighty_a upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o that_o your_o lordship_n will_v also_o be_v please_v to_o be_v mindful_a of_o make_v good_a that_o passage_n of_o your_o declaration_n where_o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o war_n before_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n thereof_o be_v clear_v so_o as_o all_o who_o be_v well-affected_a may_v be_v satisfy_v therewith_o which_o if_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o do_v there_o be_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n yet_o open_a and_o we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o shall_v assist_v we_o that_o a_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o understanding_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v upon_o you_o and_z than_z god_n will_v gracious_o rid_v both_o your_o lordship_n and_o we_o out_o of_o all_o hide_a and_o lurk_a share_n and_o so_o guide_v your_o lordship_n as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o sweet_a and_o harmonious_a join_v of_o heart_n and_o hand_n upon_o right_a principle_n ground_n and_o motive_n in_o a_o right_a way_n and_o for_o the_o right_a end_n a._n ker._n edinb_n 6._o junii_fw-la 1648._o the_o humble_a vindication_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o their_o late_a proceed_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n dated_n may_v 11._o to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n in_o the_o kingdom_n although_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n will_v sufficient_o return_v answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n letter_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v they_o wherein_o divers_a presbytery_n have_v already_o give_v example_n to_o the_o rest_n yet_o the_o chief_a purpose_n of_o that_o letter_n reflect_v all_o along_o upon_o our_o late_a proceed_n and_o the_o letter_n be_v also_o print_v and_o publish_v for_o common_a view_n and_o use_v the_o great_a trust_n put_v upon_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v silent_a in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n we_o have_v to_o vindicate_v our_o proceed_n in_o this_o manner_n because_o while_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o expect_v from_o the_o parliament_n a_o clear_a and_o real_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o desire_n second_v by_o so_o many_o provincial_n synod_n in_o stead_n of_o such_o satisfaction_n that_o letter_n come_v abroad_o with_o many_o reflection_n upon_o our_o proceed_n neither_o be_v any_o thing_n hereof_o communicate_v or_o make_v know_v from_o their_o lordship_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v be_v hear_v for_o clear_v our_o own_o action_n before_o the_o divulge_v and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o letter_n we_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a how_o many_o and_o great_a scandal_n be_v throw_v upon_o we_o and_o our_o proceed_n by_o the_o favourer_n of_o malignant_n and_o hater_n of_o reformation_n and_o presbyterial_a government_n so_o we_o know_v not_o either_o among_o ourselves_o or_o in_o any_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o favourer_n of_o sectary_n or_o hater_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o monarchical_a government_n who_o throw_v scendal_n upon_o the_o parliament_n action_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v by_o sufficient_a proof_n discover_v any_o such_o in_o this_o kingdom_n it_o will_v quick_o appear_v how_o far_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n and_o we_o for_o our_o part_n shall_v be_v from_o conniving_a at_o or_o beat_v with_o they_o yea_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o commissioner_n have_v already_o declare_v so_o much_o and_o so_o often_o both_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o monarchical_a government_n in_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o against_o sectary_n and_o there_o have_v be_v also_o so_o long_o and_o real_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o loyalty_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n of_o scotland_n to_o his_o majesty_n father_n and_o to_o himself_o and_o of_o zeal_n in_o execute_v church_n discipline_n against_o sectary_n wherever_o any_o be_v find_v that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n of_o our_o integrity_n both_o in_o the_o one_o and_o in_o the_o other_o although_o we_o shall_v altogether_o hold_v our_o peace_n error_n will_v soon_o comply_v with_o error_n then_o truth_n can_v and_o favourer_n of_o malignant_n have_v be_v and_o may_v again_o turn_v to_o be_v favourer_n of_o sectary_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o save_v their_o interest_n for_o the_o time_n for_o our_o part_n as_o we_o do_v before_o so_o we_o do_v still_o clear_o and_o ingenious_o profess_v that_o we_o look_v upon_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n as_o enemy_n to_o be_v oppose_v as_o rock_n to_o be_v avoid_v on_o the_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n we_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o the_o several_a presbytery_n need_v to_o be_v conjure_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o great_a god_n not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o unjust_a and_o undeserved_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o parliament_n and_o their_o proceed_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n &_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v keep_v they_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n from_o unjust_a and_o undeserved_a prejudices_fw-la against_o their_o lordship_n and_o their_o proceed_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n from_o obey_v unjust_a decree_n and_o comply_v with_o iniquity_n although_o establish_v by_o a_o law_n what_o their_o lordship_n profess_v concern_v their_o prefer_n of_o no_o earthly_a thing_n to_o their_o duty_n for_o religion_n and_o concern_v their_o real_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o tender_a conscience_n by_o their_o lordship_n great_a compliance_n with_o our_o many_o desire_n all_o this_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o tryer_n of_o the_o reins_n who_o can_v and_o will_v judge_v thereof_o this_o we_o can_v say_v for_o ourselves_o that_o to_o this_o day_n we_o have_v not_o receive_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n from_o their_o lordship_n unto_o any_o one_o of_o our_o desire_n present_v to_o their_o lordship_n for_o the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n but_o under_o colour_n of_o yield_v somewhat_o our_o desire_n be_v more_o dangerous_o refuse_v then_o if_o they_o have_v be_v flat_o reject_v if_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o letter_n hold_v good_a viz._n that_o it_o can_v be_v by_o any_o with_o truth_n and_o justice_n allege_v that_o their_o lordship_n have_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n wrong_v or_o violate_v the_o true_a privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v great_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o censure_v for_o complain_v in_o one_o of_o our_o paper_n to_o the_o parliament_n that_o their_o lordship_n have_v very_o much_o prejudice_v the_o true_a privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o for_o protest_v upon_o that_o occasion_n against_o such_o preparative_n and_o for_o preservation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi in_o time_n come_v but_o now_o how_o much_o truth_n and_o justice_n we_o have_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o protestation_n all_o who_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o clear_a light_n may_v easy_o understand_v for_o be_v it_o ever_o before_o hear_v or_o know_v that_o any_o parliament_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o who_o have_v for_o the_o time_n