the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_z assembly_n to_o this_o whole_a kirk_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n of_o the_o five_o of_o may_n concern_v the_o present_a public_a proceed_n towards_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n so_o far_o as_o religion_n be_v therein_o concern_v together_o with_o their_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n the_o parliament_n answer_n their_o humble_a return_v and_o representation_n and_o other_o paper_n that_o may_v give_v full_a and_o clear_a information_n in_o the_o matter_n london_n print_v for_o t.r._n and_o e._n m._n 1648._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o this_o whole_a kirk_n and_o kingdom_n concern_v the_o present_a public_a proceed_n towards_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n so_o far_o as_o religion_n be_v therein_o concern_v god_n only_o wise_a who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v who_o thought_n be_v not_o like_o man_n thought_n nor_o his_o way_n like_o man_n way_n who_o sometime_o by_o weak_a and_o unlikely_a mean_n and_o often_o by_o contrary_a mean_n use_v to_o work_v out_o the_o great_a work_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o great_a salvation_n to_o his_o people_n after_o he_o have_v break_v the_o egyptian_a antichristian_a yoke_n first_o in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o neighbour-kingdome_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o have_v also_o bring_v we_o through_o a_o red_a sea_n of_o a_o bloody_a opposition_n and_o war_n yea_o after_o we_o be_v near_o the_o wish_a for_o reformation_n and_o peace_n he_o have_v again_o reduce_v we_o to_o such_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o make_v many_o in_o their_o haste_n apt_a to_o wish_v they_o have_v not_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n or_o that_o they_o be_v return_v thither_o again_o how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o our_o danger_n be_v the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o he_o have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v among_o many_o other_o provocation_n that_o of_o sinful_a compliance_n be_v one_o which_o the_o present_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o both_o kingdom_n do_v more_o especial_o and_o more_o distinct_o proclaim_v and_o speak_v out_o eccho-wise_a unto_o we_o sectary_n in_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o malignant_n in_o both_o be_v so_o much_o connive_v at_o and_o comply_v with_o that_o god_n have_v most_o just_o make_v they_o on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v thorn_n and_o scourge_n to_o these_o that_o cherish_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v suppress_v they_o but_o as_o we_o will_v bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o so_o we_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o our_o god_n and_o trust_n that_o when_o he_o hat_n humble_v and_o prove_v his_o people_n he_o will_v do_v they_o good_a in_o their_o latter_a end_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o and_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o keep_v their_o garment_n clean_o for_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o good_a of_o jerusalem_n and_o peace_n upon_o israel_n yea_o god_n shall_v work_v so_o much_o good_a out_o of_o all_o the_o great_a evil_n which_o now_o afflict_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v in_o end_n we_o have_v perish_v unless_o we_o have_v perish_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v do_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v undo_v it_o be_v one_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o we_o that_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o of_o his_o servant_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o province_n of_o england_n to_o join_v together_o in_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n and_o give_v a_o fair_a public_a testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o against_o that_o abominable_a toleration_n of_o most_o dangerous_a error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n these_o testimony_n we_o have_v see_v to_o our_o great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o have_v be_v much_o refresh_v thereby_o trust_v that_o so_o many_o public_a testimony_n as_o have_v be_v give_v in_o both_o kingdom_n for_o the_o covenant_n and_o against_o the_o toleration_n of_o heresy_n or_o schism_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o that_o god_n shall_v lay_v open_a those_o that_o resist_v the_o truth_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o but_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o all_o man_n and_o we_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o shouting_n shall_v be_v hear_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shame_n shame_n upon_o the_o way_n of_o the_o sectary_n grace_n grace_n upon_o that_o covenant_n and_o reformation_n which_o the_o sectary_n oppose_v our_o present-work_n be_v at_o home_n to_o give_v a_o antidote_n against_o these_o malignant_a design_n now_o bring_v to_o so_o much_o maturity_n and_o withal_o to_o clear_v our_o own_o late_a proceed_n which_o some_o be_v content_a to_o misunderstand_v except_o they_o also_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o as_o many_o other_o as_o they_o can_v yea_o some_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o coin_v other_o so_o bold_a in_o out_v and_o a_o three_o sort_n so_o weak_a and_o simple_a in_o believe_v lie_n and_o calumny_n that_o every_o conscientious_a man_n have_v cause_n to_o pray_v at_o this_o time_n deliver_v my_o soul_n o_o lord_n from_o lie_v lip_n and_o from_o a_o deceitful_a tongue_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o lay_v more_o open_a the_o truth_n of_o matter_n we_o shall_v not_o now_o so_o far_o run_v the_o back-trade_n as_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o these_o present_a evil_n nor_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o former_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o dangerous_a and_o malignant_a design_n heretofore_o on_o foot_n it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v know_v the_o late_a passage_n since_o we_o receive_v his_o majesty_n letter_n date_v at_o carisbrook_n castle_n december_n 27._o 1647._o together_o with_o a_o narrative_a in_o write_v of_o his_o majesty_n concession_n and_o offer_n concern_v religion_n and_o what_o his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o do_v for_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o a_o good_a agreement_n under_o which_o expression_n we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o may_v be_v comprehend_v that_o letter_n and_o narrative_n together_o with_o the_o report_n which_o then_o this_o kingdom_n be_v full_a of_o that_o his_o majesty_n have_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o public_a desire_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o religion_n thereby_o to_o make_v the_o people_n secure_a and_o the_o better_a to_o animate_v they_o unto_o a_o engagement_n in_o his_o majesty_n quarrel_n do_v minister_v occasion_n to_o our_o late_a declaration_n which_o although_o extreme_o oppose_v and_o malign_v by_o such_o as_o find_v their_o project_n thereby_o cross_v yet_o have_v find_v such_o general_a and_o good_a acceptance_n in_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v not_o only_o from_o divers_a presbytery_n but_o from_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o provincial_n synod_n most_o affectionate_a letter_n of_o thanks_o for_o the_o same_o as_o namely_o from_o the_o provincial_n of_o lothian_n and_o tweddale_n eyffe_n mensae_n and_o tiviotdail_n perth_n and_o stirlin_n angus_n and_o mernes_n glasgow_n and_o air_n dumfreis_n galloway_n and_o aberdeen_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o few_o other_o provincial_n will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a but_o that_o be_v in_o more_o remote_a place_n they_o have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n to_o be_v so_o soon_o acquaint_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o public_a affair_n not_o long_o after_o the_o emit_v of_o that_o declaration_n we_o be_v desire_v upon_o the_o 15_o of_o march_n by_o the_o committee_n of_o parliament_n to_o appoint_v some_o of_o our_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o their_o lordship_n which_o we_o do_v but_o upon_o the_o 17._o of_o that_o month_n understand_v that_o a_o vote_n have_v pass_v in_o parliament_n upon_o the_o 16._o concern_v berwick_n and_o carlisle_n which_o vote_n as_o it_o be_v dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o by_o divers_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v be_v most_o zealous_a and_o constant_a since_o the_o beginning_n so_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o predetermine_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conference_n and_o to_o be_v of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v thereupon_o discourage_v from_o entertain_v that_o conference_n and_o so_o resolve_v to_o delay_v it_o till_o we_o shall_v give_v further_a order_n to_o those_o of_o our_o number_n appoint_v on_o the_o conference_n after_o this_o upon_o the_o 22._o of_o march_n we_o do_v for_o our_o own_o exoneration_n and_o for_o a_o clear_a understanding_n between_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o we_o represent_v to_o their_o lordship_n eight_o
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
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 your_o lordship_n we_o suppose_v point_n at_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o kingdom_n the_o declaration_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o your_o lordship_n call_v the_o abuse_a people_n if_o your_o lordship_n meaning_n be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v abuse_v by_o the_o lie_v and_o calumny_n of_o malignant_n how_o come_v it_o that_o so_o much_o favour_n and_o forbearance_n be_v grant_v to_o such_o man_n if_o any_o other_o than_o the_o malignant_a party_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v mean_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a they_o be_v make_v know_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o narrative_a concern_v the_o necessity_n occasion_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o both_o kingdom_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o which_o your_o lordship_n say_v of_o those_o common_a enemy_n by_o who_o counsel_n and_o practice_n the_o compose_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v hinder_v and_o what_o evil_n this_o kingdom_n may_v have_v expect_v if_o these_o counsel_n and_o advice_n which_o give_v first_o life_n and_o motion_n to_o these_o dissension_n shall_v have_v be_v still_o prevalent_a we_o desire_v it_o may_v not_o be_v forget_v who_o be_v these_o common_a enemy_n and_o who_o counsel_n it_o be_v that_o do_v prevail_v about_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o trouble_n and_o whether_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o jealous_a and_o watchful_a eye_n over_o any_o such_o if_o even_o after_o their_o join_n in_o the_o covenant_n they_o be_v find_v in_o a_o way_n of_o compliance_n with_o know_a malignant_n and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v most_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n your_o lordship_n add_v that_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o kingdom_n join_v in_o arm_n with_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n and_o do_v prosecute_v these_o end_n till_o their_o common_a enemy_n be_v subdue_v and_o most_o of_o they_o bring_v to_o such_o condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o respective_a parliament_n think_v fit_a we_o shall_v here_o pass_v your_o lordship_n omit_v of_o the_o treaty_n between_o the_o kingdom_n which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v a_o near_a and_o immediate_a influence_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o conjunction_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o arm_n although_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o chief_a foundation_n thereof_o but_o whereas_o your_o lordship_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o the_o cloud_n of_o malignancy_n be_v then_o sufficient_o dissipate_v or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v sufficient_o perform_v in_o bring_v delinquent_n to_o such_o condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o respective_a parliament_n think_v fit_a we_o be_v sorry_a that_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o remember_v what_o forbearance_n yea_o favour_n and_o friendship_n have_v be_v grant_v to_o many_o such_o and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v the_o danger_n from_o these_o former_a common_a enemy_n past_a and_o go_v that_o we_o still_o see_v malignancy_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o sectarisme_n upon_o the_o other_o spring_v up_o like_o root_n of_o bitterness_n to_o trouble_v yea_o to_o defile_v many_o in_o these_o kingdom_n these_o be_v the_o horn_n which_o yet_o push_n judah_n and_o jerusalem_n on_o both_o side_n the_o lord_n prepare_v such_o carpenter_n as_o may_v cut_v off_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n which_o your_o lordship_n insist_v upon_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o your_o narrative_a we_o wish_v your_o lordship_n to_o remember_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o how_o cautious_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n in_o england_n the_o word_n be_v these_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o mean_v either_o to_o justify_v this_o nation_n or_o to_o charge_v such_o a_o sin_n upon_o all_o in_o that_o nation_n we_o know_v the_o covenant_n have_v be_v in_o divers_a particular_n break_v by_o many_o in_o both_o kingdom_n the_o lord_n pardon_v it_o and_o accept_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v many_o seven_o thousand_o in_o england_n who_o have_v not_o only_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a and_o retain_v their_o integrity_n in_o that_o business_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v foul_o and_o shameful_a break_v by_o as_o many_o of_o the_o prevalent_a party_n of_o sectary_n and_o their_o adherent_n as_o ever_o take_v the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a and_o by_o their_o mean_n have_v come_v the_o resist_a and_o hinder_v of_o reformation_n connivance_n at_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o other_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n but_o it_o can_v as_o little_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o there_o be_v dangerous_a breach_n of_o covenant_n by_o malignant_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o your_o lordship_n know_v true_a zeal_n against_o breach_n of_o covenant_n
that_o confession_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o it_o some_o necessary_a caution_n proviso_n and_o explanation_n which_o as_o the_o general_n assembly_n judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v add_v in_o their_o act_n so_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o part_n of_o your_o lordship_n demand_n as_o it_o stand_v without_o any_o such_o caution_n to_o be_v safe_a enough_o which_o among_o other_o thing_n show_v the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o your_o lordship_n take_v resolution_n in_o thing_n concern_v religion_n without_o our_o advice_n and_o consent_n 5._o as_o we_o desire_v that_o reformation_n of_o and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v endeavour_v by_o your_o lordship_n in_o all_o fair_a lawful_a and_o brotherly_a way_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o hearty_o approve_v any_o such_o desire_n as_o your_o lordship_n shall_v send_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n by_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o in_o join_v the_o covenant_n and_o for_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o one_o confession_n of_o faith_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o presbyterial_a government_n so_o we_o will_v be_v very_o cautious_a and_o tender_v when_o such_o desire_n be_v turn_v into_o cause_n of_o war_n if_o not_o obtain_v which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n as_o we_o understand_v by_o your_o lordship_n expression_n in_o the_o precedent_n paragraph_n your_o lordship_n second_o demand_n be_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v come_v to_o some_o of_o his_o house_n in_o or_o near_a london_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n that_o application_n may_v he_o make_v to_o he_o by_o parliament_n of_o both_o kingdom_n for_o attain_v his_o royal_a assent_n to_o such_o desire_n as_o shall_v be_v by_o they_o present_v to_o he_o for_o establish_v religion_n as_o be_v above_o express_v and_o settle_v a_o wellgrounded_n peace_n this_o demand_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o reason_n and_o consideration_n follow_v which_o we_o humble_o offer_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o your_o lordship_n 1._o all_o application_n and_o desire_n to_o his_o majesty_n for_o religion_n be_v suspend_v till_o he_o come_v with_o honour_n freedom_n and_n safety_n to_o some_o of_o his_o house_n in_o or_o near_o london_n we_o know_v not_o what_o length_n of_o time_n this_o may_v draw_v to_o or_o how_o much_o danger_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o delay_n 2._o the_o establish_n of_o religion_n here_o mention_v as_o that_o which_o your_o lordship_n intend_v to_o desire_v of_o his_o majesty_n be_v according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v above_o express_v where_o we_o doubt_v not_o your_o lordship_n refer_v to_o your_o first_o demand_n which_o go_v before_o whereas_o the_o establish_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o express_v we_o do_v not_o think_v safe_a for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v 3._o we_o conceive_v that_o this_o second_o demand_n amount_v to_o no_o less_o than_o the_o restitution_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n before_o application_n make_v and_o desire_v present_v to_o he_o much_o more_o before_o assurance_n and_o security_n have_v from_o he_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n for_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v express_v in_o our_o last_o paper_n present_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o 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 and_o what_o be_v that_o less_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n restore_v this_o we_o further_o add_v that_o we_o humble_o conceive_v his_o majesty_n honour_n may_v comprehend_v or_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o revenue_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a government_n next_o be_v in_o freedom_n he_o may_v repair_v to_o any_o part_n of_o his_o dominion_n in_o scotland_n england_n or_o ireland_n and_o last_o be_v restore_v to_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o safety_n he_o may_v provide_v force_n for_o guard_v himself_o against_o all_o apprehend_a danger_n for_o if_o guard_n shall_v be_v set_v about_o he_o by_o his_o parliament_n it_o will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o freedom_n so_o that_o bring_v restore_v to_o some_o of_o his_o house_n in_o or_o near_o london_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n we_o do_v not_o conceive_v what_o he_o shall_v want_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n consider_v withal_o that_o neither_o himself_n nor_o any_o other_o will_v conceive_v the_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n to_o be_v kingly_a and_o such_o as_o become_v his_o royal_a person_n if_o he_o shall_v want_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n yet_o this_o restitution_n of_o his_o majesty_n 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 settle_v religion_n your_o lordship_n know_v by_o our_o eight_o desire_n and_o other_o way_n be_v conceive_v by_o we_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n 4._o if_o his_o majesty_n be_v once_o 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_o london_n we_o know_v not_o what_o influence_n he_o may_v have_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n to_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v their_o present_n of_o bill_n to_o he_o for_o enjoin_v the_o covenant_n abolish_n prelacy_n and_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n establish_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o presbyterial_a government_n or_o what_o strength_n his_o majesty_n so_o restore_v may_v again_o attain_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n for_o a_o new_a and_o bloody_a war_n to_o the_o devastation_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n which_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o more_o cause_n to_o fear_n and_o apprehend_v his_o majesty_n have_v declare_v and_o profess_v that_o he_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o emprove_v all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n shall_v put_v in_o his_o hand_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o episcopacy_n 5._o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o bring_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o some_o of_o his_o house_n in_o or_o near_o london_n before_o satisfaction_n and_o security_n have_v from_o he_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v not_o as_o we_o conceive_v but_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a discouragement_n and_o offence_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n who_o will_v conceive_v if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v press_v upon_o they_o that_o the_o remedy_n propound_v in_o your_o demand_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n and_o we_o have_v also_o hear_v that_o the_o parl._n of_o england_n when_o they_o be_v as_o free_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v will_v never_o agree_v to_o his_o majesty_n come_v to_o london_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n without_o security_n first_o have_v from_o he_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o religion_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 6._o see_v your_o lordship_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n we_o conceive_v your_o lordship_n shall_v not_o demand_v from_o nor_o press_v upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n his_o majesty_n restitution_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n except_o with_o that_o qualification_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o with_o a_o subordination_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o how_o can_v this_o subordination_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n be_v say_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi demand_v as_o it_o stand_v for_o if_o his_o majesty_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o of_o his_o house_n inor_a near_o london_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n before_o so_o much_o as_o application_n be_v make_v to_o he_o for_o establish_v religion_n and_o peace_n we_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n conscience_n whether_o his_o majesty_n shall_v not_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o honour_n before_o jesus_n christ_n be_v restore_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o set_v upon_o his_o throne_n of_o government_n in_o his_o church_n whether_o his_o majesty_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o liberty_n before_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o whether_o his_o majesty_n safety_n shall_v not_o be_v provide_v for_o and_o secure_v