man_n before_o his_o father_n that_o confess_v he_o before_o man_n all_o of_o these_o and_o each_o of_o they_o beside_o your_o lordship_n personal_a and_o particular_a obligation_n to_o god_n do_v call_v for_o no_o less_o at_o your_o lordship_n hand_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o so_o great_a and_o singular_a necessity_n and_o we_o also_o do_v expect_v so_o much_o at_o this_o time_n according_a as_o your_o lordship_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n will_v be_v free_a of_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n and_o be_v refresh_v with_o the_o comfortable_a remembrance_n of_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n for_o christ_n jesus_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n our_o commissioner_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n resolve_v to_o publish_v our_o gracious_a declaration_n for_o relieve_v of_o their_o grievance_n and_o satisfy_v our_o people_n in_o our_o forwardness_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o our_o averseness_n from_o popery_n which_o they_o 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advice_n he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o danger_n threaten_v if_o he_o shall_v publish_v our_o declaration_n which_o though_o he_o know_v to_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n yet_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o member_n to_o understand_v it_o so_o two_o thing_n he_o desire_v of_o we_o one_o that_o in_o case_n we_o continue_v in_o our_o resolution_n of_o publish_v our_o declaration_n we_o will_v be_v please_v to_o sweeten_v it_o with_o this_o further_a favour_n as_o to_o restore_v to_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o sit_v of_o our_o council_n our_o session_n and_o all_o other_o court_n of_o justice_n which_o he_o conceive_v will_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o our_o councillor_n judge_n to_o all_o advocate_n and_o all_o dependent_n upon_o the_o law_n to_o all_o our_o subject_n which_o have_v business_n depend_v in_o any_o of_o these_o court_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n which_o complain_v much_o 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which_o we_o do_v see_v the_o leader_n of_o they_o study_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o suppress_v and_o that_o at_o his_o entreaty_n we_o be_v content_v that_o all_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n shall_v present_o begin_v to_o sit_v again_o at_o edinburgh_n for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o his_o letter_n and_o in_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v of_o that_o city_n which_o otherwise_o by_o their_o misdemeanour_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o such_o favour_n from_o we_o and_o withal_o after_o the_o dispatch_n of_o these_o two_o that_o we_o be_v content_v he_o shall_v repair_v to_o we_o as_o he_o desire_v whensoever_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o convenient_a take_v first_o order_n with_o our_o council_n for_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n until_o his_o return_n this_o answer_n of_o we_o so_o soon_o as_o our_o commissioner_n receive_v he_o assemble_v our_o council_n and_o make_v they_o acquaint_v with_o it_o who_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o bring_v back_o of_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n to_o edinburgh_n that_o present_o they_o send_v unto_o we_o a_o letter_n of_o thanks_o of_o this_o tenor_n most_o sacred_a sovereign_n the_o marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n your_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v impart_v unto_o we_o your_o majesty_n gracious_a pleasure_n and_o allowance_n that_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o council_n of_o session_n and_o other_o shall_v be_v return_v to_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n thereupon_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n be_v present_a order_n be_v give_v for_o publication_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a and_o that_o the_o like_a publication_n shall_v be_v make_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n at_o all_o public_a place_n this_o have_v give_v so_o great_a contentment_n to_o all_o your_o majesty_n subject_n that_o we_o can_v express_v with_o what_o dutiful_a respect_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n for_o your_o majesty_n they_o have_v embrace_v this_o great_a and_o undeserved_a favour_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o we_o conceive_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o acquaint_v your_o majesty_n herewith_o and_o withal_o to_o render_v to_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o this_o so_o great_a grace_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o hope_v shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o good_a of_o your_o majesty_n service_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o country_n for_o the_o which_o we_o all_z your_o majesty_n good_a subject_n shall_v ever_o be_v most_o thankful_a and_o all_o in_o duty_n bind_v to_o pray_v for_o your_o majesty_n long_a and_o happy_a reign_n holy-rood-house_n july_n 2._o 1638._o subscribitur_fw-la traquaire_n roxbrugh_n mar_n morton_n winton_n lithgow_n wigtonne_n kingorne_n hadinton_n lauderdaile_n kinoul_n southesk_n lorne_n naper_n dalyell_n ihay_n ja_n carmithaell_n thomas_n hop_v john_n hamilton_n and_o according_o our_o commissioner_n cause_v proclamation_n to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n for_o the_o first_o sit_v down_o of_o the_o session_n there_o the_o tuesday_n follow_v be_v the_o three_o of_o july_n 1638._o which_o be_v receive_v with_o such_o joy_n by_o the_o judge_n advocate_n and_o all_o other_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n but_o above_o all_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o citizen_n of_o edinburgh_n that_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n do_v then_o well_o hope_v all_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v well_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o next_o proclamation_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n which_o undoubted_o they_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v not_o only_o divert_v but_o pervert_v by_o those_o man_n who_o interpret_v every_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o subject_n receive_v from_o we_o to_o be_v a_o divide_v and_o pull_v they_o away_o from_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o quick_o cast_v about_o to_o find_v out_o some_o mean_n how_o this_o our_o special_a favour_n may_v not_o be_v resent_v by_o they_o which_o be_v this_o they_o assure_v their_o follower_n that_o there_o be_v two_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n viz._n sir_n robert_n spotswood_n precedent_n of_o the_o same_o and_o sir_n john_n hay_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n answerable_a to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o roll_n here_o in_o england_n swear_v enemy_n to_o their_o covenant_n well_o affect_v to_o episcopal_a government_n procurer_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o pretend_a innovation_n that_o unless_o these_o two_o be_v present_o remove_v from_o our_o session_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a intend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o bring_n of_o it_o back_o to_o edinburgh_n and_o therefore_o advise_v they_o to_o send_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o desire_v that_o these_o two_o our_o judge_n may_v present_o be_v remove_v from_o that_o court_n not_o that_o they_o who_o put_v this_o in_o their_o
state_n excuse_v our_o uncessant_a and_o importune_a call_n for_o these_o present_a remedy_n do_v insinuate_v the_o continuance_n and_o execution_n of_o any_o pretend_a law_n for_o these_o innovation_n of_o worship_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n government_n and_o civil_a place_n of_o churchman_n which_o by_o our_o covenant_n we_o have_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o forbear_v and_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o he_o will_v call_v in_o his_o best_a convenience_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o and_o this_o other_o end_n of_o satisfy_v his_o subject_n judgement_n anent_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n do_v condemn_v all_o our_o former_a proceed_n even_o our_o supplicate_a complain_v protest_v subscribe_v of_o our_o covenant_n together_o and_o our_o continual_a meeting_n as_o great_a disorder_n increase_v of_o disorder_n deserve_v just_o a_o powerful_a rather_o than_o a_o persuasive_a way_n a_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n a_o perish_v in_o our_o fault_n a_o blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v threaten_v &_o denounce_v now_o once_o for_o all_o if_o we_o be_v not_o hearty_o satisfy_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o our_o obedience_n after_o this_o declaration_n but_o continue_v as_o by_o our_o former_a proceed_n to_o draw_v on_o our_o own_o ruin_n that_o albeit_o unwilling_o he_o must_v make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o for_o reclaim_v of_o so_o disobedient_a people_n therefore_o we_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o this_o land_n be_v force_v and_o compel_v out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a country_n ourselves_o and_o our_o posterity_n lest_o our_o silence_n shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n and_o salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n and_o proceed_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o solemn_a oath_n of_o our_o nation_n covenant_n with_o god_n to_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o protest_v primo_n that_o we_o do_v and_o will_v constant_o adhere_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n to_o the_o say_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n use_v of_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o innovation_n introduce_v therein_o either_o of_o old_a or_o of_o late_a secundo_fw-la we_o potest_fw-la that_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o grievance_n supplication_n and_o protestation_n give_v in_o at_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o to_o our_o late_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n and_o other_o lawful_a proceed_n against_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n as_o main_a innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o full_a of_o popish_a superstition_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o against_o the_o high_a commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a establish_a contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o destructive_a of_o other_o lawful_a judicatories_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o manner_n of_o introduction_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n can_v be_v any_o way_n rectify_v but_o absolute_o discharge_v tertio_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o we_o adhere_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o god_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o clause_n particular_o therein_o express_v and_o general_o contain_v and_o to_o our_o last_o article_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n draw_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o all_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o manner_n of_o remedy_n therein_o desire_v quarto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o this_o proclamation_n or_o act_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o act_n or_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o by_o subscription_n or_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o precondemnation_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o carriage_n before_o the_o same_o be_v lawful_o hear_v and_o try_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n to_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n or_o any_o certification_n or_o threaten_v therein_o denounce_v shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o to_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n pursuit_n mutual_a defence_n nor_o to_o our_o person_n and_o estate_n and_o shall_v no_o way_n be_v disgraceful_a either_o in_o reality_n or_o opinion_n at_o home_o or_o abroad_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o any_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o subscription_n of_o the_o council_n carry_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o declaration_n and_o condemnation_n of_o our_o proceed_n indicta_fw-la causa_fw-la be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_n &_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a &_o null_a as_o here_o before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o offer_v to_o clear_v &_o to_o verify_v both_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n and_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o act_n against_o we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o first_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n &_o parliament_n of_o the_o estate_n unto_o who_o with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a we_o do_v public_o appeal_v quinto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o see_v our_o former_a supplication_n last_o article_n &_o our_o last_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n which_o petition_v for_o the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n &_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n &_o of_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o hear_v the_o desire_n ease_v the_o grievance_n &_o settle_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o delay_v &_o in_o effect_n refuse_v to_o wit_n once_o for_o all_o till_o his_o majesty_n conveniency_n for_o the_o end_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o we_o continue_v by_o their_o present_n to_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n again_o and_o again_o for_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o same_o and_o whatsoever_o trouble_n or_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o land_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o want_v of_o these_o ordinary_a remedy_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o of_o these_o innovation_n &_o evil_n contrary_a to_o our_o supplication_n article_n &_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o beg_v these_o lawful_a remedy_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o &_o every_o one_o of_o we_o one_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n foresay_a authority_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n &_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o &_o against_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a invasion_n menace_v in_o this_o proclamation_n like_a as_o that_o in_o the_o great_a exigencie_n of_o the_o church_n necessitate_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinary_a and_o lawful_a remedy_n for_o settle_v the_o commotion_n thereof_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v leasome_a unto_o we_o to_o appoint_v hold_v and_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n our_o lawful_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n agreeble_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o the_o like_a case_n sexto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n confession_n meeting_n proceed_n and_o mutual_a defence_n of_o every_o one_o another_o in_o this_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_o mean_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n &_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v style_v nor_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o proceed_v only_o from_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a
command_n and_o instance_n to_o impair_v hurt_n or_o stay_v the_o say_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n correction_n of_o manner_n or_o punishment_n of_o their_o offence_n &_o enormity_n or_o to_o make_v any_o appellation_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o stop_v the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v by_o god_n word_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n within_o the_o say_v kirk_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n summary_o without_o any_o process_n or_o admonition_n to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n by_o the_o minister_n or_o minister_n which_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o they_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v know_v that_o any_o of_o the_o say_n head_n be_v transgress_v likeas_n both_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n promise_v that_o none_o thereafter_o shall_v have_v that_o cause_n to_o complain_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o montrose_n in_o july_n 1597._o and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o saint_n andrews_n 24._o april_n 1582._o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o master_n robert_n montgomrie_n the_o assembly_n do_v write_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o this_o discharge_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o see_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a charge_n the_o assembly_n do_v proceed_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o say_a master_n robert_n further_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 27._o of_o june_n 1582._o sess._n 7._o among_o the_o grievance_n present_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o king_n the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o majesty_n by_o device_n of_o some_o counsellor_n be_v move_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o only_a king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o kirk_n the_o ministry_n and_o execution_n whereof_o be_v only_o give_v to_o such_o as_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o in_o his_o majesty_n person_n some_o man_n press_v to_o erect_v a_o babble_n popedom_n as_o though_o his_o majesty_n can_v not_o be_v full_a king_n and_o head_n of_o this_o common_a wealth_n unless_o alswell_o the_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a sword_n be_v put_v in_o his_o majesty_n hand_n unless_o christ_n be_v rest_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o two_o jurisdiction_n confound_v which_o god_n have_v divide_v which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o wrack_n and_o overthrow_v of_o all_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o octob._n 1582._o sess._n 15._o summon_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n against_o the_o king_n advocate_n for_o draw_v up_o the_o king_n proclamation_n of_o that_o strain_n 7._o the_o foresay_a command_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n because_o as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n so_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o national_a assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o only_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o so_o near_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o king_n james_n 6._o and_o parl._n 1_o king_n charles_n likeas_n by_o the_o 12._o par._n 114._o act_n k._n james_n 6._o ann_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o in_o her_o presbytery_n and_o assembly_n be_v full_o and_o firm_o ratify_v with_o declaration_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a over_o all_o estate_n and_o person_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n especial_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o full_a power_n even_o to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n 8._o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n by_o act_n 92._o parl._n 6._o king_n james_n 6._o be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v and_o to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o council_n in_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o the_o 47._o act_n 11._o parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n and_o supersederee_n purchase_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v discharge_v as_o contempt_n do_v to_o the_o law_n as_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o have_v and_o contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o admissible_o by_o any_o judge_n nor_o effectual_a to_o the_o purchaser_n any_o way_n and_o ordain_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v justice_n siclike_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o the_o say_a supersederee_n and_o licence_n never_o have_v be_v purchase_v nor_o produce_v like_o as_o by_o the_o 106._o act_n parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o act_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n according_a to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_n notwithstanding_o of_o privy_a warrant_n or_o prohibition_n contrary_a to_o law_n which_o common_o be_v impetrate_v from_o his_o majesty_n upon_o misinformation_n to_o proceed_v and_o minister_v justice_n 9_o to_o discharge_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n stop_v the_o execution_n thereof_o protect_v and_o defend_v such_o as_o be_v delinquent_n and_o under_o the_o kirk_n censure_n do_v direct_o repugn_v to_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n wherein_o cap._n 19_o the_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v upright_o ministration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v for_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o repress_v of_o vice_n and_o so_o no_o more_o can_v be_v impede_v nor_o just_o take_v from_o the_o kirk_n then_o any_o of_o she_o other_o two_o mark_n viz._n the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o oath_n at_o the_o king_n coronation_n he_o swear_v to_o maintain_v this_o confession_n and_o these_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o particular_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresaid_n crime_n 10._o in_o the_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o renew_v by_o the_o great_a and_o kingdom_n best_a part_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o explication_n renew_v also_o at_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o power_n so_o that_o see_v this_o general_a assembly_n have_v proceed_v in_o their_o constitution_n act_n and_o whole_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1580._o and_o 1590._o contain_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o in_o both_o these_o year_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v registrate_n and_o swear_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o clear_o distinguish_v in_o the_o 1._o c._n l._n 2._o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n may_v no_o way_n stop_v or_o impede_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o in_o the_o 7._o c._n the_o eldership_n and_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n upon_o all_o transgressor_n and_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o c._n the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a
lordship_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n your_o lordship_n admit_v to_o the_o consult_v and_o judge_v anent_o our_o supplication_n and_o his_o majesty_n answer_n thereunto_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o direct_a party_n contrary_a to_o our_o declinator_n first_o propound_v at_o dalkeith_n and_o now_o renew_v at_o sterling_n and_o petition_n contrary_a to_o your_o lordship_n act_n aforesaid_a at_o dalkeith_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o humble_a supplication_n therefore_o lest_o our_o silence_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o this_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o the_o former_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o trust_n of_o our_o commission_n out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o our_o god_n our_o king_n and_o native_a country_n we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v instrument_n in_o notary_n hand_n of_o your_o lordship_n refusal_n to_o admit_v our_o declinator_n or_o remove_v these_o our_o party_n and_o to_o protest_v in_o manner_n follow_v first_o that_o we_o may_v have_v our_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n to_o present_v our_o grievance_n and_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n to_o prosecute_v the_o same_o before_o the_o ordinary_a competent_a judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a without_o any_o offence_n offer_v by_o we_o or_o take_v by_o your_o lordship_n second_o we_o protest_v that_o the_o say_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n our_o party_n complain_v upon_o can_v be_v repute_v or_o esteem_v lawful_a judge_n to_o fit_v in_o any_o judicatorie_a in_o this_o kingdom_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a upon_o any_o of_o the_o supplicant_n until_o after_o lawful_a trial_n judicial_o they_o purge_v themselves_o of_o such_o crime_n as_o we_o have_v already_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n offer_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o whensoever_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n shall_v please_v to_o give_v we_o audience_n three_o we_o protest_v that_o no_o act_n nor_o proclamation_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o past_a or_o to_o be_v pass_v in_o council_n or_o out_o of_o council_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n who_o we_o have_v already_o decline_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n shall_v any_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o we_o the_o supplicant_n our_o person_n estate_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n or_o pursuit_n four_o we_o protest_v that_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n move_v to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n shall_v incur_v any_o danger_n in_o life_n land_n or_o any_o political_a or_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n for_o not_o observe_v such_o act_n book_n canon_n rite_n judicatory_n proclamation_n introduce_v without_o or_o against_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o statute_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o we_o or_o they_o to_o use_v ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o laudable_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n conform_v to_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n the_o nine_o of_o december_n last_o five_o see_v by_o the_o legal_a and_o submiss_a way_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n all_o who_o take_v these_o innovation_n to_o heart_n have_v be_v keep_v calm_a and_o carry_v themselves_o in_o a_o quiet_a manner_n in_o hope_n of_o redress_n we_o protest_v that_o if_o any_o inconvenience_n shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v out_o which_o we_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v upon_o the_o press_n of_o any_o of_o the_o foresay_a innovation_n or_o evil_n special_o or_o general_o contain_v in_o our_o former_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n and_o upon_o your_o lordship_n refusal_n to_o take_v order_n thereanent_fw-la the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o seek_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o a_o order_n six_o we_o protest_v that_o these_o our_o request_n proceed_v from_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n honour_n do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o most_o humble_a desire_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n accustom_a goodness_n and_o justice_n from_o which_o we_o do_v certain_o expect_v that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n will_v provide_v and_o grant_v such_o remedy_n to_o our_o just_a petition_n and_o complaint_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o so_o gracious_a a_o king_n towards_o most_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n call_v for_o redress_n of_o so_o press_v grievance_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o against_o which_o protestation_n we_o shall_v now_o say_v nothing_o because_o it_o be_v contain_v &_o repeat_v in_o another_o large_a protestation_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v insert_v hereafter_o and_o there_o it_o shall_v receive_v a_o full_a answer_n only_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o first_o the_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n of_o their_o demand_v some_o of_o our_o bishop_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o our_o council_n nay_o and_o which_o we_o think_v never_o be_v hear_v before_o their_o protest_v against_o all_o act_n to_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v in_o our_o council_n at_o which_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a allege_v that_o this_o their_o protestation_n against_o they_o and_o declinator_n of_o they_o make_v they_o to_o be_v party_n and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o withal_o they_o require_v they_o first_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o then_o promise_v they_o will_v make_v proof_n of_o such_o crime_n against_o they_o as_o shall_v declare_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o removal_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o entreat_v they_o first_o to_o condemn_v a_o man_n and_o then_o to_o try_v he_o and_o if_o a_o protestation_n against_o their_o sit_v in_o council_n and_o a_o declinator_n of_o our_o counsel_n authority_n neither_o of_o they_o admit_v by_o our_o council_n shall_v make_v some_o counsellor_n to_o be_v party_n and_o invalidate_v all_o act_n of_o council_n so_o long_o as_o these_o counsellor_n who_o they_o have_v fancy_v to_o be_v party_n sit_v there_o how_o their_o last_o pretend_a general_a assembly_n against_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o protestation_n make_v both_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o and_o which_o by_o all_o these_o protester_n be_v decline_v as_o judge_n because_o the_o member_n of_o it_o have_v all_o make_v themselves_o party_n can_v be_v count_v a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o lawful_a judge_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o themselves_o to_o reconcile_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o these_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n against_o the_o assembly_n be_v repel_v by_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o they_o let_v they_o remember_v that_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o declinator_n against_o our_o counsel_n authority_n if_o they_o shall_v not_o eject_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o likewise_o repel_v and_o reject_v by_o our_o council_n who_o be_v the_o only_a true_a judge_n of_o they_o their_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n be_v no_o true_a but_o only_o a_o pretend_a judge_n of_o the_o other_o after_o the_o assembly_n be_v dissolve_v by_o our_o authority_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v that_o their_o demand_n in_o this_o protestation_n be_v very_o far_o short_a of_o those_o which_o be_v make_v by_o they_o in_o their_o succeed_a protestation_n which_o swell_v with_o far_o more_o bold_a 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the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o majesty_n of_o our_o king_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o common_a happiness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n and_o because_o we_o can_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o proceed_n except_o with_o our_o profession_n and_o subscription_n we_o join_v such_o a_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o beseem_v christian_n who_o have_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o therefore_o faithful_o promise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o follower_n and_o all_o other_o under_o we_o both_o in_o public_a in_o our_o particular_a family_n and_o personal_a carriage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v good_a example_n to_o other_o of_o all_o godliness_n soberness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o every_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n and_o that_o this_o our_o union_n and_o conjunction_n may_v be_v observe_v without_o violation_n 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therefore_o intend_v to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n what_o be_v noise_v concern_v the_o proclamation_n how_o far_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v be_v by_o some_o sinistrous_a misinformation_n frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o constant_a desire_n to_o have_v some_o course_n take_v by_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi advice_n how_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o inform_v may_v deliver_v his_o good_a subject_n from_o so_o great_a grievance_n and_o fear_n and_o establish_v a_o sure_a peace_n in_o this_o country_n for_o time_n to_o come_v we_o find_v ourselves_o tie_v by_o order_n of_o law_n to_o decline_v those_o against_o who_o we_o have_v make_v our_o complaint_n unless_o we_o will_v admit_v our_o party_n to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o in_o case_n our_o declinator_n shall_v not_o be_v accept_v we_o behove_v to_o protest_v that_o we_o may_v have_v immediate_a recourse_n to_o the_o king_n himself_o etc._n etc._n thereafter_o in_o the_o month_n of_o march_n find_v that_o by_o the_o foresay_a proclamation_n the_o innovation_n supplicate_v against_o be_v approven_v our_o lawful_a proceed_n condemn_v our_o most_o necessary_a meeting_n prohibit_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n thereby_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n provoke_v to_o wrath_n against_o we_o by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n within_o this_o land_n to_o clear_v our_o sovereign_n mind_n from_o all_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n arise_v from_o our_o adversary_n misinformation_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o carriage_n and_o so_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o acceptance_n of_o our_o humble_a supplication_n and_o grant_v of_o their_o lawful_a remedy_n to_o guard_v this_o land_n in_o defence_n of_o religion_n authority_n and_o liberty_n against_o inward_a division_n and_o external_a violence_n and_o that_o our_o action_n may_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o holy_a profession_n we_o afterward_o draw_v up_o a_o humble_a supplication_n contain_v our_o grievance_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o attend_v his_o declaration_n here_o in_o scotland_n which_o will_v free_v we_o of_o all_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o prove_v satisfactory_a and_o lest_o for_o want_n of_o true_a information_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n it_o shall_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o we_o express_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a modesty_n we_o can_v our_o desire_n in_o some_o few_o article_n and_o with_o great_a patience_n have_v attend_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n thereanent_fw-la and_o all_o this_o month_n bygone_a be_v frequent_o convene_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o deliver_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o right_a noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n we_o present_v a_o new_a petition_n to_o his_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n crave_v most_o humble_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n thereof_o like_a as_o find_v a_o misinformation_n or_o mistake_v of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n to_o be_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o obtain_v our_o desire_n in_o a_o new_a supplication_n we_o have_v full_o remove_v that_o impediment_n renew_v our_o desire_n of_o those_o supreme_a judicatories_n to_o be_v indict_v with_o diligence_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n but_o be_v answer_v only_o with_o delay_n after_o these_o nine_o month_n attendance_n and_o with_o this_o proclamation_n that_o contain_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n of_o his_o pious_a intention_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n nor_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o we_o be_v ever_o so_o far_o from_o call_v in_o question_n as_o in_o our_o supplicatication_n complaint_n and_o bill_n we_o use_v the_o same_o as_o one_o cause_n of_o our_o desire_n one_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o adversary_n malignant_a misinformation_n of_o so_o religious_a a_o king_n and_o now_o most_o humble_o with_o bend_a knee_n and_o bow_a heart_n thank_v our_o gracious_a sovereign_n for_o the_o same_o wish_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n true_o and_o full_o to_o inform_v his_o majesty_n how_o far_o these_o book_n judicatory_n and_o all_o our_o other_o evil_n and_o grievance_n be_v full_a of_o idolatrous_a superstition_n and_o popish_a error_n how_o destructive_a of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o his_o majesty_n pious_a intention_n and_o declaration_n yet_o see_v that_o no_o proclamation_n can_v sufficient_o remove_v the_o present_a evil_n nor_o settle_v our_o fear_n nor_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o reentry_n of_o any_o evil_a or_o innovation_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o discharge_v or_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v nor_o satisfy_v our_o humble_a supplication_n crave_v the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o our_o evil_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o like_a and_o see_v this_o proclamation_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n or_o acknowledge_v any_o of_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o grievance_n or_o any_o just_a cause_n thereof_o except_o under_o the_o name_n of_o great_a increase_n of_o disorder_n fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n but_o only_o our_o fear_n of_o some_o future_a innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n occasion_v only_o as_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o fear_v his_o majesty_n hope_v to_o have_v be_v abundant_o and_o sufficient_o satisfy_v by_o his_o two_o former_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nine_o of_o december_n and_o ninteenth_n of_o february_n and_o by_o this_o his_o present_a declaration_n except_o his_o subject_n be_v blind_o under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n lead_v unto_o disobedience_n do_v mis-ken_n pass_v over_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n deny_v all_o our_o supplication_n bill_n article_n and_o desire_n especial_o our_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n our_o party_n and_o that_o once_o for_o all_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o persuasive_a way_n even_o after_o the_o resaite_n of_o our_o last_o supplication_n clear_v we_o from_o the_o calumny_n of_o unlawful_a combination_n do_v not_o disallow_v nor_o discharge_v any_o of_o the_o innovation_n and_o evil_n complain_v upon_o but_o only_o assure_v that_o his_o majesty_n will_v not_o press_v their_o practice_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v his_o subject_n of_o his_o intention_n which_o join_v with_o the_o other_o clause_n allow_v and_o confirm_v the_o proclamation_n the_o nineteen_o of_o february_n evidence_v the_o liberty_n leave_v to_o any_o prelate_n or_o person_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o by_o all_o other_o fair_a way_n to_o persuade_v other_o thereunto_o and_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n to_o press_v their_o practice_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o also_o confirm_v the_o former_a declaration_n that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v a_o ready_a mean_a to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n already_o profess_v and_o to_o beat_v out_o all_o superstition_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o to_o be_v compile_v and_o approve_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n do_v not_o abolish_v but_o promise_v to_o rectify_v the_o high_a commission_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n imply_v the_o king_n power_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o council_n to_o establish_v this_o or_o any_o judicatory_a within_o this_o kingdom_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n convene_v in_o parliament_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a and_o express_a law_n thereof_o and_o by_o consequent_a with_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o establish_v law_n and_o service_n book_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduction_n do_v only_o promise_v to_o take_v into_o his_o consideration_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v call_v at_o his_o best_a convenience_n while_o as_o the_o evident_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o settle_v the_o combustion_n threaten_v the_o total_a dissolution_n and_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o
country_n and_o our_o posterity_n and_o do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o his_o majesty_n most_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o of_o his_o majesty_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o humble_a desire_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o article_n unto_o the_o which_o we_o adhere_v again_o and_o again_o as_o we_o will_v eschew_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n follow_v the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v certain_o expect_v according_a to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o accustom_a goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n after_o a_o true_a information_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n will_v present_o indict_v these_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n to_o our_o just_a supplication_n complaint_n and_o article_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v and_o use_v to_o be_v grant_v from_o so_o just_a and_o gracious_a a_o king_n towards_o most_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n call_v for_o redress_n of_o so_o press_v grievance_n and_o pray_v hearty_o that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o whereupon_o a_o noble_a earl_n john_n earl_n of_o cassles_a etc._n etc._n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n m._n alexander_n gibson_n young_a of_o dury_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n james_n fletcher_n provost_n of_o dundy_n in_o name_n of_o the_o borrow_v m._n john_n ker_n minister_n at_o salt-prestoun_a in_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o master_n archbald_n johnston_n reader_n hereof_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v within_o this_o kingdom_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o three_o notar_n present_a at_o the_o say_a mercat_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v environ_v with_o great_a number_n of_o the_o foresay_a nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n borrow_v minister_n and_o commons_o before_o many_o hundred_o witness_n and_o crave_v the_o extract_n thereof_o and_o in_o token_n of_o their_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o his_o majesty_n confidence_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o innocence_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o hope_v of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a acceptance_n they_o offer_v in_o all_o humility_n with_o submiss_a reverence_n a_o copy_n thereof_o to_o the_o herald_n now_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o our_o proclamation_n which_o deserve_v such_o a_o undutiful_a and_o rebellious_a protestation_n or_o the_o seditious_a clamour_n which_o both_o at_o their_o private_a and_o public_a meeting_n especial_o in_o their_o pulpit_n be_v make_v against_o it_o this_o protestation_n need_v no_o answer_n for_o after_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o repetition_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o often_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o number_n of_o falsity_n heap_v up_o together_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v easy_o perceive_v for_o whereas_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o have_v remove_v the_o impediment_n which_o cause_v their_o covenant_n to_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n we_o suppose_v that_o thereby_o they_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o tender_v to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o explication_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v unto_o we_o any_o satisfaction_n that_o both_o to_o we_o and_o all_o reasonable_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o their_o unlawful_a combination_n for_o whereas_o they_o refuse_v to_o except_v we_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o person_n against_o who_o their_o band_n of_o mutual_a maintenance_n be_v intend_v it_o plain_o demonstrate_v that_o in_o their_o intention_n we_o be_v the_o person_n chief_o aim_v at_o in_o some_o few_o line_n after_o this_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o call_v in_o question_n our_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v the_o religion_n profess_v in_o that_o kingdom_n and_o our_o care_n for_o not_o admit_v any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n now_o we_o do_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o in_o their_o private_a meeting_n nay_o even_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o sermon_n they_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o settle_v in_o our_o good_a subject_n mind_n opinion_n fear_n and_o jealousy_n quite_o contrary_a to_o these_o their_o print_a asseveration_n in_o the_o last_o part_n they_o ground_n their_o protestation_n upon_o no_o ground_n but_o such_o as_o these_o that_o they_o will_v continue_v together_o because_o they_o have_v oblige_v themselves_o by_o oath_n so_o to_o do_v and_o because_o they_o will_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o adhere_v constant_o to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o because_o they_o offer_v to_o clear_v themselves_o before_o a_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n where_o they_o themselves_o make_v account_v to_o be_v judge_n now_o these_o and_o such_o like_a false_a and_o weak_a ground_n it_o be_v very_o unnecessary_a to_o confute_v the_o rehearsal_n of_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o view_n their_o sufficient_a conviction_n after_o all_o these_o they_o end_v their_o protestation_n with_o two_o very_a unsavourie_a conclusion_n the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o their_o proceed_n they_o themselves_o will_v call_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o allow_v of_o they_o a_o notable_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o disloyalty_n together_o to_o be_v suitor_n to_o we_o for_o that_o which_o they_o as_o they_o say_v both_o may_v do_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v without_o our_o leave_n the_o second_o be_v they_o protest_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v or_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a all_o their_o proceed_n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_a mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v style_v or_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n all_o which_o word_n be_v multiply_v only_o to_o make_v up_o a_o very_a unmannerly_a contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o our_o proclamation_n our_o commissioner_n see_v not_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v but_o that_o they_o be_v resolute_a not_o to_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n by_o what_o be_v offer_v and_o that_o the_o most_o that_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n but_o indeed_o be_v none_o for_o they_o will_v never_o yield_v that_o these_o word_n whereby_o in_o their_o covenant_n they_o bind_v themselves_o in_o a_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v admit_v this_o interpretation_n except_o the_o king_n he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o since_o his_o instruction_n be_v out_o he_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o with_o they_o without_o new_a conference_n with_o and_o instruction_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v a_o speedy_a journey_n to_o we_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o what_o have_v pass_v and_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o that_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n which_o they_o have_v give_v he_o though_o as_o it_o have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o himself_o so_o he_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v give_v none_o to_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o entreat_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o more_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o than_o they_o have_v do_v until_o our_o pleasure_n be_v further_o know_v that_o pretend_a explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n be_v conceive_v by_o way_n of_o petition_n and_o be_v this_o to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o supplication_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o here_o attend_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a petition_n complaint_n and_o desire_n humble_o show_v that_o whereas_o we_o expect_v from_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n and_o just_a desire_n have_v present_v to_o your_o grace_n a_o petition_n humble_o crave_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o the_o only_a mean_a to_o put_v this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o quietness_n it_o please_v your_o grace_n to_o show_v that_o his_o majesty_n from_o his_o princely_a care_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n
will_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o call_v a_o parliament_n for_o those_o good_a end_n but_o that_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v conceive_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n late_o renew_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n thereby_o to_o cast_v off_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o covenant_n for_o maintain_v of_o true_a religion_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o being_n most_o willing_a to_o remove_v that_o as_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n therefore_o and_o for_o clear_v of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o so_o great_a a_o imputation_n we_o do_v now_o in_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o your_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v and_o sorry_a that_o any_o good_a man_n but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n shall_v so_o conceive_v of_o our_o do_v and_o that_o we_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o faâ—re_v from_o any_o thought_n of_o withdraw_a ourselves_o from_o our_o dutiful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n government_n which_o by_o the_o descent_n and_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o 107_o king_n be_v most_o cheerful_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o our_o predecessor_n that_o we_o never_o have_v nor_o have_v any_o intention_n or_o desire_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o king_n greatness_n and_o authority_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o acknowledge_v our_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n have_v solemn_o swear_v not_o only_o our_o mutual_a concurrence_n and_o assistance_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n free_a from_o that_o and_o all_o other_o imputation_n of_o that_o kind_n most_o humble_o beseech_v your_o grace_n to_o esteem_v that_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n to_o have_v be_v intend_v and_o to_o be_v the_o large_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o king_n and_o that_o hindrance_n be_v remove_v must_v still_o supplicate_v that_o your_o grace_n will_v be_v please_v to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o will_v undoubted_o redress_v all_o our_o evil_n settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o procure_v that_o chearfulnesse_n of_o obedience_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v render_v to_o his_o majesty_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o offer_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o best_a endeavour_n for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o his_o majesty_n may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o now_o do_v this_o petition_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o their_o covenant_n much_o less_o of_o such_o a_o explication_n as_o shall_v give_v either_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n any_o satisfaction_n no_o for_o it_o contain_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o shake_v off_o their_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v give_v way_n to_o all_o their_o course_n which_o by_o this_o petition_n they_o justify_v so_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o will_v continue_v obedient_a subject_n if_o we_o will_v part_v from_o our_o sovereignty_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o they_o will_v obey_v if_o we_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o command_v but_o where_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o to_o these_o word_n of_o their_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o mutual_a maintenance_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v have_v be_v add_v except_o the_o king_n and_o his_o successor_n that_o be_v refuse_v though_o even_o that_o can_v have_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n unless_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o which_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n have_v make_v sedition_n and_o punishable_a with_o death_n upon_o notice_n give_v by_o our_o commissioner_n of_o his_o intend_a departure_n the_o debatement_n at_o their_o table_n grow_v very_o hot_a and_o fiery_a upon_o this_o point_n whether_o they_o shall_v present_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n and_o fall_v upon_o the_o violent_a course_n intend_v by_o they_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v grant_v some_o short_a time_n for_o his_o journey_n his_o stay_n with_o we_o his_o return_n to_o they_o again_o with_o our_o final_a answer_n and_o last_o resolution_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promise_v that_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o and_o continue_v all_o thing_n in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la until_o his_o return_n this_o last_o be_v agree_v unto_o though_o not_o without_o much_o contrariety_n of_o voice_n and_o so_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n come_v and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o this_o their_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o they_o will_v expect_v our_o answer_n and_o his_o return_n upon_o the_o five_o of_o august_n next_o at_o the_o further_a until_o which_o time_n they_o will_v break_v up_o their_o great_a meeting_n contain_v themselves_o and_o the_o people_n in_o quietness_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o by_o that_o day_n he_o do_v either_o not_o return_v or_o not_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o we_o such_o a_o answer_n as_o they_o expect_v than_o they_o will_v hold_v themselves_o free_a and_o go_v on_o to_o prosecute_v the_o course_n which_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o us._n after_o our_o commissioner_n have_v at_o greenwich_n make_v we_o full_o acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o insolence_n we_o speedy_o dispatch_v he_o with_o new_a instruction_n and_o command_v he_o to_o return_v so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v back_o in_o scotland_n by_o the_o five_o of_o august_n and_o give_v he_o order_n for_o the_o indict_v both_o of_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o a_o parliament_n but_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v full_o satisfy_v by_o all_o information_n which_o he_o can_v convenient_o receive_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n with_o which_o perhaps_o many_o be_v not_o acquaint_v none_o have_v be_v keep_v for_o divers_a year_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v require_v good_a deliberation_n to_o agree_v both_o upon_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o for_o their_o person_n but_o for_o their_o quality_n and_o of_o what_o thing_n be_v usual_o treat_v and_o handle_v there_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o return_v into_o scotland_n but_o he_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o much_o worse_a case_n and_o in_o a_o far_o great_a combustion_n than_o he_o leave_v they_o for_o he_o find_v that_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faction_n be_v afraid_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v back_o with_o he_o some_o satisfactory_a accommodation_n which_o our_o subject_n may_v like_v well_o but_o they_o themselves_o resolve_v to_o reject_v have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n assure_v their_o follower_n that_o they_o may_v compass_v their_o end_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o themselves_o desire_v nay_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o untrue_a viz._n that_o our_o commissioner_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o especial_o with_o their_o covenant_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o late_a explication_n they_o have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o use_v that_o inducement_n for_o a_o argument_n whereby_o they_o persuade_v many_o of_o all_o sort_n especial_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o stand_v out_o against_o their_o covenant_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o this_o short_a time_n of_o his_o absence_n from_o they_o and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o aberdene_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o print_v that_o our_o commissioner_n rest_v satisfy_v with_o their_o covenant_n according_a to_o their_o explication_n of_o it_o with_o which_o their_o notorious_a calumny_n he_o find_v himself_o so_o high_o injure_v in_o a_o point_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v his_o loyalty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o
this_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o after_o seven_o day_n sit_v declare_v all_o act_n make_v or_o hereafter_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o strength_n and_o that_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v either_o express_v in_o his_o majesty_n former_a proclamation_n and_o so_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n or_o set_v down_o in_o the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n present_v in_o name_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v full_o clear_v in_o our_o answer_n make_v thereto_o or_o else_o be_v long_o since_o propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_v send_v unto_o we_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v satisfy_v by_o our_o answer_n which_o his_o grace_n acknowledge_v by_o promise_v after_o the_o recept_n thereof_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n with_o power_n to_o determine_v upon_o all_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n manner_n and_o matter_n thereof_o all_o which_o for_o avoid_v tediousness_n we_o here_o repeat_v or_o otherwise_o the_o say_a cause_n allege_v by_o the_o commissioner_n be_v propon_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o assembly_n such_o as_o first_o that_o the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o read_v the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n exhibit_v by_o the_o prelate_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v public_o read_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o assembly_n immediate_o after_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o member_n before_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o assembly_n establish_v to_o who_o the_o same_o can_v have_v be_v read_v next_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n which_o be_v know_v to_o his_o grace_n before_o the_o indiction_n and_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n in_o violable_o observe_v before_o the_o late_a time_n of_o corruption_n that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o to_o who_o by_o the_o indiction_n and_o promise_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n the_o determination_n of_o that_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n constituent_a property_n belong_v and_o last_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o six_o assessor_n who_o do_v sit_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o ask_v and_o number_v which_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n since_o after_o 39_o national_n assembly_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n where_o neither_o the_o king_n majesty_n nor_o any_o in_o his_o name_n be_v present_a at_o the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o majesty_n gracious_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n either_o in_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n or_o by_o a_o commissioner_n not_o for_o vote_v or_o multiply_v of_o voice_n but_o as_o prince_n and_o emperor_n of_o old_a in_o a_o princely_a manner_n to_o countenance_v that_o meeting_n and_o to_o preside_v in_o it_o for_o external_a order_n and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o his_o majesty_n personal_a presence_n his_o majesty_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n will_v have_v only_o give_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o vote_v of_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o have_v call_v other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v clothe_v with_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o carry_v thing_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n therefore_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_n and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v with_o sorrowful_a and_o heavy_a but_o loyal_a heart_n that_o we_o can_v dissolve_v this_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o necessity_n of_o conveen_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v convene_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v 2._o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v now_o judicial_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n &_o covenant_n subscribe_v &_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 3._o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o a_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n than_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n &_o subscribe_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church-government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n 4._o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v lawful_o dissolve_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundùm_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 5._o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notwithstanding_o any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o master_n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherwise_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_a master_n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v uninform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 6._o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterared_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o after_o frequent_a convention_n formal_a
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entreat_v they_o to_o reduce_v the_o say_n act_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v strength_n and_o validity_n find_v in_o they_o but_o to_o hold_v that_o until_o such_o time_n as_o these_o judicatories_n shall_v repeal_v the_o say_n law_n they_o either_o aught_o to_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v abjure_v be_v a_o wicked_a position_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n second_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o oath_n shall_v oblige_v the_o now_o taker_n of_o it_o far_o than_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o taker_n of_o it_o at_o first_o for_o doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o do_v oblige_v they_o then_o and_o so_o do_v it_o we_o now_o perpetual_o because_o these_o point_n in_o themselves_o be_v perpetual_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a but_o for_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o oath_n can_v bind_v the_o first_o taker_n of_o it_o no_o long_o than_o that_o discipline_n and_o government_n shall_v stand_v in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o our_o church_n in_o her_o positive_a confession_n of_o faith_n print_v among_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n artic_a 20.21_o declare_v to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o repealable_a by_o succeed_a act_n if_o the_o câ—â—rch_n shall_v see_v cause_n when_o a_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o a_o judge_n at_o his_o admission_n swear_v to_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o these_o law_n the_o meaning_n of_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v or_o judge_v according_a to_o they_o long_o than_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v law_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v lawful_o repeal_v both_o king_n and_o judge_n be_v free_a from_o rule_v and_o judge_v according_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v thus_o lawful_o repeal_v notwithstanding_o their_o original_a oath_n since_o therefore_o if_o the_o first_o taker_n of_o that_o oath_n be_v now_o alive_a they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v abjure_v episcopal_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o establsh_v by_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n in_o her_o confession_n hold_v church_n government_n to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o repeat_v but_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v say_v to_o abjure_v that_o government_n now_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o repeat_v the_o same_o oath_n three_o how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_v this_o oath_n shall_v make_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abjure_v by_o it_o more_o than_o the_o covenanter_n require_v it_o of_o their_o associate_n in_o both_o covenant_n the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n by_o the_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o the_o contriver_n and_o urger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v subscribe_v it_o without_o abjure_v of_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o invent_v and_o make_v and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o aberdene_n quaeres_fw-la have_v full_o and_o clear_o express_v themselves_o to_o that_o sense_n hold_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o present_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o only_o refer_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o likewise_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o last_o protestation_n against_o his_o
limit_v as_o be_v competent_a to_o they_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n from_o which_o time_n their_o office_n and_o jurisdiction_n spiritual_a be_v always_o extinct_a which_o be_v evident_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o and_o express_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1597._o grant_v voice_n in_o parliament_n to_o minister_n which_o albeit_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o episcopacy_n yet_o the_o parliament_n thereby_o have_v remit_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o government_n as_o not_o pertain_v to_o their_o civil_a place_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o minister_n as_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o prejudice_n always_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n permit_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereof_o that_o 1592._o forecited_a be_v one_o to_o general_a provincial_a assembly_n presbytery_n and_o session_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v never_o prejudge_v neither_o by_o the_o act_n 1606._o nor_o by_o the_o act_n 1609._o albeit_o corruption_n be_v then_o fast_o advance_v till_o the_o year_n 1612._o at_o which_o time_n first_o and_o never_o before_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n anent_o their_o office_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n former_o remit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1612._o relative_a to_o that_o remit_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1597._o which_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v also_o omit_v by_o the_o quotter_n like_a as_o also_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1609._o restore_v they_o only_o to_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n 1609._o and_o privilege_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o and_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o any_o other_o ordinare_fw-la jurisdiction_n do_v with_o reservation_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n and_o prerogative_n therein_o which_o can_v no_o way_n comprehend_v their_o ecclesiastical_a office_n because_o the_o same_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n neither_o do_v lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n after_o reformation_n and_o by_o the_o act_n 1592._o be_v abrogat_fw-la and_o take_v from_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n establish_v in_o presbytery_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n it_o can_v flow_v from_o the_o king_n who_o can_v make_v a_o minister_n doctor_n elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o kirk_n albeit_o he_o may_v present_v a_o minister_n make_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o the_o kirk_n neither_o can_v the_o parliament_n institute_v original_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n in_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v before_o say_v further_o the_o intend_a scope_n of_o that_o act_n be_v only_o the_o restitution_n of_o commissariat_n and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o act_n itself_o bear_v that_o they_o shall_v brook_v all_o privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o redintegrate_v they_o to_o their_o former_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n lawful_o pertain_v to_o they_o always_o flow_v from_o his_o majesty_n from_o who_o only_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n do_v flow_v which_o be_v only_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o commisser_n in_o temporal_a cause_n and_o no_o way_n any_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n competent_a ratione_fw-la officii_fw-la which_o by_o god_n word_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v abjure_v in_o they_o and_o establish_v in_o assembly_n presbytery_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v many_o time_n before_o repeat_v but_o to_o convince_v they_o further_o it_o be_v not_o or_o that_o both_o 1606_o and_o 1609._o they_o ride_v in_o parliament_n and_o by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n make_v the_o say_v act_n without_o insert_v the_o caution_n make_v at_o montrose_n without_o any_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n contraire_fw-fr to_o the_o say_a caution_n and_o their_o own_o oath_n give_v for_o observance_n thereof_o against_o which_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n do_v protest_v solemn_o clear_v unanswerable_o not_o only_o the_o unlawfullnesse_n of_o their_o ecclesiastic_a episcopal_a function_n but_o also_o of_o the_o civil_a place_n in_o person_n of_o pastor_n from_o god_n word_n our_o confession_n of_o faith_n 1580._o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n but_o this_o protestation_n be_v reject_v by_o they_o be_v print_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n 1617._o and_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o it_o can_v set_v down_o consecration_n to_o the_o office_n without_o a_o precede_a act_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v not_o allege_v but_o by_o the_o contraire_fw-fr the_o kirk_n have_v before_o condemn_v that_o office_n and_o do_v particular_o protest_v against_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n moreover_o this_o act_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o suppose_a ground_n of_o glasgow_n assembly_n 1610._o which_o for_o infallible_a reason_n be_v now_o annul_v and_o so_o not_o only_o this_o act_n 1617._o but_o all_o after_o act_n ratify_v the_o same_o fall_n ex_fw-la consequenti_fw-la both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o when_o the_o principal_a act_n or_o right_v ratify_v do_v fall_v the_o subsequent_a ratification_n fall_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la especial_o in_o this_o case_n when_o civil_a law_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n can_v be_v make_v original_o nor_o subsist_v after_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n which_o they_o ordain_v under_o civil_a sanction_n to_o be_v obey_v and_o yet_o be_v once_o annul_v they_o can_v be_v obey_v and_o further_a even_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1610._o which_o be_v now_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la do_v never_o restore_v the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesian_a bishop_n before_o condemn_v in_o this_o kirk_n but_o do_v too_o far_o enlarge_v and_o extend_v the_o power_n of_o these_o who_o be_v provide_v to_o the_o benefice_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o always_o under_o caution_n and_o limitation_n swear_v unto_o which_o they_o never_o observe_v and_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o subjection_n for_o censure_n to_o yearly_o general_a assembly_n which_o they_o have_v not_o keep_v but_o impede_v and_o so_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o claim_v the_o benefice_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n conclude_v by_o their_o own_o voice_n and_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o violate_v by_o themselves_o and_o last_o for_o answer_v to_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n whatsoever_o conclusion_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n consider_v if_o as_o the_o assembly_n late_o convene_v by_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v judge_v and_o have_v proceed_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n so_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o our_o oath_n make_v to_o god_n to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n 1580._o and_o renounce_v all_o subsequent_a act_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o kirk_n in_o who_o favour_n any_o pretend_a privilege_n be_v grant_v and_o that_o out_o of_o experience_n of_o real_a prejudice_n and_o the_o pungent_a sin_n of_o our_o oath_n and_o danger_n of_o perjury_n under_o which_o this_o kingdom_n lie_v for_o the_o which_o we_o ardent_o deprecate_v god_n wrath_n and_o beg_v mercy_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o must_v still_o continue_v our_o earnest_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n for_o redress_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o preserve_v the_o sacred_a person_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o perpetuate_a his_o reign_n and_o his_o royal_a posterity_n over_o this_o land_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v revise_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o i_o mr._n a._n ihonston_n clerk_n thereto_o edinb_n 14._o of_o feb._n 1639._o because_o the_o reader_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o these_o exception_n against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n here_o cite_v and_o of_o the_o impertinency_n of_o their_o citation_n of_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o when_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o frame_v and_o enjoin_v to_o be_v subscribe_v episcopal_a government_n be_v then_o in_o force_n and_o strength_n which_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a and_o irrefragable_a record_n of_o that_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o book_n and_o roll_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o cause_v to_o be_v insert_v out_o of_o the_o sederunt_fw-la roll_n of_o parliament_n the_o name_n of_o such_o bishop_n as_o sate_v in_o parliament_n and_o
law_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v streinied_a thereto_o james_n 2._o parliament_n 2._o act_n 3._o and_o therefore_o now_o see_v there_o be_v not_o only_o violent_a presumption_n but_o great_a menace_v from_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o country_n and_o their_o adherent_n of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o country_n and_o harm_v of_o the_o examine_v and_o especial_o his_o majesty_n have_v within_o edinburgh_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a provision_n of_o munition_n to_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o that_o by_o the_o said_n bishop_n plot_n from_o his_o majesty_n prime_a officer_n who_o in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n shall_v preveene_n that_o inconvenient_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o act_n therefore_o upon_o their_o default_n the_o country_n itself_o and_o the_o king_n have_v in_o who_o favour_n the_o act_n be_v make_v may_v provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unharmed_a by_o that_o castle_n or_o any_o inhabitant_n thereof_o and_o so_o preveen_v the_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n thereunto_o conform_v to_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n pen._n second_o as_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o certain_a other_o castle_n and_o land_n be_v the_o king_n undoubted_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o what_o cause_n they_o be_v annex_v by_o who_o annex_v upon_o what_o condition_n and_o how_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o for_o the_o only_a cause_n express_v in_o the_o annexation_n thereof_o 41._o act._n james_n 2._o parliament_n 11._o be_v that_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v ofttimes_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o act_n make_v no_o mention_n that_o the_o king_n be_v annexer_n of_o the_o castle_n and_o land_n to_o the_o crown_n but_o only_o that_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o full_a council_n of_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v so_o statute_n and_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o advice_n deliverance_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n so_o that_o be_v thus_o annex_v to_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o realm_n itself_o for_o avoid_v a_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o realm_n and_o be_v annex_v with_o condition_n not_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n and_o for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n justice_n and_o equity_n will_v require_v that_o these_o castle_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o poverty_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o capital_a town_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o of_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n there_o convene_v for_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n and_o prepare_v overture_n to_o the_o future_a parliament_n for_o redress_v of_o our_o just_a grievance_n but_o now_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a provision_n to_o the_o castle_n be_v threaten_v with_o ruin_n and_o exterminion_n they_o may_v stop_v the_o misemploy_v of_o that_o benefit_n grant_v to_o the_o realm_n eo_fw-la animo_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la hunc_fw-la finem_fw-la for_o the_o well_o of_o the_o realm_n while_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n give_v their_o humble_a advice_n to_o his_o majesty_n thereanent_fw-la three_o by_o the_o 9_o act._n 9_o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n dumbartane_a stirling_n and_o blaknesse_n be_v four_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v safe_o keep_v to_o the_o king_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o for_o keep_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n there_o be_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n both_o money_n and_o victual_n a_o great_a part_n whereof_o be_v forth_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n which_o three_o in_o december_n 1561._o be_v decern_v and_o ordain_v by_o queen_n marie_n with_o advice_n of_o her_o council_n and_o other_o of_o the_o nobility_n then_o present_a to_o be_v up_o take_v and_o employ_v for_o these_o two_o use_n viz._n sustain_v of_o minister_n and_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o be_v also_o enact_v act_n 10._o parl._n 1_o james_n 6._o and_o thereafter_o ratify_v act_n 121._o parl._n 12._o james_n 6._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o as_o the_o castle_n be_v the_o king_n undeniable_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o shall_v be_v safe_o keep_v to_o his_o majesty_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o keep_n thereof_o rend_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n forth_o out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n estimate_n by_o the_o estate_n in_o eum_fw-la usum_fw-la for_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o not_o loyal_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v main_a interest_n to_o divert_v the_o convert_n of_o this_o strength_n to_o the_o weaken_n or_o ruin_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o threaten_v by_o this_o unusual_a provision_n and_o open_o denounce_v by_o our_o say_a enemy_n four_o by_o the_o 125._o act_n 7._o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o king_n castle_n and_o strength_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o only_a use_n of_o key_n be_v for_o keep_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o preservation_n and_o not_o for_o spartle_v disperse_v or_o perdition_n so_o that_o the_o realm_n and_o collective_a body_n thereof_o can_v hardly_o be_v disallow_v for_o contribute_v their_o loyal_a endeavour_n to_o the_o good_a keep_n of_o their_o kingdom_n own_o key_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_a end_n these_o key_n be_v use_v against_o the_o country_n and_o realm_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v the_o key_n of_o safety_n as_o by_o the_o say_a act_n be_v declare_v five_o by_o the_o same_o act_n all_o violent_a detainer_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n from_o he_o or_o constrainer_n of_o the_o king_n regent_n do_v redeem_v his_o own_o house_n and_o all_o maker_n of_o any_o such_o bargain_n merchandise_n or_o market_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n be_v only_o ordain_v to_o rander_n and_o deliver_v again_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o reddition_n of_o the_o say_n castle_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v action_n for_o repetition_n thereof_o as_o necessary_o give_v for_o the_o time_n and_o wrongous_o receive_v for_o unlawful_a cause_n and_o our_o proceed_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v deserve_v so_o harsh_a construction_n where_o the_o part_n best_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v constrain_v for_o indemnity_n of_o their_o person_n and_o good_n do_v neither_o take_v nor_o detain_v the_o castle_n but_o only_o withhold_v importation_n first_o clandestin_o intend_v and_o thereafter_o open_o threaten_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o warlike_a and_o invasive_a furniture_n which_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o the_o harm_n and_o annoyance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v convene_v for_o the_o just_a occasion_n foresaid_n who_o deserve_v and_o expect_v approbation_n and_o they_o thanks_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n for_o keep_v his_o evil_a counselor_n and_o bad_a patriot_n from_o put_v hand_n in_o his_o best_a subject_n six_o by_o the_o 25._o act_n 6._o parliament_n james_n 2._o sundry_a point_n of_o treason_n be_v ennumerate_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o be_v the_o assail_a without_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n the_o castle_n or_o place_n where_o the_o king_n person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v and_o now_o the_o king_n person_n not_o be_v in_o this_o castle_n but_o out_o of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o subject_n best_a and_o most_o loyal_a part_n of_o his_o subject_n both_o for_o number_n and_o fidelity_n implore_v his_o majesty_n authority_n for_o convocate_a the_o estate_n to_o take_v order_n with_o these_o who_o presume_v upon_o his_o majesty_n absence_n be_v bold_a to_o give_v he_o sinistrous_a information_n and_o counsel_n these_o who_o do_v no_o way_n assail_v the_o castle_n but_o bar_n these_o evil_a patriot_n from_o put_v in_o execution_n their_o damnable_a suggestion_n by_o their_o supercherie_n violence_n and_o terrification_n from_o that_o castle_n before_o the_o convention_n of_o estate_n can_v in_o law_n and_o equity_n be_v challenge_v in_o their_o carriage_n so_o necessary_a to_o they_o in_o the_o interim_n while_o the_o estate_n convene_v in_o a_o parliament_n which_o now_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o proclaim_v seven_o it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o chronicle_n
and_o record_n that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v give_v in_o keep_v to_o the_o house_n of_o erskine_n by_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n authority_n hac_fw-la lege_fw-la expressa_fw-la &_o conditione_n ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la nisi_fw-la conventui_fw-la ordinum_fw-la reposcenti_fw-la traderent_fw-la eight_o this_o act_n be_v not_o unexampled_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o have_v many_o precedent_n both_o in_o the_o history_n of_o other_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o our_o own_o which_o have_v many_o such_o example_n even_o do_v by_o the_o estate_n themselves_o who_o fact_n do_v make_v our_o right_n and_o who_o authority_n be_v ratify_v conform_a to_o the_o ancient_a and_o loveable_a custom_n in_o punish_v rebellious_a subject_n and_o preserve_v the_o faithful_a act_n 130._o par._n 8._o james_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v upbraid_v for_o our_o meeting_n table_n which_o in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v call_v council_n table_n only_o by_o that_o name_n which_o by_o ordinary_a expression_n be_v due_a to_o judicatories_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v arrogate_v to_o ourselves_o some_o unwarrantable_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o we_o neither_o have_v nor_o intend_v to_o do_v god_n willing_a whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v all_o of_o we_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o a_o sober_a modest_a and_o quiet_a way_n for_o deliberate_v with_o joint_a advice_n upon_o those_o weighty_a business_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o table_n meeting_n do_v never_o emit_v nor_o send_v forth_o any_o authoritative_a command_n or_o injunction_n but_o conclude_v upon_o such_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o advance_v that_o great_a business_n and_o facilitate_v the_o way_n of_o supplication_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o overture_n for_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o act_n lawful_a and_o approvable_a in_o the_o self_n albeit_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o force_n or_o validity_n of_o a_o bind_a law_n or_o command_n which_o be_v never_o aim_v at_o nor_o intend_v which_o meeting_n they_o may_v warrantable_o keep_v for_o that_o end_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o remove_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o subject_n no_o way_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o our_o municipal_a law_n which_o disapprove_v such_o convention_n as_o be_v for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o usurpation_n against_o authority_n whereof_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o these_o meeting_n not_o the_o first_o because_o no_o invasion_n violence_n offer_v of_o wrong_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o any_o person_n no_o even_a to_o those_o upon_o who_o they_o just_o complain_v ensew_v upon_o the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o provocation_n and_o their_o fear_n false_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o malicious_o pretend_v for_o their_o stay_n out_o of_o the_o country_n not_o the_o second_o because_o their_o meeting_n be_v to_o consult_v in_o manner_n foresay_a upon_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o humble_a way_n of_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o convenient_a proposition_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o act_n be_v most_o compatible_a with_o the_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n and_o do_v no_o way_n entrench_v upon_o authority_n see_v they_o can_v never_o be_v challenge_v to_o have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o judicial_a determination_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o state_n civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a but_o by_o voluntary_a instruction_n and_o opinion_n every_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n do_v resolve_v what_o may_v be_v most_o conducible_a to_o their_o lawful_a and_o just_a end_n and_o yet_o those_o convention_n want_v not_o the_o warrant_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o the_o nobility_n baron_n burrows_n and_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v place_n of_o propon_v reason_v and_o vote_v in_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n act_n 113._o king_n james_n the_o 6._o parl._n 11._o wherein_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o estate_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v of_o the_o need_v and_o cause_n pertain_v to_o his_o love_a subject_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o therefore_o ratify_v the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n 1_o anno_fw-la 1427._o give_v power_n to_o baron_n to_o propone_v all_o and_o sundry_a needs_o and_o cause_n and_o to_o hear_v treat_v and_o determine_v all_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n which_o necessary_a and_o true_a information_n can_v be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n king_n without_o privy_a meeting_n and_o consultation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o to_o inform_v the_o king_n and_o estate_n and_o to_o propone_v hear_v treat_v and_o final_o determine_v all_o needs_o and_o cause_n to_o be_v propon_v in_o parliament_n there_o must_v be_v necessary_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a power_n grant_v to_o they_o for_o meeting_n and_o advise_v upon_o that_o information_n quia_fw-la aliquo_fw-la concesso_fw-la omne_fw-la concessa_fw-la videntur_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la concessum_fw-la expediri_fw-la nequit_fw-la and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n they_o have_v likeways_o power_n grant_v to_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi but_o by_o the_o king_n and_o law_n of_o this_o land_n to_o propone_v reason_n and_o vote_n in_o assembly_n and_o be_v the_o examine_v parity_n of_o reason_n to_o keep_v precede_v meeting_n not_o to_o determinate_a or_o execute_v but_o to_o consult_v upon_o their_o necessary_a proposition_n so_o that_o these_o lawful_a meeting_n for_o the_o religious_a end_n suffer_v wrongous_o the_o invidious_a designation_n of_o council_n table_n which_o be_v only_o do_v for_o procure_v misconstruction_n against_o they_o because_o at_o these_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n they_o sit_v about_o a_o table_n which_o posture_n be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o authority_n the_o mean_a of_o mechanik_a craft_n have_v their_o own_o table_n where_o about_o they_o sit_v when_o they_o consult_v upon_o the_o small_a business_n import_v their_o trade_n and_o far_o these_o same_o meeting_n consist_v of_o commissioner_n from_o each_o sheriffedome_n and_o body_n of_o this_o estate_n be_v allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n false_a council_n first_o and_o thereafter_o by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o whole_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n out_o of_o their_o resentment_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o cause_n have_v numerous_o convene_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o confluence_n of_o people_n be_v desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o direct_v to_o make_v choose_v forth_o of_o that_o great_a number_n of_o some_o commissioner_n from_o each_o shire_n who_o may_v meet_v to_o represent_v their_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o attend_v the_o answer_v thereof_o censure_n the_o three_o particular_a challenge_n in_o the_o proclamation_n be_v for_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v allege_v to_o have_v be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o ireland_n some_o banish_v for_o teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o be_v suspend_v some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o confine_v and_o all_o by_o oath_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o although_o no_o answer_n be_v requisite_a see_v the_o person_n thereby_o mean_v be_v not_o special_o condescend_v upon_o yet_o for_o clear_v all_o man_n mind_n and_o show_v the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o proceed_n it_o be_v of_o truth_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o particular_a trial_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o some_o such_o surmise_n can_v not_o find_v any_o censure_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n or_o ireland_n by_o a_o lawful_a manner_n in_o a_o lawful_a ireland_n judicatory_a or_o for_o a_o lawful_a cause_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o assembly_n after_o careful_a search_n and_o examination_n find_v that_o any_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o person_n in_o scotland_n be_v only_o by_o a_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o take_v arrogant_o on_o he_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o that_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o presbytery_n but_o sit_v in_o his_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o
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name_n which_o for_o brevity_n we_o forbear_v to_o insert_v herein_o whereby_o we_o have_v
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suspend_v far_o less_o take_v away_o and_o discharge_v by_o humane_a authority_n more_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n second_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a kirk_n who_o constant_a practice_n be_v to_o execute_v the_o spiritual_a function_n and_o censure_n and_o notwithstanding_o humane_a prohibition_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o then_o man_n three_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n si_fw-la contra_fw-la jus_o vel_fw-la utilitatem_fw-la publicam_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la mendacium_fw-la fuerit_fw-la aliquid_fw-la postulatum_fw-la vel_fw-la impetratum_fw-la ab_fw-la imperatore_n et_fw-la titulo_fw-la de_fw-fr diversis_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la &_o pragmaticis_fw-la sanctionibus_fw-la four_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o anti-christian_n cannon_n law_n decret_a decretal_a extravagan_n titulo_fw-la de_fw-la rescriptis_fw-la five_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a custom_n in_o all_o nation_n ordain_v their_o judicatory_n to_o do_v justice_n notwithstanding_o their_o prince_n prohibition_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o convarnvia_n in_o spain_n pappon_n in_o france_n suedwyne_n in_o germany_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o title_n de_fw-fr rescriptis_fw-la aut_fw-la constitutionibus_fw-la principum_fw-la six_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n because_o in_o sundry_a general_a assembly_n upon_o complaint_n make_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n offer_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o kirk_n from_o go_v on_o in_o her_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n especial_o by_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n convene_v in_o the_o new_a college_n of_o sanctandrows_fw-mi 20._o april_n 1582._o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o be_v receive_v to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n office_n or_o benefice_n seek_v any_o way_n by_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o exeme_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o procure_v obtain_v or_o use_v any_o letter_n or_o charge_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o name_n or_o at_o their_o