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of_o sectary_n in_o england_n be_v remonstrate_v by_o we_o to_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n it_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o who_o now_o be_v most_o active_a and_o forward_a for_o a_o engagement_n that_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n be_v in_o no_o such_o danger_n from_o the_o sectary_n in_o england_n and_o the_o army_n there_o as_o may_v be_v any_o cause_n of_o not_o disband_v the_o army_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o be_v this_o candid_a or_o fair_a deal_n to_o extenuat_fw-la or_o elevat_fw-la danger_n from_o sectary_n so_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v man_n present_a business_n or_o if_o the_o design_n at_o that_o time_n be_v to_o disband_v that_o army_n as_o to_o make_v up_o another_o of_o their_o own_o model_n why_o be_v this_o somuch_o disclaim_v when_o mention_v among_o our_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n in_o our_o romonstrance_n octob._n 13_o however_o it_o seem_v the_o thing_n then_o suspect_v be_v now_o begin_v to_o be_v act_v and_o it_o be_v too_o aparent_a that_o 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such_o thing_n as_o mere_o concern_v the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n so_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o well-affected_n in_o the_o land_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v more_o credit_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o information_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o work_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n or_o of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v constant_a and_o real_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o this_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n we_o trust_v god_n will_v discover_v more_o and_o more_o the_o mystery_n of_o malignancy_n now_o so_o strong_o work_v manifest_a the_o innocency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n deliver_v his_o people_n out_o of_o the_o present_a snare_n and_o guide_v they_o in_o a_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n which_o afterward_o shall_v be_v no_o grief_n of_o heart_n but_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o a._n ker_n the_o parliament_n answer_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o of_o march_n 9_o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v by_o mr._n robert_n dowglas_n accompany_v with_o divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n and_o rule_v elder_n read_v in_o audience_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n acknowledge_v and_o take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v this_o counsel_n or_o advise_v to_o the_o parliament_n and_o remit_v the_o same_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o several_a body_n but_o the_o parliament_n desire_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n which_o they_o will_v do_v with_o all_o possible_a speed_n that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n will_v take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o same_o and_o declare_v that_o as_o they_o conceive_v this_o offer_n of_o council_n from_o the_o church_n to_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o parliamentary_a power_n and_o liberty_n so_o by_o this_o delay_n or_o answer_v they_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o way_n to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o privilege_n due_a to_o the_o church_n or_o commission_n thereof_o their_o intention_n be_v mere_o for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o they_o extractum_fw-la alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n answer_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o parliament_n paper_n of_o the_o 9_o of_o march_n edinburgh_n 10._o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v this_o day_n receive_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n register_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n concern_v their_o declaration_n present_v to_o their_o honour_n yesterday_o do_v humble_o return_v this_o answer_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n that_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v our_o counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o that_o they_o profess_v their_o intention_n for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o their_o lordship_n and_o we_o without_o entrench_v any_o way_n upon_o he_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o be_v necessitate_v humble_o to_o represent_v to_o their_o honour_n that_o their_o desire_n to_o we_o to_o take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o say_a declaration_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n be_v such_o that_o this_o kirk_n have_v not_o be_v former_o acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a neither_o can_v we_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o trust_n put_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o delay_n to_o emit_v and_o publish_v this_o declaration_n unless_o we_o have_v assurance_n which_o we_o have_v not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o delay_n otherwise_o we_o come_v under_o great_a guiltiness_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o give_v timous_a and_o due_a warning_n not_o only_o to_o their_o honour_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o god_n require_v of_o watchman_n in_o time_n of_o evident_a danger_n which_o make_v we_o as_o before_o in_o like_a case_n we_o have_v do_v to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o print_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n before_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o honour_n desire_n for_o not_o publish_v it_o thus_o have_v exoner_v our_o own_o conscience_n we_o humble_o desire_v their_o honour_n to_o rest_v confident_a that_o as_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o keep_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o give_v to_o their_o honour_n any_o cause_n of_o offence_n a._n ker_n the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n upon_o the_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o march_v concern_v berwick_n and_o carlisle_n whereas_o we_o have_v earnest_o desire_v and_o press_v that_o no_o power_n he_o grant_v to_o any_o committee_n to_o do_v act_n or_o order_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v engage_v this_o kingdom_n in_o a_o war_n before_o the_o parliament_n resolve_v on_o a_o war_n and_o state_n the_o cause_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o it_o be_v in_o our_o judgement_n neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n and_o tenor_n of_o commission_n from_o shire_n and_o burgh_n nor_o to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1640._o against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n it_o be_v also_o of_o dangerous_a preparative_n and_o much_o derogatory_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n we_o do_v therefore_o dissent_v from_o the_o grant_n of_o any_o such_o power_n and_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v include_v in_o any_o such_o vote_n or_o resolution_n but_o may_v be_v free_a before_o god_n and_o man_n of_o all_o the_o guiltiness_n prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_n that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o the_o cause_n covenant_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o the_o union_n betwext_v the_o kingdom_n edinburgh_n 22._o martii_fw-la 1648._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n whereas_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o some_o of_o your_o lordship_n which_o do_v go_v on_o towards_o a_o agreement_n till_o it_o be_v obstruct_v by_o a_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o have_v already_o show_v by_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 17._o and_o
not_o satisfy_v by_o your_o lordship_n answer_n and_o without_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o desire_n we_o find_v it_o not_o safe_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n for_o agree_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o a_o question_n for_o war_n yet_o if_o your_o lordship_n have_v desire_v or_o do_v desire_v further_a conference_n with_o some_o of_o our_o number_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o above_o mention_a desire_n we_o shall_v have_v yield_v and_o yet_o shall_v willing_o yield_v thereunto_o and_o as_o the_o present_a want_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o these_o desire_v do_v retard_v and_o hinder_v our_o proceed_n towards_o a_o agreement_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o a_o question_n so_o we_o be_v still_o confident_a that_o a_o real_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o say_a desire_n may_v be_v a_o happy_a and_o effectual_a mean_n for_o facilitate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o for_o unite_n this_o nation_n in_o a_o unanimous_a undertake_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v 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late_a desire_n and_o the_o parliament_n answer_v give_v thereunto_o and_o also_o upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o whole_a matter_n do_v humble_o return_v this_o answer_n that_o as_o we_o have_v be_v so_o we_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n upon_o the_o eight_o desire_n late_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n and_o upon_o the_o unsatisfactorinesse_n of_o your_o lordship_n answer_n thereunto_o and_o if_o your_o lordship_n shall_v yet_o be_v please_v to_o give_v real_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o say_a desire_n we_o shall_v immediate_o thereupon_o appoint_v some_o of_o our_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o a_o committee_n of_o parliament_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n this_o insist_v upon_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o desire_n before_o we_o appoint_v a_o conference_n upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o peremptorinesse_n about_o word_n or_o thing_n of_o small_a moment_n nor_o from_o any_o partiality_n or_o self_n interest_n nor_o from_o any_o inclination_n to_o stretch_v ourselves_o beyond_o our_o line_n nor_o from_o intention_n to_o obstruct_v any_o lawful_a endeavour_n either_o for_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n or_o for_o prefer_v oppose_v and_o suppress_v of_o sectary_n our_o record_n be_v in_o heaven_n we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o such_o way_n but_o our_o real_a purpose_n be_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o free_a that_o in_o a_o implicit_a way_n we_o consent_v not_o to_o nor_o concur_v in_o state_v of_o a_o question_n of_o war_n before_o we_o see_v the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n sufficient_o provide_v for_o be_v tender_a of_o the_o great_a trust_n commit_v to_o we_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o officer_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o preserve_v the_o precious_a jewel_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o well_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o to_o we_o above_o all_o 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think_v fit_v to_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o the_o estate_n appoint_v the_o seven_o article_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o they_o may_v return_v their_o thought_n thereupon_o either_o for_o addition_n or_o alteration_n which_o the_o parliament_n will_v take_v to_o their_o consideration_n and_o the_o estate_n appoint_v the_o lord_n balmerinoth_n lord_n huniby_n and_o archbald_n sydserse_n to_o acquaint_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n therewith_o extract_v forth_o of_o the_o record_n of_o parliament_n and_o article_n of_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n and_o demand_n for_o reparation_n thereof_o respective_a by_o i_o sir_n alex._n gibson_n of_o dure_n etc._n etc._n alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n edinb_n 13_o aprilis_n 1648._o the_o humble_a return_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n unto_o that_o article_n of_o the_o demand_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n communicate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v more_o earnest_o wish_v and_o serious_o study_v than_o the_o settle_n of_o religion_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o uniformity_n in_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n so_o it_o be_v still_o our_o desire_n that_o your_o lordship_n shall_v sincere_o and_o real_o endeavour_v the_o same_o in_o all_o fair_a and_o lawful_a way_n both_o with_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n as_o to_o the_o article_n communicate_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n why_o your_o lordship_n have_v change_v the_o way_n former_o use_v of_o send_v proposition_n to_o his_o majesty_n without_o who_o confidence_n your_o lordship_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n can_v render_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o demand_n effectual_a for_o secure_v of_o religion_n neither_o shall_v
joint_a way_n of_o application_n to_o the_o king_n by_o both_o kingdom_n once_o begin_v have_v be_v continue_v and_o do_v conceive_v very_o much_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o divide_a way_n only_o we_o offer_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n further_a consideration_n whether_o this_o breach_n be_v not_o at_o least_o disputable_a there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o in_o that_o article_n of_o proposal_n proposition_n or_o bill_n but_o only_o of_o cessation_n pacification_n and_o agreement_n for_o peace_n so_o that_o it_o may_v just_o be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o send_n of_o those_o proposal_n and_o bill_n to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v in_o it_o that_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n of_o a_o breach_n of_o treaty_n between_o the_o kingdom_n as_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o treaty_n for_o either_o kingdom_n single_o and_o divide_o to_o send_v proposition_n to_o his_o majesty_n we_o 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and_o make_v know_v to_o those_o who_o it_o concern_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o fear_v your_o lordship_n will_v hardly_o avoid_v a_o nationall_n quarrel_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n if_o the_o three_o instance_n before_o mention_v be_v insist_v upon_o as_o breach_n of_o treaty_n to_o infer_v a_o war_n because_o when_o the_o house_n be_v most_o free_a and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o over-awing_a influence_n of_o the_o sectary_n party_n even_o than_o they_o do_v not_o suppress_v the_o irishes_n in_o this_o kingdom_n they_o do_v not_o enforce_v the_o covenant_n on_o all_o their_o officer_n much_o less_o on_o all_o english_a subject_n neither_o will_v they_o then_o admit_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o treaty_n not_o to_o send_v proposition_n of_o bill_n to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o all_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v it_o be_v far_o from_o our_o meaning_n to_o assume_v any_o 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in_o the_o proposition_n of_o both_o kingd_a but_o from_o have_v the_o directory_n of_o worship_n practise_v in_o his_o family_n which_o be_v a_o liberty_n that_o his_o majesty_n reserve_v to_o himself_o in_o his_o late_a concession_n send_v to_o we_o and_o in_o diverse_a message_n before_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n at_o westm_n 2._o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o this_o demand_n of_o any_o application_n to_o be_v make_v at_o or_o about_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o king_n for_o obtain_v assurance_n from_o his_o majesty_n for_o his_o royal_a consent_n but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v express_v ourselves_o more_o full_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o lordship_n paper_n of_o the_o twenty_o of_o this_o month_n 3._o although_o this_o be_v the_o second_o time_n your_o lordship_n cite_v in_o this_o declaration_n a_o passage_n of_o the_o joint_a declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o which_o all_o that_o will_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v public_a enemy_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o country_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o punish_v as_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n yet_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n declare_v or_o resolve_v by_o your_o lordship_n in_o this_o declaration_n in_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n take_v the_o covenant_n as_o that_o you_o will_v hold_v they_o all_o for_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n we_o hope_v your_o lordship_n will_v not_o think_v it_o just_a nor_o equal_a to_o press_v such_o a_o rule_n upon_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n except_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n yourselves_o 4._o your_o lordship_n do_v simple_o and_o absolute_o desire_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n transmit_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n to_o the_o house_n be_v approven_v whereas_o the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o general_n assembly_n approve_v
before_o either_o church_n or_o kingdom_n can_v say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o safety_n and_o be_v this_o to_o endeavour_v the_o settle_n of_o religion_n before_o all_o worldly_a interest_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v it_o come_v after_o the_o king_n interest_n 7._o we_o fear_v that_o if_o after_o so_o many_o instruction_n from_o the_o parliament_n convention_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o their_o commissioner_n at_o london_n from_o time_n to_o time_n for_o endeavour_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o to_o endeavour_v the_o remove_n of_o the_o civil_a difference_n and_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o king_n upon_o his_o first_o give_v satisfaction_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o solid_a peace_n and_o if_o after_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o this_o kingdom_n during_o his_o majesty_n be_v at_o newcastle_n that_o they_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o his_o majesty_n come_v to_o scotland_n in_o freedom_n unless_o his_o majesty_n grant_v the_o proposition_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o religion_n and_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o proposition_n likewise_o if_o after_o such_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o this_o kingdom_n january_n 16_o 1647_o for_o his_o majesty_n be_v in_o some_o of_o his_o house_n with_o such_o attendance_n as_o the_o two_o house_n shall_v think_v fit_a until_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o proposition_n if_o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v now_o insist_v upon_o that_o his_o majesty_n may_v be_v restore_v with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n before_o such_o satisfaction_n have_v from_o he_o we_o fear_v it_o shall_v lie_v as_o a_o great_a scandal_n upon_o this_o kingdom_n and_o as_o too_o sensible_a and_o apparent_a a_o change_n of_o their_o former_a principle_n and_o profession_n in_o a_o point_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o security_n of_o religion_n 8._o we_o be_v very_o apprehensive_a that_o your_o lordship_n urge_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o king_n person_n in_o england_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o london_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n without_o his_o majesty_n give_v or_o your_o lordship_n desire_v his_o majesty_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o security_n in_o religion_n &_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o last_a security_n expect_v to_o religion_n at_o it_o be_v a_o far_o different_a point_n from_o the_o urge_n of_o a_o joint_a interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o the_o king_n person_n by_o both_o kingdom_n for_o the_o good_a of_o both_o so_o it_o will_v be_v fudge_v by_o most_o of_o all_o party_n in_o england_n that_o ever_o concur_v in_o this_o cause_n to_o be_v so_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o nationall_n right_n and_o liberty_n and_o such_o a_o enchroachment_n thereupon_o though_o your_o lordship_n declare_v you_o have_v no_o such_o intention_n as_o that_o it_o will_v unite_v they_o all_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o consequent_o alienate_v they_o from_o the_o intend_a uniformity_n in_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n as_o these_o reason_n make_v we_o conceive_v your_o lordship_n second_o demand_n to_o import_v no_o small_a danger_n to_o religion_n so_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o have_v any_o thought_n to_o decline_v the_o restore_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o same_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o by_o the_o agreement_n of_o both_o kingdom_n when_o he_o be_v take_v away_o by_o a_o party_n of_o the_o army_n under_o the_o command_n of_o sir_n thomas_n fairfax_n that_o both_o kingdom_n may_v free_o make_v their_o application_n to_o he_o concern_v your_o lordship_n three_o demand_n that_o the_o present_a army_n of_o sectary_n may_v be_v disband_v for_o the_o end_v express_v in_o the_o demand_n as_o we_o think_v no_o person_n what_o soever_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v or_o entrust_v in_o the_o army_n of_o either_o kingdom_n who_o have_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n and_o that_o all_o sectary_n in_o england_n that_o be_v in_o arm_n shall_v be_v disband_v and_o disarm_v so_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v also_o reason_n for_o your_o lordship_n to_o foresee_v and_o provide_v against_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o rise_n again_o of_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n in_o arm_n and_o therth_o because_o of_o the_o late_a commotion_n begin_v by_o some_o of_o they_o both_o in_o england_n and_o ireland_n there_o be_v also_o some_o both_o in_o wales_n and_o ireland_n actual_o in_o arm_n who_o have_v discover_v and_o declare_v their_o principle_n and_o end_n to_o be_v very_o malignant_a wherein_o we_o be_v inform_v they_o be_v the_o more_o animate_v and_o encourage_v upon_o confidence_n of_o some_o agreement_n between_o his_o majesty_n and_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o demand_v be_v join_v with_o the_o second_o the_o present_a army_n in_o england_n disband_v and_o his_o majesty_n bring_v to_o london_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n how_o easy_o may_v all_o the_o malignant_a popish_a and_o prelatical_a party_n in_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n flock_v unto_o he_o which_o how_o prejudicial_a it_o may_v be_v his_o majesty_n keep_v still_o his_o principle_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v judge_v as_o for_o the_o exception_n add_v in_o your_o lordship_n demand_n to_o pass_v the_o ambiguity_n thereof_o your_o lordship_n except_v from_o the_o lay_v disband_v the_o garrison_n necessary_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o england_n and_o desire_v that_o these_o garrison_n may_v be_v command_v by_o such_o as_o have_v or_o shall_v take_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v well-affected_a to_o religion_n and_o government_n but_o do_v not_o desire_v any_o such_o thing_n concern_v the_o garrison_n themselves_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o a_o tacit_a confession_n on_o your_o part_n that_o all_o the_o garrison_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o england_n may_v be_v of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o take_v nor_o shall_v take_v the_o covenant_n nor_o be_v well_o affect_v to_o religion_n and_o government_n provide_v that_o those_o garrison_n be_v command_v by_o such_o as_o your_o lordship_n describe_v we_o have_v but_o one_o point_n more_o to_o add_v concern_v this_o three_o and_o last_o demand_n for_o we_o can_v conceal_v our_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n that_o your_o present_a resolution_n and_o proceed_n and_o the_o entertainment_n of_o english_a soldier_n whereof_o many_o be_v papist_n and_o malignant_n and_o some_o eminent_a in_o malignancie_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o further_o but_o to_o retard_v and_o hinder_v the_o disband_n of_o the_o present_a army_n in_o england_n and_o to_o frustrate_v the_o end_n your_o lordship_n propose_v in_o your_o declaration_n for_o the_o disband_n of_o that_o army_n and_o whereas_o your_o lordship_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o your_o intention_n at_o all_o to_o make_v a_o nationall_n engagement_n against_o the_o parliament_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n but_o for_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nationall_n right_n and_o privilege_n of_o another_o kingdom_n so_o we_o can_v see_v how_o the_o principle_n of_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o three_o desire_n which_o be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o quarrel_n or_o ground_n of_o the_o waâ—re_n as_o may_v break_v the_o union_n between_o the_o kingdom_n for_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v diverse_a such_o quarrel_n in_o the_o declaration_n as_o fall_v direct_o and_o necessary_o upon_o the_o vote_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o free_a concern_v that_o which_o your_o lordship_n add_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o our_o three_o desire_n and_o to_o out_o whole_a four_o desire_n we_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v very_o far_o short_a of_o that_o which_o be_v no_o less_o your_o lordship_n duty_n then_o our_o desire_n for_o 1._o your_o lordship_n only_o declare_v association_n and_o conjunction_n of_o force_n with_o those_o who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n which_o do_v not_o exclude_v association_n of_o force_n with_o such_o as_o neither_o have_v take_v nor_o shall_v take_v the_o covenant_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o urge_v thereto_o and_o so_o not_o nerckon_v among_o refuser_n this_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o your_o lordship_n have_v before_o in_o this_o same_o declaration_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o urge_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o england_n nor_o no_o execution_n of_o public_a order_n for_o take_v of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v so_o how_o shall_v your_o lordship_n find_v the_o malignant_n in_o england_n to_o be_v refuser_n of_o the_o covenant_n except_o your_o lordship_n enforce_v it_o upon_o they_o
viz._n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mâ—an_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o prese_n vation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o also_o in_o every_o cause_n which_o may_v concern_v his_o majesty_n honour_n to_o concur_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n yet_o your_o lordship_n know_v that_o no_o such_o interpretation_n bathe_v be_v make_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v here_o to_o make_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o your_o lordship_n meaning_n be_v only_o of_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v withal_o that_o the_o plain_a and_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n will_v carry_v that_o interpretation_n either_o upon_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n only_o or_o both_o upon_o it_o and_o upon_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n however_o although_o our_o national_a covenant_n only_o be_v here_o fix_v upon_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o expression_n in_o the_o supplication_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1639._o to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o weighty_a consideration_n which_o we_o humble_o offer_v against_o the_o application_n of_o that_o supplication_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o present_a dusinesse_n for_o 1._o his_o majesty_n be_v at_o that_o time_n give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o public_a desire_n of_o this_o kirk_n concern_v religion_n we_o hearty_o wish_v we_o may_v say_v the_o like_a now_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o cause_n state_v in_o the_o declaration_n to_o be_v for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o so_o to_o fall_v within_o that_o duty_n express_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n and_o your_o lordship_n also_o have_v acknowledge_v in_o your_o oath_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o honour_n happiness_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n so_o whatsoever_o cross_v or_o prejudice_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o of_o the_o end_n thereof_o can_v with_o we_o find_v any_o such_o commendation_n as_o to_o be_v a_o cause_n which_o concern_v his_o majesty_n honour_n 3._o whatsoever_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o king_n in_o civil_a matter_n distinct_a from_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n sure_o all_o these_o other_o duty_n be_v with_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o confident_a it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v far_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n under_o colour_n of_o his_o majesty_n honour_n to_o concur_v with_o he_o or_o any_o in_o his_o name_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v hurtful_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o other_o end_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n yet_o the_o cause_n state_v in_o the_o declaration_n we_o humble_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o 4._o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o crosse-petition_n have_v cite_v the_o same_o clause_n of_o the_o say_a petition_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o make_v use_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n in_o his_o majesty_n quarrel_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n be_v declare_v against_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1643._o and_o among_o other_o particular_n it_o be_v then_o declare_v that_o the_o limitation_n express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n supplication_n viz._n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n be_v interpret_v by_o some_o that_o speak_v at_o the_o time_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v within_o this_o kingdom_n we_o not_o know_v of_o any_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o further_a extent_n it_o be_v also_o then_o observe_v any_o may_v now_o be_v apply_v and_o remember_v that_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n have_v be_v subscribe_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o 1590._o before_o king_n james_n be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o be_v qualify_v in_o the_o particular_a head_n and_o article_n by_o express_a limitation_n and_o restriction_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o scotland_n can_v no_o more_o be_v extend_v to_o municipal_a debate_n and_o to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o england_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v stranger_n than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n can_v judge_v of_o our_o law_n and_o determine_v our_o difference_n the_o two_o kingdom_n be_v still_o independent_a each_o on_o other_o and_o not_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o large_a treaty_n full_o declare_v as_o to_o that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o declaration_n that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n will_v now_o make_v it_o evident_a as_o they_o have_v often_o declare_v that_o their_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o maintenance_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o royal_a authority_n who_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n we_o shall_v only_o put_v your_o sordship_n in_o mind_n that_o your_o national_a covenant_n join_v with_o his_o majesty_n safety_n his_o good_a behaviour_n in_o his_o office_n and_o say_v that_o the_o quietness_n and_o stability_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o kick_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o saety_n and_o good_a behaviour_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o upon_o a_o comfortable_a instrument_n of_o god_n mercy_n grant_v to_o this_o country_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n otherwise_o if_o a_o king_n do_v not_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v ot_fw-mi his_o safety_n alone_o that_o make_v his_o peaple_n to_o be_v in_o quietness_n and_o happiness_n withal_o as_o our_o quietness_n and_o happiness_n depend_v on_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o do_v of_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o good_a so_o the_o honour_n greatness_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o subject_n depend_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v well_o express_v in_o your_o lordship_n oath_n gf_a parliament_n and_o now_o we_o shall_v with_o your_o lordship_n favour_n and_o permission_n make_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o as_o we_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v against_o a_o engagement_n with_o this_o kingdom_n in_o war_n but_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o consent_v thereto_o if_o once_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v the_o clearness_n lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o quarrel_n and_o concern_v our_o call_n manner_n of_o proceed_v instrument_n to_o be_v entrust_v security_n to_o be_v have_v for_o religion_n and_o other_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o former_a paper_n not_o yet_o satisfy_v by_o your_o lordship_n so_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o we_o can_v we_o dare_v not_o in_o our_o conscience_n agree_v to_o a_o engagement_n upon_o such_o ground_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v state_v in_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o exoneration_n do_v dissent_n from_o the_o whole_a complex_fw-la business_n in_o the_o say_a declaration_n as_o not_o contain_v clear_a and_o convince_a ground_n of_o undertake_v of_o a_o war_n nor_o provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o religion_n nor_o clear_o disclaim_v his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v as_o unsatisfactory_a nor_o tend_v to_o the_o suppression_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n but_o rather_o to_o compliance_n with_o they_o as_o we_o humble_o conceive_v nor_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n and_o know_a interest_n of_o the_o kirk_n nor_o propose_v the_o way_n of_o treaty_n and_o all_o other_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o assay_v before_o a_o war_n for_o which_o reason_n and_o other_o before_o mention_v upon_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o declaration_n we_o plain_o declare_v our_o dissent_n from_o the_o complex_fw-la circumstantiat_fw-la state_n of_o the_o present_a business_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o take_v to_o witness_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n that_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o
the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_z assembly_n to_o this_o whole_a kirk_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n of_o the_o five_o of_o may_n concern_v the_o present_a public_a proceed_n towards_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n so_o far_o as_o religion_n be_v therein_o concern_v together_o with_o their_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n the_o parliament_n answer_n their_o humble_a return_v and_o representation_n and_o other_o paper_n that_o may_v give_v full_a and_o clear_a information_n in_o the_o matter_n london_n print_v for_o t.r._n and_o e._n m._n 1648._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o this_o whole_a kirk_n and_o kingdom_n concern_v the_o present_a public_a proceed_n towards_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n so_o far_o as_o religion_n be_v therein_o concern_v god_n only_o wise_a who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v who_o thought_n be_v not_o like_o man_n thought_n nor_o his_o way_n like_o man_n way_n who_o sometime_o by_o weak_a and_o unlikely_a mean_n and_o often_o by_o contrary_a mean_n use_v to_o work_v out_o the_o great_a work_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o great_a salvation_n to_o his_o people_n after_o he_o have_v break_v the_o egyptian_a antichristian_a yoke_n first_o in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o neighbour-kingdome_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o have_v also_o bring_v we_o through_o a_o red_a sea_n of_o a_o bloody_a opposition_n and_o war_n yea_o after_o we_o be_v near_o the_o wish_a for_o reformation_n and_o peace_n he_o have_v again_o reduce_v we_o to_o such_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o make_v many_o in_o their_o haste_n apt_a to_o wish_v they_o have_v not_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n or_o that_o they_o be_v return_v thither_o again_o how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o our_o danger_n be_v the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o he_o have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v among_o many_o other_o provocation_n that_o of_o sinful_a compliance_n be_v one_o which_o the_o present_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o both_o kingdom_n do_v more_o especial_o and_o more_o distinct_o proclaim_v and_o speak_v out_o eccho-wise_a unto_o we_o sectary_n in_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o malignant_n in_o both_o be_v so_o much_o connive_v at_o and_o comply_v with_o that_o god_n have_v most_o just_o make_v they_o on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v thorn_n and_o scourge_n to_o these_o that_o cherish_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v suppress_v they_o but_o as_o we_o will_v bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o so_o we_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o our_o god_n and_o trust_n that_o when_o he_o hat_n humble_v and_o prove_v his_o people_n he_o will_v do_v they_o good_a in_o their_o latter_a end_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o and_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o keep_v their_o garment_n clean_o for_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o good_a of_o jerusalem_n and_o peace_n upon_o israel_n yea_o god_n shall_v work_v so_o much_o good_a out_o of_o all_o the_o great_a evil_n which_o now_o afflict_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v in_o end_n we_o have_v perish_v unless_o we_o have_v perish_v and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v do_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v undo_v it_o be_v one_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o we_o that_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o of_o his_o servant_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o province_n of_o england_n to_o join_v together_o in_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n and_o give_v a_o fair_a public_a testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o covenant_n for_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o against_o that_o abominable_a toleration_n of_o most_o dangerous_a error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n these_o testimony_n we_o have_v see_v to_o our_o great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o have_v be_v much_o refresh_v thereby_o trust_v that_o so_o many_o public_a testimony_n as_o have_v be_v give_v in_o both_o kingdom_n for_o the_o covenant_n and_o against_o the_o toleration_n of_o heresy_n or_o schism_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o that_o god_n shall_v lay_v open_a those_o that_o resist_v the_o truth_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o but_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a unto_o all_o man_n and_o we_o not_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o shouting_n shall_v be_v hear_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shame_n shame_n upon_o the_o way_n of_o the_o sectary_n grace_n grace_n upon_o that_o covenant_n and_o reformation_n which_o the_o sectary_n oppose_v our_o present-work_n be_v at_o home_n to_o give_v a_o antidote_n against_o these_o malignant_a design_n now_o bring_v to_o so_o much_o maturity_n and_o withal_o to_o clear_v our_o own_o late_a proceed_n which_o some_o be_v content_a to_o misunderstand_v except_o they_o also_o misrepresent_v they_o to_o as_o many_o other_o as_o they_o can_v yea_o some_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o coin_v other_o so_o bold_a in_o out_v and_o a_o three_o sort_n so_o weak_a and_o simple_a in_o believe_v lie_n and_o calumny_n that_o every_o conscientious_a man_n have_v cause_n to_o pray_v at_o this_o time_n deliver_v my_o soul_n o_o lord_n from_o lie_v lip_n and_o from_o a_o deceitful_a tongue_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o lay_v more_o open_a the_o truth_n of_o matter_n we_o shall_v not_o now_o so_o far_o run_v the_o back-trade_n as_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o these_o present_a evil_n nor_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o former_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o dangerous_a and_o malignant_a design_n heretofore_o on_o foot_n it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v know_v the_o late_a passage_n since_o we_o receive_v his_o majesty_n letter_n date_v at_o carisbrook_n castle_n december_n 27._o 1647._o together_o with_o a_o narrative_a in_o write_v of_o his_o majesty_n concession_n and_o offer_n concern_v religion_n and_o what_o his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o do_v for_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o a_o good_a agreement_n under_o which_o expression_n we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o may_v be_v comprehend_v that_o letter_n and_o narrative_n together_o with_o the_o report_n which_o then_o this_o kingdom_n be_v full_a of_o that_o his_o majesty_n have_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o public_a desire_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o religion_n thereby_o to_o make_v the_o people_n secure_a and_o the_o better_a to_o animate_v they_o unto_o a_o engagement_n in_o his_o majesty_n quarrel_n do_v minister_v occasion_n to_o our_o late_a declaration_n which_o although_o extreme_o oppose_v and_o malign_v by_o such_o as_o find_v their_o project_n thereby_o cross_v yet_o have_v find_v such_o general_a and_o good_a acceptance_n in_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v not_o only_o from_o divers_a presbytery_n but_o from_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o provincial_n synod_n most_o affectionate_a letter_n of_o thanks_o for_o the_o same_o as_o namely_o from_o the_o provincial_n of_o lothian_n and_o tweddale_n eyffe_n mensae_n and_o tiviotdail_n perth_n and_o stirlin_n angus_n and_o mernes_n glasgow_n and_o air_n dumfreis_n galloway_n and_o aberdeen_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o few_o other_o provincial_n will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a but_o that_o be_v in_o more_o remote_a place_n they_o have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n to_o be_v so_o soon_o acquaint_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o public_a affair_n not_o long_o after_o the_o emit_v of_o that_o declaration_n we_o be_v desire_v upon_o the_o 15_o of_o march_n by_o the_o committee_n of_o parliament_n to_o appoint_v some_o of_o our_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o their_o lordship_n which_o we_o do_v but_o upon_o the_o 17._o of_o that_o month_n understand_v that_o a_o vote_n have_v pass_v in_o parliament_n upon_o the_o 16._o concern_v berwick_n and_o carlisle_n which_o vote_n as_o it_o be_v dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o by_o divers_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v be_v most_o zealous_a and_o constant_a since_o the_o beginning_n so_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o predetermine_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conference_n and_o to_o be_v of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o be_v thereupon_o discourage_v from_o entertain_v that_o conference_n and_o so_o resolve_v to_o delay_v it_o till_o we_o shall_v give_v further_a order_n to_o those_o of_o our_o number_n appoint_v on_o the_o conference_n after_o this_o upon_o the_o 22._o of_o march_n we_o do_v for_o our_o own_o exoneration_n and_o for_o a_o clear_a understanding_n between_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o we_o represent_v to_o their_o lordship_n eight_o