conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v this_o urge_a service_n we_o have_v this_o long_a time_n past_a wink_v at_o some_o former_a alteration_n be_v put_v in_o hope_n that_o no_o further_a novation_n shall_v follow_v but_o now_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o our_o just_a fear_n to_o see_v ourselves_o deprive_v of_o that_o liberty_n in_o serve_v god_n which_o ever_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o place_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v constrain_v to_o embrace_v another_o which_o have_v neither_o be_v agitate_a nor_o receive_v either_o by_o general_a assembly_n or_o parliament_n in_o such_o extremity_n we_o be_v most_o humble_o to_o supplicate_v your_o lordship_n to_o consider_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o that_o this_o business_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n as_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o needless_a noise_n of_o simple_a woman_n but_o it_o be_v the_o absolute_a desire_n of_o all_o our_o heart_n for_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n among_o we_o which_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o either_o estate_n or_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v humble_o crave_v that_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o time_n to_o advise_v and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v find_v out_o some_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o innovation_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o enjoy_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n reform_v in_o this_o land_n and_o authorise_v by_o his_o majesty_n who_o may_v long_o and_o prosperous_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o your_o lordship_n answer_n their_o petition_n to_o the_o council_n follow_v my_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n unto_o your_o lordship_n humble_o show_v we_o nobleman_n baron_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v in_o humble_a and_o quiet_a manner_n attend_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a supplication_n against_o the_o service_n book_n impose_v upon_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o show_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o upon_o the_o introduction_n thereof_o must_v ensue_v we_o be_v without_o any_o know_a desert_n far_o by_o our_o expectation_n surprise_v and_o charge_v by_o public_a proclamation_n to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o town_n within_o twenty_o four_o hour_n thereafter_o under_o pain_n of_o rebellion_n by_o which_o peremptory_a and_o unusual_a charge_n our_o fear_n of_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o strict_a course_n of_o proceed_v be_v augment_v and_o course_n of_o our_o supplication_n interrupt_v wherefore_o we_o be_v constrain_v out_o of_o the_o deep_a grief_n of_o our_o heart_n humble_o to_o remonstrate_v that_o whereas_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v draw_v up_o and_o set_v forth_o and_o cause_v to_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o set_v forth_o and_o enjoin_v upon_o the_o subject_n two_o book_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o call_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n not_o only_o be_v sow_v the_o seed_n of_o divers_a superstition_n idolatry_n and_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n by_o divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n but_o also_o the_o service_n book_n of_o england_n be_v abuse_v especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o communion_n by_o addition_n subtraction_n interchange_v of_o word_n and_o sentence_n falsify_v of_o title_n and_o misplace_v of_o collect_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o reformation_n as_o the_o romish_a mass_n be_v in_o the_o more_o substantial_a point_n make_v up_o therein_o as_o we_o offer_v to_o instruct_v in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a quite_o contrary_a unto_o and_o for_o reverse_v the_o gracious_a intention_n of_o the_o popery_n bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n in_o the_o other_o book_n call_v canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o have_v ordain_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o worship_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n whereof_o heretofore_o and_o now_o we_o most_o just_o complain_v do_v contain_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v corrupt_v superstitious_a or_o unlawful_a in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o not_o be_v restore_v but_o by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n or_o archbishop_n of_o the_o province_n after_o his_o repentance_n and_o public_a revocation_n of_o this_o his_o wicked_a error_n beside_o one_o hundred_o canon_n more_o many_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o revive_n and_o foster_a of_o abolish_v superstition_n and_o error_n and_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n open_v a_o door_n for_o what_o further_a invention_n of_o religion_n they_o please_v to_o make_v and_o stop_v the_o way_n which_o law_n before_o do_v allow_v unto_o we_o for_o suppress_v of_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o ordain_v that_o where_o in_o any_o of_o the_o canon_n there_o be_v no_o penalty_n express_o set_v down_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v arbitrary_a as_o the_o bishop_n shall_v think_v fit_a all_o which_o canon_n be_v never_o see_v nor_o allow_v in_o any_o general_n assembly_n but_o be_v impose_v contrary_a to_o order_v of_o law_n appoint_v in_o this_o realm_n for_o establish_v constitution_n ecclesiastical_a unto_o which_o two_o book_n the_o foresay_a prelate_n have_v under_o trust_n procure_v his_o majesty_n royal_a hand_n and_o letter_n patent_n for_o press_v the_o same_o upon_o his_o loyal_a subject_n and_o be_v the_o contriver_n and_o deviser_n of_o the_o same_o as_o do_v clear_o appear_v by_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n and_o have_v begin_v to_o urge_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o same_o not_o only_o by_o injunction_n give_v in_o provincial_n assembly_n but_o also_o by_o open_a proclamation_n and_o charge_n of_o horning_n whereby_o we_o be_v drive_v in_o such_o strait_n as_o we_o must_v either_o by_o process_n of_o excommunication_n and_o horning_n suffer_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o fortune_n or_o else_o by_o breach_n of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o true_a religion_n fall_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o unto_o we_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o death_n wherefore_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o these_o their_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a to_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n hispious_a intention_n who_o out_o of_o his_o zeal_n and_o princely_a care_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o true_a religion_n establish_v in_o this_o his_o ancient_a kingdom_n have_v ratify_v the_o same_o in_o his_o highness_n parliament_n 1633_o and_o so_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v high_o wrong_v by_o the_o say_a prelate_n who_o have_v so_o far_o abuse_v their_o credit_n with_o so_o good_a a_o king_n as_o thus_o to_o ensnare_v his_o subject_n rend_v our_o church_n undermine_v religion_n in_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n move_v discontent_a between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o discord_n between_o subject_n and_o subject_a contrary_a to_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n we_o out_o of_o bind_v duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n and_o native_a country_n complain_v of_o the_o foresay_a prelate_n humble_o crave_v that_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v put_v to_o trial_n and_o these_o our_o party_n take_v order_n with_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v any_o more_o as_o judge_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o decide_v according_a to_o justice_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v to_o you_o a_o matter_n of_o high_a importance_n than_o you_o will_v condescend_v unto_o before_o his_o majesty_n be_v acquaint_v therewith_o then_o we_o humble_o supplicate_v that_o this_o our_o grievance_n and_o complaint_n may_v be_v full_o represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o gracious_a sovereignty_n and_o justice_n these_o wrong_n may_v be_v redress_v and_o we_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o enjoy_v the_o religion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v reform_v in_o this_o land_n in_o this_o petition_n it_o be_v worthy_a the_o observe_n that_o they_o complain_v of_o the_o mangle_n of_o the_o english_a service_n book_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_v offer_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o wrong_v of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n here_o in_o this_o kingdom_n whereas_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o ordinary_a discourse_n they_o do_v usual_o inveigh_v against_o the_o service_n book_n here_o for_o be_v stuff_v with_o superstition_n and_o popery_n and_o that_o the_o first_o reformer_n
his_o profane_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o quick_a his_o canonization_n of_o man_n call_v upon_o angel_n or_o saint_n depart_v worship_v of_o imagery_n relic_n and_o cross_n dedicate_a of_o kirk_n altar_n day_n vow_n to_o creature_n his_o purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pray_v or_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n with_o his_o procession_n and_o blasphemous_a litany_n and_o multitude_n of_o advocate_n or_o mediator_n his_o manifold_a order_n auricular_a confession_n his_o desperate_a and_o uncertain_a repentance_n his_o general_n and_o doubtsome_a faith_n his_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n for_o their_o sin_n his_o justification_n by_o work_n opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la work_v of_o supererogation_n merit_n pardon_n peregrination_n and_o station_n his_o holy_a water_n baptise_v of_o bell_n conjure_v of_o spirit_n cross_v sane_v anoint_v conjure_v hallow_v of_o god_n good_a creature_n with_o the_o superstitious_a opinion_n join_v therewith_o his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n his_o three_o solemn_a vow_n with_o all_o his_o shaveling_n of_o sundry_a sort_n his_o erroneous_a and_o bloody_a decree_n make_v at_o trent_n with_o all_o the_o subscriber_n and_o approver_n of_o that_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a band_n conjure_v against_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o final_o we_o detest_v all_o his_o vain_a allegory_n rite_n sign_n and_o tradition_n bring_v in_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o true_a reform_a kirk_n to_o the_o which_o we_o join_v ourselves_o willing_o in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n discipline_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n our_o head_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o the_o pain_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o danger_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v that_o many_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n to_o promise_n swear_v subscribe_v and_o for_o a_o time_n use_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o kirk_n deceitful_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n mind_v thereby_o first_o under_o the_o external_a cloak_n of_o religion_n to_o corrupt_v and_o subvert_v secret_o god_n true_a religion_n within_o the_o kirk_n and_o afterward_o when_o time_n may_v serve_v to_o become_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecuter_n of_o the_o same_o under_o vain_a hope_n of_o the_o pope_n dispensation_n devise_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o his_o great_a confusion_n and_o their_o double_a condemnation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n we_o therefore_o willing_a to_o take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o of_o such_o double_a deal_n with_o god_n and_o his_o kirk_n protest_v and_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n for_o witness_n that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n do_v full_o agree_v with_o this_o our_o confession_n promise_v oath_n and_o subscription_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o move_v for_o any_o worldly_a respect_n but_o be_v persuade_v only_o in_o our_o conscience_n through_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n print_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o he_o in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o because_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o quietness_n and_o stability_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o kirk_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n and_o good_a behaviour_n of_o the_o king_n 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 maintain_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n among_o we_o we_o protest_v and_o promise_v with_o our_o heart_n under_o the_o same_o oath_n hand-writ_a and_o pain_n that_o we_o shall_v defend_v his_o person_n and_o authority_n with_o our_o good_n body_n and_o life_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n his_o evangel_n liberties_n of_o our_o country_n ministration_n of_o justice_n and_o punishment_n of_o iniquity_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o without_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o god_n to_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o merciful_a defender_n to_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n eternal_o like_a as_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o in_o general_n do_v abrogate_v annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o law_n statute_n act_n constitution_n canon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a with_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o practic_a penalty_n whatsoever_o make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o or_o of_o the_o true_a kirk_n discipline_n jurisdiction_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o or_o in_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o of_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n as_o act._n 3._o act._n 31._o parl._n 1_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o of_o king_n james_n the_o six_o that_o papistry_n and_o superstition_n may_v be_v utter_o suppress_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n report_v in_o act._n 5._o parl._n 20._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o to_o that_o end_n they_o ordain_v all_o papist_n and_o priest_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o manifold_a civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n as_o adversary_n to_o god_n true_a religion_n preach_v and_o by_o law_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o as_o common_a enemy_n to_o all_o christian_a government_n act._n 18._o parl._n 16._o k._n james_n 6._o as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n act._n 47._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o as_o idolater_n act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o but_o also_o in_o particular_a by_o and_o attour_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n do_v abolish_v and_o condemn_v the_o pope_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o ordain_v the_o maintainer_n thereof_o to_o be_v punish_v act._n 2._o parl._n 1_o act._n 51._o parl._n 3_o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v the_o pope_n erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o any_o other_o erroneous_a doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n public_o preach_v and_o by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o realm_n and_o ordain_v the_o spreader_n and_o maker_n of_o book_n or_o libel_n or_o letter_n or_o writ_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o be_v punish_v act._n 46._o parl._n 3_o act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v all_o baptism_n conform_v to_o the_o pope_n church_n and_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o ordain_v all_o sayer_n wilful_a hearer_n and_o concealer_n of_o the_o mass_n the_o maintainer_n and_o resetter_n of_o the_o priest_n jesuit_n traffique_a papist_n to_o be_v punish_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o restriction_n act._n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 120._o parl._n 12._o act._n 164._o parl._n 13._o act._n 193._o parl._n 14._o act._n 1._o parl._n 19_o act._n 5._o parl._n 20._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v all_o erroneous_a book_n and_o writ_n contain_v erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v or_o contain_v superstitious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n papistical_a whereby_o the_o people_n be_v great_o abuse_v and_o ordain_v the_o homebringer_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v act._n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v the_o monument_n and_o dregs_n of_o bygane_n idolatry_n as_o go_v to_o cross_n observe_v the_o festival_n day_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o other_o superstitious_a and_o papistical_a rite_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o foster_a of_o great_a error_n among_o the_o people_n and_o ordain_v the_o user_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o second_o fault_n as_o idolater_n act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o like_a as_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v conceive_v for_o maintenance_n of_o god_n true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o purity_n thereof_o in_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o in_o her_o national_n synodall_n assembly_n presbytery_n session_n policy_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o as_o that_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v profess_v exercise_v preach_v and_o confess_v according_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o realm_n as_o for_o instance_n
this_o to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n of_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o rather_o a_o powerful_a and_o principal_a motive_n with_o speed_n to_o convene_v the_o same_o as_o the_o proper_a judicatorie_a wherein_o to_o determine_v such_o dangerous_a and_o universal_a difference_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o hear_v that_o any_o minister_n be_v depose_v but_o only_o suspend_v during_o this_o interim_n till_o a_o general_n assembly_n for_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o flagitious_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o try_v offensive_a to_o god_n disgraceful_a to_o religion_n and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o people_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o place_n till_o they_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v and_o concern_v moderator_n none_o of_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v depose_v but_o some_o only_o change_v which_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n the_o four_o concern_v the_o repair_n of_o parishioner_n to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cognosce_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n be_v subject_a since_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v in_o the_o minister_n no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v no_o redress_n there_o to_o assent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v disorder_n to_o be_v multiply_v both_o in_o presbytery_n and_o particular_a parish_n to_o the_o six_o that_o minister_n wait_v upon_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o place_n where_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n we_o answer_v that_o none_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n assembly_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o allow_v by_o commission_n to_o have_v voice_n or_o otherwise_o have_v such_o interest_n as_o they_o can_v justify_v to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v to_o the_o seven_o concern_v the_o appoint_v of_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n only_o constant_a moderator_n who_o have_v cease_v long_o since_o be_v find_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1606._o which_o yet_o be_v never_o repute_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a national_a assembly_n to_o be_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o both_o the_o moderator_n who_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a member_n need_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o choose_a commissioner_n repair_v to_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n itself_o can_v judge_v best_a of_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o ought_v to_o consist_v to_o the_o nine_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v with_o the_o choose_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n and_o no_o minister_n without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n we_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n none_o but_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n and_o that_o no_o minister_n or_o elder_n shall_v have_v voice_n in_o election_n but_o in_o his_o own_o presbytery_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o particular_n be_v concern_v civil_a matter_n as_o the_o five_o concern_v the_o pay_n of_o rent_n and_o stipend_n to_o minister_n and_o bishop_n concern_v which_o we_o can_v say_v no_o further_o but_o that_o the_o law_n be_v patent_n for_o they_o as_o for_o his_o majesty_n other_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v delay_v upon_o any_o complaint_n in_o that_o kind_n the_o eight_o require_v that_o bishop_n and_o minister_n be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n we_o think_v so_o reasonable_a that_o we_o will_v promise_v every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o violence_n from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v hinder_v other_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v and_o if_o any_o trouble_v they_o otherwise_o or_o make_v they_o any_o kind_n of_o molestation_n in_o that_o attendance_n but_o by_o order_n of_o law_n the_o party_n be_v just_o punishable_a according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o other_o subject_n be_v to_o the_o ten_o concern_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n and_o the_o peaceablenesse_n of_o the_o country_n these_o meeting_n be_v keep_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o consult_v about_o lawful_a remedy_n against_o such_o press_a grievance_n as_o threaten_v the_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n can_v be_v dissolve_v till_o the_o evil_n be_v remove_v and_o true_a we_o trust_v that_o nothing_o in_o these_o our_o meeting_n have_v escape_v we_o which_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o undutifulnesse_n or_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n but_o although_o our_o adversary_n have_v herein_o calumniate_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v always_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o loyal_a subject_n petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o a_o legal_a redress_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n to_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o covenant_n the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n have_v many_o time_n and_o most_o instant_o press_v we_o with_o that_o point_n we_o do_v first_o by_o child_n invincible_a argument_n make_v manifest_a that_o we_o can_v not_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o without_o do_v wrong_n to_o this_o national_n church_n and_o all_o posterity_n rescind_n or_o alter_v the_o same_o and_o thereafter_o do_v at_o large_a clear_v the_o same_o of_o all_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n by_o our_o last_o supplication_n and_o declaration_n which_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n any_o accept_v as_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o powerful_a of_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o can_v come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o give_v his_o majesty_n satisfaction_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o act_n so_o evident_o tend_v to_o the_o god_n glory_n of_o god_n the_o king_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v already_o prove_v so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o inward_a of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v our_o ardent_a and_o constant_a desire_n and_o ready_a wish_n that_o both_o his_o majesty_n and_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n like_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o conscience_n and_o by_o the_o covenant_n itself_o to_o persuade_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v modest_o use_v by_o we_o without_o press_v or_o threaten_v of_o the_o mean_a we_o hope_v shall_v never_o give_v his_o majesty_n the_o least_o cause_n of_o discontent_n see_v therefore_o according_a to_o our_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o remove_v all_o hindrance_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n worthy_a our_o profession_n and_o covenant_n do_v aim_n at_o nothing_o but_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o consumption_n or_o combustion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v desperate_o disease_v except_o remedy_v some_o way_n be_v speedy_o provide_v and_o we_o delight_v to_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v legal_a and_o have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o without_o further_a delay_n for_o prevent_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n than_o we_o can_v express_v our_o just_a desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v so_o shall_v we_o be_v encourage_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n still_o to_o pray_v for_o his_o majesty_n all_o increase_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n upon_o their_o refusal_n he_o send_v for_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o his_o resolution_n for_o a_o new_a journey_n that_o he_o find_v their_o way_n such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o grant_v they_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o to_o be_v a_o free_a one_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v bring_v in_o every_o man_n to_o have_v a_o voice_n who_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o if_o they_o will_v let_v he_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v sit_v there_o and_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v there_o he_o will_v give_v his_o best_a concurrence_n if_o he_o find_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o
will_v expect_v his_o return_n and_o our_o answer_n by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v do_v both_o these_o holy_a man_n resolve_v to_o expect_v that_o time_n before_o any_o election_n shall_v be_v actual_o make_v but_o give_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o next_o day_n after_o before_o it_o can_v be_v know_v in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whether_o he_o be_v return_v or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o by_o any_o person_n of_o the_o kingdom_n what_o answer_v he_o have_v return_v from_o we_o the_o insinceritie_n of_o which_o proceed_n condemn_v by_o many_o covenant_a minister_n at_o their_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o a_o most_o desperate_a equivocation_n we_o be_v confident_a every_o man_n will_v detest_v especial_o in_o those_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sincere_a professor_n of_o these_o time_n beside_o our_o commissioner_n find_v that_o these_o man_n who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v he_o speak_v of_o any_o precedent_a conference_n of_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o direction_n to_o be_v agree_v upon_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o it_o but_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o as_o unsufferable_a prelimitation_n and_o prejudging_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n at_o their_o table_n agreee_v upon_o certain_a direction_n comprehend_v in_o eight_o article_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o command_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n thereof_o in_o their_o election_n the_o true_a copy_n whereof_o here_o follow_v a_o direction_n for_o presbytery_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o act_n make_v at_o dundie_n the_o seven_o of_o march_n 1597._o concern_v the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o follow_v because_o there_o have_v be_v no_o order_n hitherto_o anent_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n to_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n therefore_o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o in_o all_o time_n come_v three_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o brethren_n shall_v be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n at_o the_o most_o as_o commissioner_n to_o every_o assembly_n and_o that_o none_o presume_v to_o come_v without_o commission_n and_o likewise_o that_o one_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n and_o one_o out_o of_o every_o burgh_n except_o edinburgh_n which_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o direct_v two_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n thereof_o follow_v t.t._n the_o day_n of_o the_o which_o day_n after_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o have_v diligent_o consider_v the_o manifold_a corruption_n innovation_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v especial_o through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_a remedy_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o well_o ordinary_a as_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la enjoy_v by_o this_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o expect_v short_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n do_v by_o these_o present_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v minister_n of_o as_o also_o in_o name_n of_o the_o burrowes_n conjunct_o and_o several_o our_o lawful_a commissioner_n give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o our_o full_a power_n commission_n and_o express_v charge_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n at_o the_o day_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o sit_v in_o any_o safe_a and_o commodious_a place_n within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o there_o with_o the_o rest_n who_o shall_v be_v authorise_v with_o lawful_a commission_n in_o our_o name_n to_o propone_v treat_v reason_n vote_n and_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o sundry_a general_n assembly_n and_o receive_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n competent_a to_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n thereupon_o and_o to_o report_v to_o we_o their_o diligence_n therein_o in_o testification_n of_o this_o our_o commission_n and_o charge_n we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n and_o which_o they_o have_v accept_v with_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o every_o church_n session_n send_v one_o of_o the_o most_o qualify_a elder_n unto_o the_o presbytery_n the_o day_n of_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o those_o elder_n present_a in_o the_o presbytery_n there_o may_v be_v choose_v both_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o minister_n and_o also_o some_o well_o affect_v and_o qualify_v nobleman_n or_o special_a gentleman_n be_v a_o elder_a of_o some_o particular_a church_n session_n within_o that_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n for_o this_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o presbytery_n otherwise_o call_v eldership_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n practise_v for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n the_o twelve_o of_o king_n james_n the_o 6._o and_o never_o since_o alter_v nor_o rescind_v neither_o can_v be_v with_o reason_n alter_v see_v that_o same_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o general_n assembly_n and_o of_o the_o inferior_a and_o church_n session_n as_o be_v at_o more_o length_n clear_v by_o some_o reason_n that_o such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a in_o doctrine_n or_o scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v present_o process_v that_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n that_o all_o the_o best_a affect_v both_o minister_n and_o elder_n protest_v and_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o to_o send_v to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o print_a reason_n for_o a_o assembly_n that_o moderator_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n except_o they_o be_v choose_v that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n appoint_v to_o convene_v solemn_o after_o the_o twenty_o of_o september_n either_o upon_o the_o 21.22.23.24_o or_o 25._o for_o choose_v of_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o to_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o first_o of_o october_n or_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v that_o with_o common_a consent_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o king_n last_o answer_n and_o advise_v upon_o the_o next_o lawful_a remedy_n in_o their_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o in_o the_o fast_a to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o sixteen_o day_n of_o september_n the_o second_o day_n precede_v their_o election_n they_o may_v crave_v god_n direction_n therein_o to_o these_o eight_o article_n they_o join_v by_o way_n of_o information_n a_o very_a impertinent_a long_a and_o tedious_a discourse_n of_o rule_v elder_n too_o long_o and_o too_o simple_a to_o be_v here_o insert_v which_o be_v add_v no_o doubt_n only_o to_o persuade_v the_o minister_n to_o admit_v layman_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o their_o presbytery_n at_o the_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n or_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o persuade_v the_o layman_n to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n and_o give_v their_o voice_n in_o these_o election_n whether_o the_o minister_n will_v or_o no_o as_o shall_v appear_v afterward_o both_o by_o that_o intrusion_n which_o these_o lay_v elder_n use_v in_o many_o presbytery_n where_o the_o minister_n refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o and_o by_o some_o of_o the_o table_n more_o private_a instruction_n by_o which_o they_o be_v order_v so_o to_o do_v now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o conference_n which_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v for_o debate_v of_o what_o member_n the_o assembly_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v discuss_v there_o with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n exclaim_v against_o by_o they_o can_v in_o any_o construction_n or_o sense_n be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n either_o in_o the_o member_n matter_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o
our_o commissioner_n they_o expect_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o desire_n for_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v as_o well_o as_o any_o judge_n or_o advocate_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o no_o commissioner_n either_o can_v award_v or_o ever_o have_v award_v any_o such_o process_n as_o they_o require_v and_o therefore_o they_o move_v our_o commissioner_n once_o again_o that_o he_o will_v require_v our_o judge_n or_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n to_o grant_v out_o such_o process_n with_o which_o request_n when_o our_o commissioner_n make_v our_o judge_n acquaint_v they_o return_v he_o that_o answer_n which_o the_o covenanter_n know_v very_o well_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o make_v viz._n that_o they_o can_v grant_v out_o no_o process_n for_o the_o compeerance_n of_o any_o person_n before_o they_o but_o those_o who_o be_v implead_v and_o who_o cause_n be_v triable_a before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o commissioner_n find_v by_o inquiry_n and_o the_o covenanter_n know_v it_o perfect_o well_o that_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o process_n or_o cytation_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v to_o pass_v it_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o office_n be_v during_o life_n if_o he_o be_v not_o legal_o remove_v &_o usual_o too_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o be_v moderator_n at_o the_o last_o general_n assembly_n both_o which_o be_v then_o live_v and_o be_v so_o still_o the_o name_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v master_n james_n sandeland_n a_o advocate_n and_o commissary_n of_o aberdene_n and_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n be_v the_o now_o archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n but_o they_o who_o have_v all_o this_o while_n go_v on_o in_o disorderly_a illegal_a and_o unjustifiable_a way_n belike_o think_v it_o a_o incongruitie_n to_o keep_v the_o beat_a path_n and_o tract_n of_o justice_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o fall_v and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o way_n so_o unlike_a justice_n so_o repugnant_a to_o religion_n and_o common_a honesty_n as_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o they_o hit_v upon_o it_o have_v neither_o law_n nor_o practice_n for_o it_o which_o be_v this_o they_o cause_v to_o be_v draw_v up_o a_o most_o false_a odious_a and_o scandalous_a libel_n against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n with_o a_o petition_n annex_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n wherein_o they_o desire_v the_o libel_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o the_o copy_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v exhibit_v by_o they_o to_o the_o say_a presbytery_n and_o afterward_o public_o read_v in_o all_o the_o pulpit_n thereof_o here_o follow_v which_o out_o of_o our_o love_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o wish_v may_v never_o come_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o any_o pagan_a and_o out_o of_o our_o love_n to_o the_o religion_n reform_v we_o wish_v may_v never_o come_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o any_o papist_n but_o it_o can_v be_v conceal_v the_o bill_n or_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o covenanter_n which_o be_v not_o commissionary_n to_o the_o assembly_n against_o the_o pretend_a archbishop_n and_o bishop_n within_o this_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o a_o act_n of_o reference_n of_o the_o bill_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n as_o it_o be_v full_o read_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n before_o noon_n in_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n according_a to_o the_o act._n nobleman_n unto_o your_o wisdom_n humble_o show_v and_o complain_v we_o john_n earl_n of_o sutherland_n john_n earl_n of_o athol_n william_n earl_n of_o dalhousie_n mungo_n viscount_n of_o stormouth_n hugh_n lord_n montgomerie_n david_n lord_n elcho_n george_n lord_n forester_n arthur_n lord_n forbesse_n john_n master_n of_o berridale_a robert_n lord_n boyd_n david_n lord_n balcarras_n john_n lord_n melvill_n baron_n and_o gentleman_n craggemillar_n lugtoun_n buchanan_n young_a dury_n balgonny_o balbirny_n master_n william_n hamilton_n thomas_n cragge_n of_o ricarton_n john_n cowper_n of_o gogar_n john_n hamilton_n of_o boghall_n david_n inglis_n of_o ingliston_n john_n dundas_n of_o newliston_n sir_n william_n cockburne_n of_o langton_n patrick_n cockburne_n of_o clerkinton_n john_n leslie_n of_o newton_n colonel_n alexander_n leslie_n david_n barclay_n of_o onwerme_n sir_n michael_n arnot_n of_o arnot_n sir_n michael_n balfoure_n of_o deanemill_n john_n aiton_n of_o aiton_n david_n beaton_n of_o balfoure_n john_n lundie_n of_o lundie_n walter_n murray_n of_o liviston_n sir_n john_n preston_n of_o ardrie_n walter_n cornwall_n of_o bonhard_n william_n scot_n of_o ardrosse_n robert_n forbosse_n of_o ricesse_n sir_n andrew_n murray_n of_o balvarde_a george_n dundasse_n of_o dudistone_n sir_n william_n murray_n of_o blebo_n master_n robert_n preston_n william_n dicksone_n minister_n master_n william_n scot_n minister_n 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eminent_a degree_n by_o which_o pursuit_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v christ_n kingdom_n advance_v that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o her_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n and_o free_v from_o manifold_a scandal_n from_o the_o corrupter_n of_o doctrine_n with_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n of_o the_o sacrament_n with_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o of_o the_o discipline_n with_o tyranny_n and_o from_o the_o overthrower_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o their_o usurpation_n and_o lie_n their_o violent_a humour_n and_o falsehood_n for_o their_o own_o worldly_a end_n may_v be_v try_v and_o censure_v according_o and_o so_o this_o church_n and_o state_n make_v free_a from_o the_o present_a division_n and_o combustion_n and_o restore_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n both_o with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o and_o that_o his_o majesty_n religious_a disposition_n and_o honour_n may_v be_v clear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v fraudulent_o abuse_v his_o majesty_n name_n and_o authority_n by_o their_o trust_n and_o credit_n with_o his_o majesty_n we_o most_o earnest_o make_v request_n that_o whereas_o by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o by_o his_o majesty_n last_o proclamation_n all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a of_o whatsoever_o title_n or_o degree_n if_o they_o have_v exercise_v a_o unlimited_a or_o unwarrantable_a power_n they_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n or_o to_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o whereas_o master_n david_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n thomas_n sydserfe_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o galloway_n master_n walter_n whitefoord_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o brichen_n master_n james_n wedderburne_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dumblane_n master_n james_n fairley_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o argyle_n master_n john_n spotswood_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n have_v their_o residence_n or_o dwell_a place_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n patrick_n lyndsey_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n master_n alexander_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunkell_n master_n adam_n bannatine_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o aberdene_n master_n john_n gutherie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o murray_n master_n john_n maxwel_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o rosse_n master_n george_n greme_a pretend_v bishop_n of_o orkney_n master_n john_n abernethie_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o caithnesse_n master_n neil_n campbel_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o unlimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o caution_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o mountrose_n anno_fw-la 1600._o for_o bound_v of_o the_o minister_n vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o conclude_v to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o
aberdene_n the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n in_o glasgow_n the_o bishop_n of_o murray_n in_o elgin_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o say_a act_n which_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v that_o the_o synodall_n assembly_n shall_v appoint_v certain_a brethren_n of_o their_o presbytery_n to_o give_v they_o public_a admonition_n out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o if_o they_o disobey_v to_o compeer_n before_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n 20._o octob._n to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o to_o this_o act_n the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n that_o then_o be_v agree_v submit_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o it_o be_v also_o condemn_v by_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n anno_fw-la 1581._o which_o do_v ratify_v the_o former_a act_n of_o dundee_n and_o ordain_v the_o book_n of_o policy_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o several_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v registrate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o enjoin_v the_o general_a confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n liege_n yet_o have_v the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v not_o only_o encroach_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o have_v also_o take_v consecration_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o against_o the_o act_n of_o it_o claim_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o due_a to_o he_o by_o that_o unwarrantable_a office_n beside_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n bring_v in_o the_o service_n book_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o will_v have_v change_v and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o discipline_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prevent_v they_o the_o particular_n we_o shall_v present_v to_o your_o wisdom_n though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n how_o he_o and_o they_o have_v abuse_v his_o majesty_n authority_n against_o his_o royal_a intention_n and_o declaration_n they_o have_v move_v discontent_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n by_o scandalous_a lie_n betwixt_o subject_n and_o subject_a for_o which_o thing_n complaint_n have_v be_v give_v in_o to_o the_o council_n which_o we_o hold_v hear_v to_o be_v repeat_v as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o complaint_n and_o to_o be_v try_v by_o your_o wisdom_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n beside_o all_o these_o fault_n the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_v in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v slander_v constant_o as_o guilty_a of_o excessive_a drink_n whore_v play_v at_o card_n and_o dice_n swear_v profane_a speak_v excessive_a game_n profane_v of_o the_o sabbath_n contempt_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o private_a familie-exercise_n mock_v of_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v prayer_n and_o spiritual_a conference_n and_o sincere_a professor_n beside_o with_o bribery_n simony_n sell_v of_o commissariot_n place_n lies_z perjury_n dishonest_a deal_n in_o civil_a bargain_n abuse_v of_o their_o vassal_n and_o of_o adultery_n and_o incest_n with_o many_o other_o offence_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v the_o particular_n in_o our_o particular_a accusation_n whereas_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o ordinary_a judicatorie_a of_o this_o church_n for_o try_v of_o these_o offence_n and_o have_v the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o cytation_n of_o the_o party_n and_o offender_n with_o the_o reference_n to_o their_o complaint_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n therefore_o we_o most_o earnest_o and_o humble_o beseech_v your_o godly_a wisdom_n as_o you_o tender_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n the_o removal_n of_o scandal_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n that_o you_o will_v take_v into_o your_o consideration_n and_o trial_n the_o foresay_a many_o and_o heinous_a offence_n with_o the_o particular_a reservation_n and_o qualification_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v present_v to_o your_o wisdom_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v convenient_a and_o that_o you_o will_v either_o take_v order_n with_o it_o yourselves_o and_o censure_v the_o offender_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n and_o foresay_a canon_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o else_o make_v a_o reference_n of_o they_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o novemb_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o delinquent_n that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o ordain_v the_o publish_n hereof_o to_o be_v make_v by_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o pulpit_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n before_o noon_n with_o a_o public_a admonition_n to_o the_o offender_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o censure_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o book_n and_o scroll_n of_o subscription_n and_o oath_n require_v from_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o they_o or_o their_o clerk_n have_v or_o have_v fraudulent_o convey_v away_o together_o with_o this_o certification_n that_o if_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o say_v book_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o and_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o complaint_n general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o condign_a censure_n of_o these_o offender_n for_o their_o contempt_n and_o contumacy_n here_o we_o humble_o beseech_v your_o wisdom_n answer_n the_o act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n 24._o octob._n 1638._o year_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o complaint_n upon_o the_o say_a day_n we_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n after_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o bill_n and_o complaint_n present_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o laird_n of_o buchanan_n the_o laird_n of_o dury_n the_o young_a the_o laird_n of_o carlourie_a john_n smith_n late_a bailife_n of_o edinburgh_n john_n hammiltoun_n and_o richard_n maxwel_n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n and_o commons_o subscriber_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n against_o the_o pretend_a archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o after_o we_o have_v read_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o same_o we_o according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o complainer_n do_v and_o do_v refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o november_n and_o we_o ordain_v the_o publish_n of_o this_o complaint_n and_o of_o our_o reference_n of_o it_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v full_o read_v by_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o the_o next_o sabbath_n before_o noon_n out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n with_o a_o public_a warning_n and_o cytation_n to_o the_o offendant_n complain_v upon_o by_o name_n master_n john_n spotswood_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n master_n patrick_n lyndsey_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n master_n thomas_n sydserfe_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o galloway_n master_n david_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n alexander_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunkeld_n master_n adam_n bannatine_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o aberdene_n master_n john_n gutherie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o murray_n master_n john_n maxwel_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o rosse_n master_n george_n greme_a pretend_v bishop_n of_o orknay_n master_n john_n abernethie_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o caithnes_n master_n walter_n whitefoord_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o brichen_n master_n james_n wedderburne_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunblane_n master_n james_n fayrley_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o argyle_n master_n nail_n campbel_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o the_o isle_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o to_o undergo_v the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o book_n and_o scroll_n of_o the_o subscription_n and_o oath_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n the_o book_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n
traduce_v do_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n 6._o last_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o informality_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o we_o charge_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o they_o must_v answer_v before_o his_o great_a and_o fearful_a tribunal_n if_o they_o suspect_v and_o know_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v to_o be_v free_a of_o these_o crime_n wherewith_o they_o charge_v they_o at_o least_o of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n have_v therein_o libel_v the_o general_a and_o have_v yet_o to_o seek_v the_o specification_n thereof_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v furnish_v it_o by_o which_o informal_a and_o malicious_a proceed_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o our_o say_a party_n do_v seek_v our_o disgrace_n and_o overthrow_v most_o malicious_o and_o illegal_o and_o therefore_o we_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o barbarous_a and_o violent_a persecution_n that_o all_o circumstance_n be_v consider_v have_v few_o or_o none_o to_o parallel_v it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o decline_v the_o say_v pretend_a commissioner_n as_o our_o party_n moreover_o can_v these_o man_n expect_v but_o in_o a_o lawful_a assemble_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o enorm_a transgression_n foresay_v and_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o canon-law_n against_o the_o pope_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o any_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_n himself_o but_o to_o choose_v arbitrator_n and_o this_o may_v militate_v against_o they_o except_o they_o be_v more_o unruly_a than_o pope_n ludovicus_n bavarus_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o germany_n with_o he_o do_v plead_v this_o nullity_n against_o the_o sentence_n and_o proceed_n of_o pope_n john_n 22._o and_o of_o his_o council_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o cullen_n 1546._o do_v plead_v the_o nullity_n of_o paul_n 3._o his_o bull_n of_o excommunication_n because_o he_o protest_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o lawful_a council_n shall_v be_v open_v he_o will_v implead_v the_o pope_n as_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n censurable_a by_o the_o council_n but_o the_o late_a protestation_n do_v show_v the_o author_n thereof_o to_o be_v no_o less_o injurious_a to_o our_o place_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o be_v overween_v of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n have_v place_n nor_o voice_n deliberative_a or_o decisive_a in_o general_a assembly_n except_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o elect_v by_o their_o presbyterial_a meeting_n consist_v of_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o without_o warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o also_o do_v infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o precedent_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neither_o the_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n but_o he_o who_o by_o plurality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o layman_n voice_n shall_v be_v elect_v which_o happy_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o a_o lay-person_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o whereas_o canonical_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o primate_n shall_v preside_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a can._n 6._o of_o antioch_n can._n 9_o and_o of_o the_o imperial_a law_n novel_a constitut_o 123._o cap._n 10._o and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o law_n for_o what_o place_n in_o assembly_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v in_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o same_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n in_o scotland_n and_o yet_o still_o do_v retain_v except_o by_o some_o municipal_a law_n it_o have_v be_v restrain_v which_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o authority_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v restore_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o and_o 1609._o and_o all_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n abrogate_a neither_o do_v that_o act_n 1592._o establish_v general_a assembly_n debar_v bishop_n from_o preside_v therein_o nor_o the_o abrogation_n of_o their_o commission_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n imply_v and_o infer_v the_o abrogation_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o parliament_n but_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a oversight_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o charge_n whereto_o belong_v the_o presidentship_n in_o all_o assembly_n for_o matter_n spiritual_a always_o with_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n that_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o be_v precedent_n of_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o chancellor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v place_n in_o council_n and_o session_n not_o by_o any_o act_n or_o statute_n but_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o he_o be_v chancellor_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v their_o right_n in_o synod_n and_o other_o inferior_a meeting_n but_o by_o no_o law_n restrain_v nor_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o national_n assembly_n and_o the_o law_n allow_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o synod_n do_v present_v a_o list_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o who_o of_o right_a this_o place_n do_v belong_v as_o say_v be_v out_o of_o which_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v for_o be_v it_o not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n order_n and_o decency_n that_o out_o of_o moderator_n of_o synod_n a_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v then_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n subject_a to_o they_o as_o concern_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n 1580._o whereby_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o scripture_n if_o corruption_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n may_v be_v neglect_v no_o less_o then_o that_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a that_o prior_n act_v of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n give_v place_n to_o the_o posterior_n for_o posteriora_fw-la derogant_fw-la prioribus_fw-la and_o there_o pass_v not_o full_a six_o year_n when_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n find_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n present_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_n and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_n only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o for_o that_o act_n at_o mont_n rise_v let_v they_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o have_v their_o call_n by_o that_o commission_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v of_o the_o chapter_n of_o our_o cathedral_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n by_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o approbation_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n for_o our_o temporality_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la next_o unto_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a governor_n but_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o cyprian_n his_o complaint_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 14._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la periculum_fw-la metuere_fw-la debemus_fw-la de_fw-la offensâ_fw-la domini_fw-la quando_fw-la aliqui_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la nec_fw-la evangelii_n nec_fw-la loci_fw-la svi_fw-la memores_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la futurum_fw-la dei_fw-la judicium_fw-la neque_fw-la praepositum_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la omnino_fw-la sub_fw-la antecessoribus_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la contumelia_fw-la &_o contemptâ_fw-la praepositi_fw-la totum_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la atque_fw-la utinam_fw-la non_fw-la prostratâ_fw-la fratrum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la salute_v sibi_fw-la omne_fw-la vendicarent_fw-la contumelias_fw-la episcopatûs_fw-la nostri_fw-la dissimulare_fw-la &_o far_o possem_fw-la sicut_fw-la
dissimulavi_fw-la semper_fw-la &_o pertuli_fw-la sed_fw-la dissimulandi_fw-la nunc_fw-la locus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quando_fw-la decipiatur_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la nostra_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la vestrûm_fw-la qui_fw-la dùm_fw-la sine_fw-la ratione_fw-la restituendae_fw-la salutis_fw-la plausibiles_fw-la esse_fw-la cupiunt_fw-la magis_fw-la lapsis_fw-la obsunt_fw-la last_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o premise_n how_o absurd_a it_o be_v and_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n and_o more_o absurd_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o mix_a meeting_n of_o presbyter_n and_o laic_n conveen_v without_o lawful_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n can._n 9_o and_o council_n milevit_fw-la can._n 22._o and_o council_n carthag_n 2._o can._n 10._o nor_o do_v we_o decline_v the_o lawful_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatorie_a in_o the_o kingdom_n especial_o of_o a_o general_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v or_o of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n can_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n only_o we_o declare_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v against_o order_n decency_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n or_o by_o laic_n without_o authority_n and_o commission_n from_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o many_o more_o and_o for_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n lest_o by_o our_o silence_n we_o betray_v the_o church_n right_a his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v force_v to_o protest_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v repute_v and_o hold_v null_n in_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o that_o no_o churchman_n be_v hold_v to_o appear_v before_o assist_v or_o approve_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o no_o letter_n petition_z subscription_n interlocutor_n certification_n admonition_n or_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o be_v any_o wise_a prejudicial_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n establish_v or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o jurisdiction_n liberty_n privilege_n rent_n benefice_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n of_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o favour_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o person_n or_o estate_n authority_n jurisdiction_n dignity_n rent_n benefice_n reputation_n and_o good_a name_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o such_o act_n and_o deed_n above_o mention_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_v and_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a and_o null_a in_o themselves_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a assembly_n do_v intend_v as_o we_o be_v inform_v to_o call_v in_o question_n discuss_v and_o condemn_v thing_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o warrantable_a but_o also_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o in_o practice_n according_o to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o prejudice_n of_o reform_a religion_n authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v and_o brand_a of_o reform_a church_n with_o the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n we_o protest_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v not_o redound_v to_o the_o disgrace_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o reform_a religion_n nor_o be_v repute_v a_o deed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n we_o protest_v that_o we_o embrace_v and_o hold_v that_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n thereof_o receive_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n the_o year_n 1567._o be_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o do_v detest_v all_o contrary_a error_n we_o protest_v that_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o oppose_v and_o impugn_a for_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n either_o in_o the_o government_n or_o governor_n but_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o success_n of_o that_o government_n in_o this_o church_n these_o many_o year_n bypass_a most_o evident_a in_o plant_v of_o church_n with_o able_a and_o learned_a minister_n recover_v of_o the_o church_n rend_v help_v of_o the_o minister_n stipend_n prevent_v of_o these_o jar_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n which_o in_o former_a time_n dangerous_o infest_a the_o same_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o obedience_n and_o suppress_v of_o popery_n which_o in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o number_n of_o their_o professor_n or_o boldness_n of_o their_o profession_n be_v never_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o before_o these_o stir_n we_o protest_v that_o see_v these_o who_o for_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n do_v mislike_v the_o service_n book_n canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v apprehend_v or_o give_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o church_n have_v now_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v all_o offence_n bypass_a in_o these_o stir_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n may_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a love_n as_o become_v faithful_a subject_n and_o good_a christian_n lay_v aside_o all_o hatred_n envy_n and_o bitterness_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v bear_v the_o blame_n and_o be_v think_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o man_n under_o his_o majesty_n obedience_n and_o who_o have_v commit_v nothing_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n that_o may_v give_v any_o man_n just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o wish_v hurt_v to_o any_o man_n in_o his_o person_n or_o estate_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o injury_n we_o have_v suffer_v that_o for_o quench_v this_o present_a combustion_n and_o settle_v peace_n in_o this_o church_n and_o country_n we_o can_v be_v content_a after_o clear_v of_o our_o innocence_n of_o all_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o can_v be_v charge_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o bishopric_n at_o his_o majesty_n foot_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o at_o his_o royal_a pleasure_n but_o also_o if_o so_o be_v it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n and_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o this_o atonement_n we_o protest_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o one_o day_n we_o must_v give_v account_n that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n out_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o not_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o any_o guiltiness_n whereof_o any_o of_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o either_o of_o wickedness_n in_o our_o life_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o our_o calling_n be_v content_a every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o particular_a as_o we_o have_v never_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v otherwise_o to_o undergo_v the_o lawful_a and_o most_o exact_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatorie_a within_o this_o kingdom_n or_o of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o we_o most_o humble_o entreat_v his_o grace_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o king_n majesty_n that_o he_o may_v appoint_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n such_o as_o god_n word_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v prescribe_v and_o allow_v with_o all_o convenient_a speed_n to_o the_o effect_n the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o whatsoever_o degree_n either_o in_o life_n and_o manner_n or_o doctrine_n or_o exercise_v of_o his_o call_n and_o jurisdiction_n he_o may_v be_v hear_v to_o answer_v all_o accusation_n and_o abide_v all_o trial_n
they_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o authentical_a act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o day_n before_o this_o these_o committee_n have_v make_v their_o report_n that_o they_o have_v peruse_v they_o and_o have_v find_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o authentical_a record_n and_o deliver_v in_o write_v some_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o opinion_n which_o make_v the_o impartial_a auditor_n wonder_v how_o in_o two_o day_n man_n can_v peruse_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o such_o volume_n which_o other_o man_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o fool_n thought_n can_v hardly_o be_v do_v in_o one_o year_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o the_o moderator_n this_o day_n put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n and_o voice_n whether_o they_o will_v allow_v the_o copy_n of_o those_o book_n of_o assembly_n which_o the_o committee_n the_o day_n before_o have_v report_v to_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a copy_n to_o be_v repute_v ever_o hereafter_o for_o the_o authentical_a record_n and_o register_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n our_o commissioner_n pray_v they_o to_o forbear_v do_v any_o thing_n sudden_o in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v doubtful_a can_v be_v make_v a_o public_a record_n of_o any_o judicatorie_a which_o be_v to_o oblige_v our_o subject_n unless_o we_o first_o by_o our_o advocate_n and_o learned_a council_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o authentical_a authority_n of_o that_o record_n and_o therefore_o wish_v they_o to_o stay_v until_o that_o course_n may_v be_v take_v and_o before_o that_o time_n not_o to_o put_v it_o to_o voice_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o present_o they_o of_o the_o assembly_n without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n conclude_v these_o book_n to_o be_v authentical_a register_n and_o so_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v for_o ever_o without_o know_v what_o be_v in_o they_o they_o be_v four_o book_n and_o very_o large_a and_o confess_v not_o to_o be_v the_o original_n but_o copy_n our_o commissioner_n then_o remember_v that_o at_o our_o palace_n at_o holy-rood-house_n he_o be_v deny_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o covenanter_n have_v threaten_v the_o former_a clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n if_o he_o shall_v let_v our_o commissioner_n have_v the_o perusal_n of_o they_o begin_v now_o to_o think_v that_o there_o may_v be_v stuff_n enough_o in_o they_o against_o our_o regal_a authority_n and_o perhaps_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o it_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v which_o cause_v our_o commissioner_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n hand_n a_o solemn_a protestation_n against_o the_o validity_n of_o these_o record_n and_o against_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n be_v oblige_v by_o they_o until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v peruse_v and_o allow_v by_o such_o as_o we_o shall_v authorise_v by_o commission_n for_o that_o purpose_n next_o the_o moderator_n desire_v the_o clerk_n to_o read_v certain_a answer_n which_o upon_o the_o sudden_a have_v be_v draw_v up_o as_o he_o say_v by_o certain_a brethren_n to_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n which_o have_v be_v read_v the_o day_n before_o and_o indeed_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v hear_v it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v draw_v up_o upon_o a_o sudden_a without_o either_o fear_n or_o wit_n be_v very_o poor_a and_o silly_a stuff_v full_a of_o cytation_n out_o of_o their_o own_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o do_v allow_v lay-elder_n and_o by_o these_o testimony_n conclude_v the_o exception_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o lay-elder_n &_o minister_n commissioner_n choose_v by_o they_o for_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v invalid_a which_o make_v some_o admire_v by_o what_o consequence_n it_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o because_o there_o have_v be_v lay-elder_n in_o particular_a church-session_n nay_o and_o perhaps_o in_o presbytery_n that_o therefore_o these_o lay-elder_n either_o have_v or_o must_v now_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o in_o choose_v the_o minister_n commissioner_n to_o it_o yet_o the_o moderator_n cause_v another_o paper_n to_o be_v read_v in_o defence_n of_o lay-elder_n of_o the_o very_a same_o tedious_a stuff_n with_o the_o former_a and_o to_o magnify_v those_o book_n of_o discipline_n so_o often_o cite_v in_o both_o these_o paper_n the_o moderator_n desire_v the_o whole_a assembly_n to_o hear_v himself_o read_v a_o long_a latin_a testimony_n give_v in_o the_o syntagma_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n our_o commissioner_n call_v for_o the_o book_n &_o desire_v to_o see_v what_o he_o have_v read_v and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o private_a testimony_n of_o one_o unknown_a insert_v by_o the_o printer_n or_o setter_n out_o of_o that_o syntagma_n to_o make_v it_o sell_v the_o better_a because_o it_o have_v some_o new_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o make_v a_o good_a many_o laugh_n at_o that_o so_o much_o magnify_v testimony_n then_o the_o moderator_n to_o take_v away_o that_o exception_n in_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n that_o the_o assembly_n be_v a_o declare_a party_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v their_o judge_n allege_v that_o the_o remonstrant_n have_v make_v the_o same_o objection_n against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n but_o that_o it_o be_v repel_v by_o all_o the_o divine_n there_o present_a and_o the_o invaliditie_n of_o that_o exception_n declare_v by_o none_o better_o than_o by_o the_o divine_n of_o great_a britain_n who_o judgement_n against_o that_o exception_n he_o then_o out_o of_o the_o public_a act_n of_o that_o synod_n do_v read_v our_o commissioner_n tell_v the_o moderator_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v translate_v into_o scottish_a that_o passage_n which_o he_o last_o read_v and_o the_o former_a out_o of_o the_o syntagma_n that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o lay-elder_n who_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o cytation_n may_v understand_v he_o and_o they_o which_o the_o moderator_n pass_v over_o with_o a_o smile_n one_o who_o stand_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n ask_v leave_v first_o of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o then_o of_o the_o moderator_n to_o speak_v which_o be_v grant_v he_o by_o both_o he_o answer_v the_o moderatour_n answer_v to_o the_o bishop_n objection_n thus_o that_o the_o bishop_n exception_n against_o they_o of_o the_o assembly_n as_o pars_fw-la adversa_fw-la differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o remonstrant_n against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n two_o way_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o for_o the_o synod_n consist_v of_o divine_n &_o the_o matter_n controvert_v be_v point_n of_o divinity_n and_o by_o some_o man_n think_v to_o be_v fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o in_o which_o scholar_n use_v not_o to_o be_v neutral_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o remonstrant_n to_o find_v divine_n to_o be_v their_o judge_n if_o they_o will_v except_v against_o such_o divine_n as_o have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o opinion_n or_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n for_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v the_o allow_v or_o reject_v of_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n because_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v not_o alterable_a but_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o her_o positive_a confession_n article_n 21._o do_v hold_v church_n policy_n or_o government_n alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n which_o opinion_n whether_o he_o do_v allow_v or_o not_o he_o be_v not_o then_o and_o there_o to_o declare_v but_o sure_o in_o such_o point_n which_o they_o themselves_o hold_v alterable_a and_o indifferent_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o point_n of_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o pre-declaring_a their_o judgement_n especial_o after_o they_o mean_v to_o be_v judge_n nay_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o not_o pre-declaring_a their_o judgement_n against_o episcopal_a government_n consider_v it_o stand_v now_o in_o force_n by_o act_n both_o of_o church_n and_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n against_o it_o even_o since_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o but_o before_o they_o be_v actual_o so_o do_v bar_v they_o from_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o at_o all_o but_o second_o and_o that_o upon_o which_o he_o principal_o insist_v be_v this_o that_o the_o bishop_n case_n in_o their_o exception_n against_o this_o assembly_n differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o remonstrant_n against_o the_o other_o synod_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o synod_n
do_v discharge_v and_o inhibit_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o pretend_a commissioner_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n of_o all_o further_a meeting_n and_o conveen_v treat_v and_o conclude_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n declare_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o that_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o do_v in_o any_o pretend_a meeting_n thereafter_o to_o be_v null_a of_o no_o strength_n force_n nor_o effect_n with_o all_o that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o prohibit_v and_o discharge_v all_o our_o have_v to_o give_v obedience_n thereto_o and_o declare_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o free_a and_o exempt_a from_o the_o same_o and_o of_o all_o hazard_n that_o may_v ensue_v for_o not_o obey_v thereof_o and_o for_o this_o effect_n we_o command_v and_o charge_v all_o the_o foresaid_n pretend_v commissioner_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n to_o depart_v forth_o of_o this_o city_n of_o glasgow_n within_o the_o space_n of_o xxiiii_o hour_n after_o the_o publication_n hereof_o and_o to_o repair_v home_o to_o their_o own_o house_n or_o that_o they_o go_v about_o their_o own_o private_a affair_n in_o a_o quiet_a manner_n with_o special_a provision_n always_o that_o the_o foresay_a declaration_n give_v in_o under_o our_o commissioner_n hand_n with_o all_o therein_o contain_v shall_v notwithstanding_o hereof_o stand_v full_a firm_a and_o sure_a to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n in_o all_o time_n come_v for_o the_o full_a assurance_n to_o they_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o command_v and_o charge_n that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o glasgow_n and_o other_o place_n needful_a wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v under_o our_o signet_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o fourteen_o year_n 1638._o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la hamiltoun_n traquaire_n roxburgh_n murray_n linlithgow_n perth_n kingorne_n tullibardin_n hadingtoun_n galloway_n annandaill_n lauderdaill_o kinnoull_n dumfreis_n southesk_n belheaven_n angus_n dalyell_n j._n hay_o w._n elphinstoun_n ja._n carmichael_n j._n hamiltoun_n this_o proclamation_n be_v very_o solemn_o make_v with_o sound_n of_o trumpet_n and_o by_o herald_n with_o coat_n of_o our_o arm_n on_o their_o back_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o glascow_n be_v receive_v with_o a_o protestation_n read_v in_o the_o same_o place_n by_o johnston_n the_o then_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n assist_v by_o the_o lord_n areskyn_n and_o divers_a other_o young_z noblemen_z and_o gentleman_n the_o paper_n which_o johnston_n read_v be_v not_o as_o it_o seem_v that_o very_a protestation_n which_o they_o print_v for_o he_o read_v something_o out_o of_o a_o paper_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o offer_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o protestation_n to_o he_o who_o read_v our_o proclamation_n which_o paper_n the_o clerk_n of_o our_o council_n offer_v to_o receive_v johnston_n refuse_v to_o deliver_v it_o say_v he_o must_v stay_v until_o it_o be_v write_v by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o who_o at_o glascow_n protest_v against_o our_o proclamation_n do_v protest_v and_o desire_v their_o protestation_n to_o be_v receive_v before_o it_o be_v pen_v as_o it_o be_v now_o print_v and_o before_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o send_v to_o they_o in_o who_o name_n it_o be_v make_v to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v adhere_v to_o it_o or_o not_o but_o a_o protestation_n against_o it_o they_o have_v since_o print_v which_o here_o now_o we_o do_v subjoyne_v that_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v how_o groundless_a and_o unwarrantable_a it_o be_v the_o protestation_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n make_v in_o the_o high_a kirk_n and_o at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o glasgow_n novemb_n 28._o and_o 29._o an._n 1638._o we_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n burghe_n and_o university_n now_o convene_v in_o a_o full_a and_o free_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o monarch_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o subscriber_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v it_o know_v that_o where_o we_o his_o majesty_n loyal_a subject_n of_o all_o degree_n consider_v and_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o many_o and_o great_a innovation_n and_o corruption_n late_o by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n intrude_v into_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n which_o have_v be_v before_o in_o great_a purity_n to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n establish_v among_o we_o be_v move_v to_o present_v many_o earnest_a desire_n and_o humble_a supplication_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n for_o grant_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a legal_a and_o ready_a mean_a to_o try_v these_o innovation_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o corruption_n and_o settle_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n it_o please_v his_o gracious_a majesty_n out_o of_o his_o royal_a bounty_n to_o direct_v unto_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_z marques_z of_o hammiltoun_n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v the_o just_a grievance_n of_o the_o good_a subject_n who_o by_o many_o petition_n and_o frequent_a conference_n be_v full_o inform_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judicatorie_a which_o have_v power_n to_o remedy_v those_o evil_n be_v please_v to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o voyage_n to_o england_n for_o present_v the_o pitiful_a condition_n of_o our_o church_n to_o to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n his_o grace_n return_v again_o in_o august_n last_o with_o power_n to_o indict_v a_o assembly_n but_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o prelimitation_n as_o do_v both_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o can_v no_o way_n cure_v the_o present_a disease_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v make_v so_o clear_o apparent_a to_o his_o grace_n that_o for_o satisfy_v the_o reasonable_a desire_n of_o the_o subject_n groan_v under_o the_o weariness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o longsome_a attendance_n he_o be_v again_o please_v to_o undertake_v another_o journey_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o promise_v to_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n without_o any_o prelimitation_n either_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o proceed_v so_o that_o if_o any_o question_n shall_v arise_v concern_v these_o particular_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v cognosce_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a and_o according_o by_o warrant_n from_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n return_v to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o september_n last_o cause_v indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o november_n instant_a to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o all_o good_a subject_n and_o christian_a heart_n who_o thereby_o do_v expect_v the_o perfect_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o long_a expectation_n and_o the_o final_a remedy_n of_o their_o press_a grievance_n but_o these_o hope_n be_v soon_o blast_v for_o albeit_o the_o assembly_n do_v meet_v and_o begin_v at_o the_o appoint_a day_n and_o have_v hitherto_o continue_v still_o assist_v with_o his_o grace_n personal_a presence_n yet_o his_o grace_n have_v never_o allow_v any_o freedom_n to_o the_o assembly_n competent_a to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n but_o have_v labour_v to_o restrain_v the_o same_o by_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o act_n make_v therein_o and_o against_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o by_o such_o member_n as_o by_o all_o law_n reason_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o church_n be_v ever_o admit_v in_o our_o free_a assembly_n and_o by_o deny_v his_o approbation_n to_o the_o thing_n propon_v and_o conclude_v though_o most_o clear_a customable_a and_o uncontravert_v and_o now_o since_o his_o grace_n after_o the_o present_n and_o read_v of_o his_o own_o commission_n from_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n and_o after_o his_o see_v all_o our_o commission_n from_o presbytery_n and_o burghe_n produce_v and_o examine_v and_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v of_o all_o the_o member_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n do_v now_o to_o our_o great_a grief_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n or_o occasion_n offer_v by_o we_o unexpected_o depart_v and_o discharge_v any_o further_a meeting_n or_o proceed_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
constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o subject_n complaint_n respect_v or_o the_o offender_n punish_v with_o consent_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o by_o cast_v the_o church_n loose_a and_o desolate_a will_v abandon_v both_o to_o ruin_v 7._o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o assembly_n for_o preven_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o two_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o first_o subscribe_v in_o 1580_o and_o 1590._o be_v a_o national_n covenant_n and_o oath_n to_o god_n which_o be_v late_o renew_v by_o we_o with_o that_o necessary_a explanation_n which_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v since_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o enforce_v which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o act_n of_o council_n in_o september_n last_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o subscription_n and_o therefore_o for_o remove_v that_o shame_n and_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v follow_v upon_o the_o show_n of_o two_o different_a covenant_n &_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o one_o nation_n the_o assembly_n can_v dissolve_v before_o it_o try_v find_v and_o determine_v that_o both_o these_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o covenant_n the_o latter_a renew_v by_o we_o agree_v to_o the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n we_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o we_o represent_v and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o before_o mention_v do_v solemn_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o protest_v 1._o that_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o incumbent_n to_o we_o as_o good_a christian_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a subject_n towards_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o protestation_n general_a or_o particular_a proponed_a or_o to_o be_v propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n or_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n may_v be_v present_o discuss_v before_o this_o general_a assembly_n be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatorie_a of_o this_o kingdom_n presumption_n and_o that_o his_o grace_n depart_v not_o till_o the_o same_o be_v do_v 3_o that_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n depart_v not_o till_o this_o assembly_n do_v full_o settle_v the_o solid_a peace_n of_o this_o church_n cognosce_v and_o examine_v the_o corruption_n introduce_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o for_o attain_v hereof_o and_o remove_v all_o just_a exception_n which_o may_v be_v take_v at_o our_o proceed_n we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n false_a that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n shall_v grant_v we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n 4._o that_o if_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n depart_v and_o leave_v this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o this_o present_a disorder_n and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n till_o we_o have_v try_v judge_v censure_v all_o the_o by-gone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n for_o continue_v god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o adhere_v hereunto_o shall_v sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o this_o assembly_n till_o after_o the_o final_a settle_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o 5._o that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n as_o the_o action_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n 6._o that_o whatsoever_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o free_a meeting_n sit_v reason_v or_o conclude_v of_o this_o present_a assembly_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o their_o judicatorie_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o observe_n and_o obey_v the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v to_o abide_v any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n have_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o realm_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o again_o and_o again_o do_v by_o these_o present_v cite_v and_o summon_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o compeer_n before_o this_o present_a general_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o give_v in_o their_o reason_n defence_n and_o answer_n against_o the_o complaint_n give_v in_o or_o to_o be_v give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o to_o hear_v probation_n lead_v and_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o they_o and_o conform_v to_o our_o former_a cytation_n and_o according_a to_o justice_n with_o certification_n as_o effeir_n like_a as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_v to_o the_o 12._o act._n king_n james_n 4._o parliament_n 2._o and_o protest_v for_o remedy_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 7._o and_o last_o we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o former_a protestation_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burghe_n and_o commons_o so_o see_v we_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n sudden_a depart_n far_o contrary_a to_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n and_o our_o expectation_n we_o may_v extend_v this_o our_o protestation_n and_o add_v more_o reason_n thereunto_o in_o great_a length_n and_o number_n whereby_o we_o may_v full_o clear_v before_o god_n and_o man_n the_o equity_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o proceed_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a premise_n the_o foresay_a person_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n aforesaid_a ask_v instrument_n this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o high_a church_n of_o glasgow_n in_o public_a
and_o that_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v intimate_v in_o all_o the_o kirkes_n within_o this_o realm_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o particular_a congregation_n as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o their_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n or_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n in_o case_n of_o negligence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n in_o another_o hour_n they_o declare_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o so_o abolish_v it_o for_o ever_o though_o it_o do_v then_o and_o do_v still_o stand_v confirm_v by_o many_o act_n both_o of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n they_o deprive_v the_o minister_n who_o hand_n be_v at_o the_o protestation_n against_o lay-elder_n and_o election_n make_v by_o they_o some_o minister_n they_o deprive_v for_o arminianism_n a_o course_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o place_n where_o any_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v observe_v that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v deprive_v for_o hold_v any_o tenet_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v and_o that_o before_o it_o be_v prohibit_v and_o condemn_v by_o that_o church_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o that_o church_n against_o these_o tenet_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n no_o man_n be_v censure_v for_o hold_v any_o doctrine_n against_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o before_o the_o synod_n have_v determine_v against_o they_o nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v preach_v or_o print_v before_o that_o synod_n do_v tender_a unto_o he_o their_o canon_n to_o be_v subscribe_v but_o at_o glasgow_n no_o such_o course_n be_v take_v but_o minister_n be_v deprive_v without_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v once_o ask_v the_o question_n whether_o they_o hold_v any_o such_o opinion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v whether_o they_o will_v now_o recall_v their_o opinion_n and_o conform_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o these_o point_n some_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v ask_v the_o question_n with_o what_o conscience_n or_o justice_n they_o can_v deprive_v their_o brethren_n for_o hold_v opinion_n not_o condemn_v by_o that_o church_n who_o perhaps_o after_o their_o church_n have_v condemn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o love_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o church_n will_v have_v forbear_v any_o further_a meddle_v with_o they_o they_o return_v this_o weak_a answer_n that_o these_o tenet_n be_v condemn_v by_o that_o church_n under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o popery_n but_o they_o can_v make_v no_o answer_n when_o it_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o certain_o these_o tenet_n can_v not_o be_v count_v popish_a concern_v which_o or_o the_o chief_a of_o which_o as_o learned_a papist_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o dominican_n and_o jesuit_n do_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o the_o protestant_n do_v and_o that_o those_o who_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o augustan_n confession_n do_v hold_v that_o side_n of_o these_o tenet_n which_o the_o arminian_n do_v hold_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v papist_n be_v the_o first_o protestant_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v against_o all_o sense_n to_o condemn_v that_o for_o popery_n which_o be_v hold_v by_o many_o protestant_a church_n and_o reject_v by_o many_o learned_a papist_n but_o all_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o will_v deprive_v minister_n for_o hold_v they_o before_o they_o themselves_o have_v condemn_v they_o in_o the_o deprivation_n of_o one_o of_o these_o minister_n there_o do_v fall_v out_o a_o memorable_a passage_n which_o be_v this_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n after_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o minister_n deprivation_n be_v please_v to_o move_v this_o learned_a question_n to_o the_o assembly_n whether_o if_o this_o deprive_a minister_n shall_v baptize_v a_o child_n the_o child_n must_v not_o be_v baptize_v again_o but_o he_o be_v present_o take_v off_o by_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n who_o it_o seem_v be_v much_o ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o question_n &_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o do_v never_o rebaptise_a those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o popish_a priest_n and_o so_o all_o further_a talk_n of_o it_o be_v hush_v what_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o assembly_n who_o moderator_n be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o move_v such_o question_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v conjecture_v and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o conclusion_n will_v easy_o appear_v if_o all_o their_o several_a act_n be_v print_v but_o because_o the_o reader_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v some_o judgement_n of_o they_o we_o have_v here_o cause_v a_o index_n of_o the_o title_n of_o their_o act_n to_o be_v insert_v by_o which_o may_v be_v see_v what_o they_o hold_v a_o index_n of_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o sundry_a protestation_n betwixt_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n master_n archibald_n johnstone_n his_o admission_n to_o be_v clerk_n and_o his_o production_n of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v preserve_v by_o god_n wonderful_a providence_n a_o act_n disallow_v any_o private_a conference_n and_o constant_a assessor_n to_o the_o moderator_n the_o act_n ratify_v the_o authenticknesse_n of_o the_o register_n with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o the_o act_n registrate_v his_o majesty_n will_n give_v in_o by_o his_o commissioner_n the_o act_n bear_v the_o assembly_n protestation_n against_o the_o dissolution_n thereof_o the_o act_n depose_v master_n david_n michael_n minister_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o act_n depose_v master_n alex._n glaidstoune_n minister_v at_o s._n andrews_n the_o act_n annul_v the_o six_o late_a assembly_n hold_v at_o linlithgow_n 1606._o and_o 1608._o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o at_o aberdene_n 1616._o at_o saint_n andrew_n 1617._o at_o perth_n 1618._o with_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o act_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o oath_n exact_v by_o prelate_n of_o intrant_n id_fw-la est_fw-la such_o as_o be_v institute_v to_o benefice_n the_o act_n depose_v master_n john_n creichtone_n minister_n at_o paislay_n the_o act_n condemn_v the_o service_n book_n the_o act_n condemn_v the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o act_n condemn_v the_o book_n of_o ordination_n the_o act_n condemn_v the_o high_a commission_n the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n and_o excommunication_n of_o the_o sometime_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n glasgow_n rosse_n galloway_n brichen_n edinburgh_n dumblane_n aberdene_n the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o the_o sometime_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o murray_n isles_n argyle_n orknay_n cathnes_n and_o dunkell_n the_o large_a act_n clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v anno_fw-la 1580._o as_o abjure_v and_o remove_v episcopacy_n the_o act_n declare_v the_o five_o article_n to_o have_v be_v abjure_v and_o to_o be_v remove_v sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o master_n thomas_n forrester_n sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o master_n william_n ahannan_n sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o master_n robert_n hammiltoun_n minister_n at_o glasford_n sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o master_n thomas_n mackeney_n act_n anent_o the_o presbytery_n of_o auchterardour_n present_a seat_n at_o aberuskene_n for_o the_o time_n act_n restore_v presbytery_n provincial_a and_o general_a assembly_n to_o their_o constitution_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n and_o their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n act_n erect_v presbytery_n in_o argyle_n act_n refer_v to_o the_o presbytery_n the_o consideration_n of_o their_o meeting_n act_n concern_v the_o visitation_n of_o particular_a kirk_n school_n and_o college_n act_n against_o non-residents_a act_n concern_v the_o plant_n of_o school_n in_o the_o country_n act_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n admission_n of_o minister_n and_o choose_v of_o their_o moderator_n reference_n to_o the_o presbytery_n anent_o the_o competency_n of_o parochioner_n and_o presbytery_n act_n concern_v the_o entry_n and_o conversation_n of_o minister_n ratification_n of_o the_o act_n 1598._o act_n of_o reference_n to_o presbytery_n concern_v the_o defray_n of_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o commissioner_n act_n of_o reference_n concern_v repress_v of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n act_n of_o reference_n to_o the_o presbytery_n concern_v the_o more_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n act_n of_o reference_n concern_v market_n on_o monday_n and_o saturday_n within_o burrowes_n act_n against_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n for_o want_v of_o afternoon_n exercise_n act_n against_o the_o frequent_v the_o company_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n act_n set_v down_o the_o roll_n of_o provincial_n assembly_n and_o some_o order_n thereanent_a act_n of_o reference_n against_o milnes_n and_o salt_n pan_n act_n anent_o the_o order_n of_o receive_v the_o repentance_n of_o any_o penitent_a
can_v we_o have_v any_o other_o intention_n or_o meaning_n be_v clear_o warrant_v and_o express_o command_v by_o his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o exact_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o take_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n in_o that_o fair_a and_o lawful_a sense_n and_o none_o other_o neither_o in_o this_o point_n do_v we_o deliver_v our_o own_o word_n or_o his_o majesty_n mind_n ambiguous_o or_o doubtful_o so_o as_o any_o other_o sense_n to_o our_o think_n can_v be_v pick_v or_o wring_v out_o of_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o we_o do_v attest_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n whether_o we_o do_v not_o to_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o conference_n with_o they_o ever_o since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n constant_o declare_v unto_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abolish_v we_o attest_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n whether_o before_o our_o tender_v of_o that_o oath_n to_o they_o or_o their_o lordship_n take_v of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o full_o and_o free_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n mind_n in_o command_v we_o to_o see_v this_o oath_n take_v and_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o require_v they_o to_o take_v it_o be_v only_o to_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o abjure_v of_o episcopal_a government_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n now_o in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administer_a this_o oath_n which_o their_o lordship_n be_v the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a judge_n of_o the_o law_n know_v well_o can_v not_o be_v abjure_v after_o which_o perspicuous_a predeclaration_n of_o our_o mind_n their_o lordship_n undoubted_o in_o that_o same_o sense_n and_o none_o other_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o now_o good_a reader_n have_v hear_v his_o majesty_n mind_n and_o intention_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n concern_v this_o oath_n the_o reason_n to_o repel_v the_o former_a objection_n seem_v to_o be_v needless_a the_o know_a mind_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o urge_v a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o undoubted_a sense_n of_o it_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o objection_n have_v of_o late_o be_v main_o urge_v for_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n and_o well_o affect_v to_o that_o government_n from_o adhere_v unto_o it_o be_v please_v to_o know_v that_o the_o former_a objection_n have_v neither_o show_n nor_o force_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a oath_n and_o that_o explanation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n episcopal_a government_n neither_o be_v nor_o possible_o can_v be_v abjure_v and_o that_o for_o many_o reason_n but_o especial_o these_o five_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o approve_v have_v cause_v to_o be_v here_o insert_v and_o leave_v they_o to_o thy_o impartial_a consideration_n first_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v command_v his_o subject_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v against_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o which_o he_o live_v unless_o that_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a until_o such_o time_n as_o that_o kingdom_n and_o church_n do_v first_o repeal_v these_o law_n and_o therefore_o episcopal_a government_n not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o be_v consonant_n unto_o it_o as_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o argue_v it_o and_o stand_v full_o establish_v both_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o abjure_v it_o before_o these_o act_n be_v repeal_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v no_o man_n will_v conceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n mean_v to_o command_v a_o thing_n absolute_o unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o pitiful_a shift_n and_o evasion_n that_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n establish_v episcopal_a government_n be_v unlawful_o and_o undue_o obtain_v certain_o if_o they_o have_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o their_o bold_a assertion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n then_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o well_o settle_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n these_o reason_n may_v be_v present_v lawful_o to_o these_o judicatories_n to_o 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