to_o understand_v it_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o exce_n 〈…〉_z of_o we_o in_o the_o parliament_n which_o be_v its_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n i_o take_v it_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o any_o scruple_n make_v by_o any_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o parliament_n sense_n and_o their_o true_a meaning_n which_o be_v present_a i_o be_o sure_a be_v own_v by_o all_o to_o be_v the_o secure_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o contain_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n record_v i_o 6_o p._n 1._o c._n 4._o and_o not_o out_o of_o scruple_n as_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o test_n do_v import_v the_o contrary_a but_o to_o clear_v myself_o from_o all_o cavil_n as_o if_o thereby_o i_o be_v bind_v up_o further_o than_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n i_o do_v declare_v that_o by_o that_o part_n of_o the_o test_n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n on_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o mean_v not_o to_o bind_v up_o myself_o in_o my_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n still_o disclaim_v all_o unlawful_a endeavour_n to_o wish_v and_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n i_o think_v according_a to_o my_o conscience_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o my_o loyalty_n and_o by_o my_o loyalty_n i_o understand_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n plain_o bear_v to_o wit_v the_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n of_o all_o loyal_a subject_n and_o this_o explanation_n i_o understand_v as_o a_o part_n not_o of_o the_o test_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o as_o a_o qualify_a part_n of_o my_o oath_n that_o i_o be_o to_o swear_v and_o with_o it_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o take_v the_o test_n if_o your_o royal_a highness_n and_o your_o lordship_n allow_v i_o or_o otherwise_o in_o submission_n to_o your_o highness_n and_o the_o council_n pleasure_n i_o be_o content_a to_o be_v hold_v as_o a_o refuser_n at_o present_a the_o council_n letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n concern_v their_o have_v commit_v the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n may_v it_o please_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n the_o last_o parliament_n have_v make_v so_o many_o and_o so_o advantageous_a act_n for_o secure_v the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o your_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n who_o god_n almighty_a long_o preserve_v and_o have_v for_o the_o last_o and_o as_o the_o best_a way_n for_o secure_v all_o these_o appoint_v a_o test_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o government_n which_o bear_v express_o that_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o be_v ☜_o very_o careful_a not_o to_o suffer_v any_o to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n or_o test_n with_o their_o own_o gloss_n or_o explication_n but_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n have_v after_o some_o delay_n come_v to_o council_n to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n as_o a_o privy-councillor_n speak_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o then_o hear_v nor_o advert_v to_o and_o when_o his_o lordship_n at_o his_o next_o offering_n to_o take_v it_o in_o council_n as_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o your_o majesty_n tresury_n be_v command_v to_o take_v it_o simple_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v so_o but_o give_v in_o a_o paper_n show_v the_o only_a sense_n in_o which_o he_o will_v take_v it_o which_o paper_n we_o all_o consider_v as_o that_o which_o have_v in_o it_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a reflection_n upon_o that_o excellent_a act_n of_o parliament_n make_v it_o to_o contain_v thing_n contradictory_n ☜_o and_o inconsistent_a and_o thereby_o deprave_v your_o majesty_n law_n misrepresent_v your_o parliament_n and_o teach_v your_o subject_n to_o evacuate_v and_o disappoint_v all_o law_n and_o security_n that_o can_v be_v enact_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n suitable_a to_o which_o his_o lordship_n declare_v in_o that_o paper_n that_o he_o mean_v not_o to_o bind_v up_o himself_o from_o make_v any_o alteration_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o which_o paper_n he_o desire_v may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o oath_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o legislator_n and_o able_a to_o add_v a_o part_n to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n upon_o serious_a perusal_n of_o which_o paper_n we_o find_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o send_v the_o say_a earl_n to_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o to_o to_o transmit_v the_o paper_n to_o your_o majesty_n be_v express_o oblige_v to_o both_o these_o by_o your_o majesty_n express_a law_n and_o we_o have_v command_v your_o majesty_n advocate_n to_o raise_v a_o pursuit_n against_o the_o say_a earl_n forbeing_n author_n and_o have_v give_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o for_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o all_o relate_n to_o this_o affair_n we_o expect_v your_o majesty_n command_n which_o shall_v be_v most_o humble_o and_o faithful_o obey_v by_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a most_o faithful_a and_o most_o obedient_a subject_n and_o servant_n edinburgh_n nou._n 8._o 1681._o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la glencairne_n winton_n linlithgow_n perth_n roxburgh_n ancram_fw-la airlie_n levingstoun_n io._n edinburgen_n ross_n geo._n gordoun_n ch._n maitland_n g._n m_o ckenzie_n ja._n foulis_n i._o drumond_n the_o king_n answer_n to_o the_o council_n letter_n c._n r._n novemb_n 15._o 1681._o most_o dear_a etc._n etc._n have_v in_o one_o of_o your_o letter_n direct_v unto_o we_o of_o the_o 8._o instant_a receive_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o take_v the_o test_n simple_o and_o of_o your_o proceed_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o give_v in_o a_o paper_n show_v the_o only_a sense_n in_o which_o he_o will_v take_v it_o which_o have_v in_o it_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a 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thereof_o we_o may_v signify_v our_o further_a pleasure_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o do_v whereof_o etc._n etc._n but_o as_o notwithstanding_o the_o council_n demand_v by_o their_o letter_n his_o majesty_n be_v allowance_n for_o prosecute_a the_o earl_n they_o before_o any_o return_n cause_v his_o majesty_n be_v advocate_n exhibit_v one_fw-mi indictment_n against_o he_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o slander_v and_o deprave_v as_o have_v be_v already_o remark_v so_o after_o have_v receive_v his_o majesty_n be_v answer_n the_o design_n grow_v and_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o order_v a_o new_a indictment_n contain_v beside_o the_o former_a point_n the_o crime_n of_o treason_n and_o perjury_n which_o according_o be_v exhibit_v and_o be_v here_o subjoin_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o two_o indictment_n be_v only_o in_o the_o particular_n above_o note_a the_o copy_n of_o the_o indictment_n against_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n archibald_n earl_n of_o argyle_n you_o be_v indict_v and_o 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be_v neither_o just_a nor_o equal_a so_o to_o all_o interest_v it_o be_v the_o mean_a of_o security_n for_o his_o majesty_n advocate_n have_v already_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o majesty_n officer_n can_v never_o wrong_v he_o and_o although_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v conceal_v what_o other_o have_v do_v it_o may_v make_v themselves_o more_o guilty_a but_o not_o prove_v any_o exoneration_n to_o those_o concern_v without_o a_o downright_a remission_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o their_o lordship_n have_v admit_v the_o earl_n exculpation_n upon_o the_o sure_a and_o evident_a ground_n therein_o contain_v it_o will_v not_o only_o have_v answer_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o case_n but_o vindicate_v all_o concern_v and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o tell_v they_o that_o possible_o they_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o go_v on_o because_o they_o be_v already_o so_o far_o engage_v as_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o retreat_v with_o their_o honour_n but_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o 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innocence_n of_o his_o explication_n in_o its_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n from_o all_o crime_n or_o offence_n far_o more_o from_o the_o horrible_a crime_n libel_v ii_o the_o impertinency_n and_o absurdity_n of_o his_o majesty_n advocat_n arguing_n for_o infer_v the_o crime_n libel_v from_o the_o earl_n word_n iii_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o exculpation_n iv._o the_o earl_n answer_n to_o the_o advocat_n groundless_a pretence_n for_o aggravate_v of_o his_o case_n as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o earl_n wave_v what_o have_v be_v say_v from_o common_a reason_n and_o humanity_n itself_o and_o from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n come_v close_o to_o the_o point_n by_o offer_v that_o just_a and_o genuine_a explanation_n of_o his_o explication_n which_o you_o have_v above_o num._n 21._o i_o have_v delay_v hitherto_o to_o take_v the_o oath_n appoint_v by_o the_o parliament_n to_o be_v take_v betwixt_o and_o the_o first_o of_o january_n nixt_v but_o 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impertinency_n so_o notour_n and_o obvious_a to_o common_a sense_n without_o any_o commentary_n so_o loyal_a and_o honest_a without_o ambiguity_n and_o last_o so_o far_o from_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o crime_n libel_v that_o it_o most_o evident_o evince_v that_o the_o word_n thereby_o explain_v be_v altogether_o innocent_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lose_v time_n to_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o yet_o see_v this_o be_v no_o trial_n of_o wit_n but_o to_o find_v out_o common_a sense_n let_v we_o examine_v the_o advocat_n fantastical_a paraphrase_n upon_o which_o he_o bottom_n all_o the_o allege_a crime_n and_o see_v whether_o it_o agree_v in_o one_o jot_n with_o the_o true_a and_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o earl_n word_n and_o as_o you_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o indictment_n it_o be_v plain_o thus_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o test_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v
libel_v do_v not_o at_o all_o import_n all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o crime_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a libel_n so_o by_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o law_n where_o a_o person_n do_v emit_v word_n for_o the_o clear_n and_o exoneration_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n although_o there_o be_v any_o ambiguity_n or_o unclearness_n or_o involvedness_n in_o the_o tenor_n or_o import_n of_o the_o expression_n or_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v interpret_v interpretatione_n benigna_fw-la &_o favorab_n ili_fw-la according_a to_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n and_o it_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v refuse_v to_o any_o person_n to_o interpret_v and_o put_v a_o congruous_a sense_n upon_o his_o own_o word_n especial_o the_o panel_n be_v a_o person_n of_o eminent_a quality_n and_o who_o have_v give_v great_a demonstration_n and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o his_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a loyalty_n to_o his_o majesty_n interest_n and_o service_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o emit_v the_o say_a explication_n be_v invest_v and_o entrust_v in_o public_a capacite_n and_o it_o be_v a_o just_a and_o rational_a interpretation_n and_o caution_n which_o sanderson_n that_o judicious_a and_o eminent_a casuist_n give_v praelect_a 2._o that_o dicta_fw-la &_o facta_fw-la principum_fw-la parentum_fw-la rectorum_fw-la be_v ever_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o benignae_fw-la interpretationis_fw-la and_o that_o dubia_fw-la sunt_fw-la interpretanda_fw-la in_o meliorem_fw-la partem_fw-la and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o explication_n libel_v which_o without_o detortion_n and_o violence_n and_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o design_n of_o the_o panel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o this_o benign_a interpretation_n and_o construction_n especial_o respect_v be_v have_v to_o the_o circumstance_n wherein_o it_o be_v emit_v and_o give_v after_o a_o great_a many_o objection_n scruple_n and_o allege_a inconsistency_n be_v own_v vent_v and_o spread_v abroad_o which_o be_v a_o rise_n to_o the_o earl_n for_o use_v the_o expression_n contain_v in_o the_o pretend_a declaration_n libel_v 10._o these_o word_n whereby_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o panel_n declare_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v obedience_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v first_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o import_n that_o the_o parliament_n have_v impose_v any_o oath_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o only_o the_o pannel_n scrupulosity_n and_o unclearness_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o it_o be_v hope_v it_o can_v be_v a_o crime_n because_o all_o man_n can_v go_v the_o same_o length_n and_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v argue_v it_o may_v be_v argue_v ten_o time_n more_o strong_o from_o a_o simple_a refuse_v of_o the_o oath_n as_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v which_o be_v so_o hard_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o yet_o such_o implication_n be_v most_o irrational_a and_o inconsequential_a and_o neither_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o simple_a and_o absolute_a refuse_v or_o the_o oath_n nor_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o party_n sense_n wherein_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v the_o oath_n be_v there_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o legislator_n who_o impose_v this_o oath_n but_o single_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o scrupulosity_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o party_n why_o he_o can_v take_v the_o oath_n in_o other_o term_n and_o such_o explication_n have_v be_v allow_v by_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o be_v advise_v by_o all_o divine_n of_o whatsoever_o principle_n for_o the_o solace_n and_o security_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n 2._o as_o to_o that_o point_n of_o the_o explication_n libel_v that_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o parliament_n never_o intend_v to_o impose_v contradictory_n oath_n it_o respect_v the_o former_a answer_n which_o consider_v the_o plain_a and_o down_o right_a objection_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o make_v against_o the_o oath_n as_o contain_v inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n be_v a_o high_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o parliament_n 3._o as_o to_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v no_o body_n can_v explain_v it_o but_o for_o himself_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a meaning_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o oath_n be_v impose_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v of_o no_o private_a interpretation_n and_o that_o therefore_o every_o man_n who_o be_v to_o take_v it_o behoove_v to_o take_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n which_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o impugn_v common_a sense_n that_o any_o man_n can_v take_v it_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o see_v with_o another_o man_n eye_n as_o to_o see_v with_o his_o private_a reason_n and_o a_o man_n own_o private_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o genuine_a sense_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a way_n wherein_o any_o man_n can_v rational_o take_v the_o oath_n and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n that_o he_o take_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o panel_n neither_o intend_v nor_o express_v more_o but_o that_o he_o do_v take_v it_o as_o a_o true_a protestant_n and_o he_o hope_v all_o man_n have_v take_v it_o as_o such_o and_o as_o to_o that_o clause_n wherein_o the_o panel_n be_v make_v to_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o in_o his_o station_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n to_o wish_v and_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n he_o think_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o his_o loyalty_n it_o be_v answer_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o expression_n that_o can_v import_v the_o least_o crime_n or_o give_v the_o least_o umbrage_n for_o any_o mistake_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o elicit_v any_o such_o thing_n from_o the_o oath_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o parliament_n that_o person_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o oath_n may_v concur_v in_o their_o station_n and_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n in_o any_o law_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o no_o rational_a man_n ever_o do_v or_o can_v take_v the_o oath_n in_o other_o term_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o allegiance_n and_o duty_n to_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o prince_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o say_a expression_n which_o do_v in_o the_o least_o point_n at_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a word_n and_o meaning_n rather_o for_o its_o perpetuity_n stability_n and_o security_n the_o expression_n be_v caution_v to_o the_o utmost_a scrupulosity_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o lawful_a manner_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o church_n or_o state_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o with_o his_o loyalty_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n of_o all_o faithful_a subject_n and_o which_o he_o have_v signal_o and_o eminent_o express_v upon_o all_o occasion_n so_o that_o how_o such_o a_o expression_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o import_v all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o crime_n libel_v pass_v all_o natural_a understanding_n and_o as_o to_o the_o last_o word_n and_o this_o i_o understand_v as_o a_o part_n of_o my_o oath_n which_o be_v libel_v to_o be_v a_o treasonable_a invasion_n and_o assume_v of_o the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v answer_v it_o be_v most_o unwarrantable_a and_o a_o party_n declare_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o which_o he_o be_v free_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n do_v not_o at_o all_o respect_n or_o invade_v the_o legislative_a power_n of_o which_o the_o panel_n never_o entertain_v a_o thought_n but_o have_v a_o absolute_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n of_o such_o practice_n but_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a meaning_n be_v that_o the_o sense_n and_o explication_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o oath_n and_o not_o of_o the_o law_n impose_v the_o oath_n these_o be_v as_o distant_a as_o the_o two_o pole_n and_o which_o sense_n be_v take_v off_o the_o earl_n hand_n and_o he_o according_o be_v allow_v to_o take_v his_o place_n at_o the_o council-board_n and_o therefore_o repeat_v the_o former_a general_a defence_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o lord_n of_o justiciary_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o pretend_a explication_n libel_v which_o can_v be_v draw_v to_o import_v any_o crime_n even_o of_o the_o low_a size_n and_o degree_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n therein_o contain_v that_o can_v be_v detort_v or_o wrest_v to_o import_v the_o same_o be_v
close_v up_o this_o head_n of_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o confession_n foresay_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o famous_a and_o â—earned_a doctor_n of_o aberdeen_n anno_fw-la 1638._o in_o their_o demand_n and_o duply_n do_v in_o demand_v 11._o declare_v and_o take_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o they_o and_o other_o people_n be_v willing_a to_o subscribe_v this_o very_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o 11_o duply_v they_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o subscribe_v but_o to_o swear_v this_o national_a confession_n of_o faith_n so_o they_o call_v it_o ratify_v and_o register_v in_o parliament_n to_o which_o declaration_n they_o add_v the_o oath_n swear_v by_o they_o when_o they_o receive_v the_o degree_n of_o doctorat_n in_o theology_n which_o oath_n they_o solemn_o again_o renew_v in_o the_o 7._o duply_v and_o this_o they_o judge_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v no_o favourer_n of_o popery_n which_o as_o then_o so_o now_o be_v the_o engine_n whereby_o to_o calumniate_v loyal_a subject_n and_o sound_a protestant_n as_o papist_n in_o masquerade_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v that_o these_o learned_a loyal_a divine_n and_o orthodox_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o their_o age_n who_o well_o understand_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o resist_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o the_o intrinsik_n power_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o interest_n and_o right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n do_v not_o scruple_n to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o as_o a_o test_n against_o popish_a error_n and_o supersition_n so_o that_o they_o who_o shall_v now_o refuse_v to_o swear_v to_o own_o and_o believe_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n reform_v from_o popery_n contain_v in_o this_o confession_n do_v occasion_n too_o much_o umbrage_n of_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sound_v nor_o solid_a protestant_n as_o to_o the_o second_o head_n or_o classis_fw-la of_o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n which_o together_o with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v assert_v and_o swear_v in_o the_o test_n the_o great_a stress_n of_o the_o objection_n found_v thereupon_o lie_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n that_o the_o king_n supremacy_n as_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n viz_o 16_o anno_fw-la 1669._o seem_n to_o deprive_v and_o divest_v the_o church_n of_o all_o its_o intrinsic_a power_n as_o if_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v derive_v not_o from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o alone_a prince_n and_o vital_a head_n of_o his_o church_n but_o from_o secular_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n and_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o foresay_a act_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o power_n lodge_v in_o the_o king_n to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o establish_v episcopal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o royal_a pleasure_n which_o they_o can_v never_o swear_v to_o maintain_v as_o a_o prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n who_o believe_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o oecumenick_n and_o unalterable_a government_n by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a satisfaction_n of_o these_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o read_v and_o consider_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n november_n the_o 16_o 1669_o in_o which_o upon_o due_a perusal_n and_o examination_n nothing_o new_a or_o dangerous_a to_o the_o setlement_n of_o our_o national_a church_n will_v be_v find_v comprehend_v our_o saviour_n be_v very_o unconcerned_a to_o regulate_v the_o bound_n of_o sovereign_a power_n he_o do_v not_o examine_v pilat_n power_n to_o judge_n of_o blasphemy_n or_o treason_n but_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v unto_o it_o and_o so_o his_o apostle_n neither_o inquire_v into_o the_o right_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n nor_o limit_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n but_o serious_o recommend_v to_o all_o good_a subject_n as_o their_o duty_n submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o high_a power_n and_o they_o leave_v the_o secular_a power_n of_o the_o world_n in_o possession_n of_o whatever_o authority_n either_o over_o person_n or_o matter_n they_o find_v they_o invest_v with_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o spiritual_a function_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n exercise_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n or_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n our_o gracious_a king_n never_o challenge_v these_o spiritual_a power_n which_o indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o holy_a and_o best_a king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v famous_a for_o abolish_n false_a worship_n assert_v and_o settle_v of_o the_o truth_n many_o excellent_a ordinance_n concern_v religion_n be_v make_v by_o moses_n joshua_n david_n solomon_n asa_n josiab_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v record_v and_o applaud_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n these_o order_v and_o regulate_v divine_a worship_n sacrament_n and_o covenant_n with_o god_n they_o erect_v altar_n temple_n and_o tabernacle_n and_o dedicate_v they_o to_o god_n they_o destroy_v idolatry_n reform_a abuse_n in_o god_n house_n and_o service_n and_o both_o settle_v the_o stand_a worship_n and_o ordain_v thanksgiving_n and_o humiliation_n so_o that_o the_o order_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o the_o supreme_a secular_a power_n under_o the_o law_n nor_o do_v the_o emperor_n and_o sovereign_a prince_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n lose_v their_o power_n enjoy_v by_o all_o their_o predecessor_n which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v thereby_o inevitable_o expose_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o government_n by_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n upon_o every_o frantic_a eruption_n of_o religious_a melancholy_n if_o constantine_n have_v not_o interpose_v his_o authority_n for_o suppress_v the_o arrian_n heresy_n what_o have_v become_v either_o of_o government_n or_o religion_n the_o draw_v up_o of_o canon_n for_o regulate_a religion_n our_o lord_n commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n with_o other_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o that_o these_o canon_n shall_v be_v enforce_v as_o law_n by_o temporal_a sanction_n and_o penalty_n this_o flow_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o according_o in_o the_o second_o ecumenical_a council_n the_o bishop_n and_o father_n assemble_v at_o constantinople_n beseech_v theodosius_n the_o elder_a to_o ratify_v the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n justinian_n establish_v the_o main_a canon_n or_o codex_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n consist_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o first_o general_n and_o five_o ancient_a provincial_a council_n command_v they_o to_o be_v keep_v as_o law_n as_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o cognizance_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n much_o less_o can_v the_o exemption_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v pretend_v under_o the_o law_n we_o find_v solomon_n judge_v a_o high_a priest_n offend_v viz._n abiathar_n who_o he_o turn_v out_o and_o place_v zadock_n in_o his_o room_n and_o office_n 1_o king_n 2._o 27_o 35._o and_o as_o single_a person_n so_o if_o we_o consider_v church-officer_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n we_o find_v the_o call_v thereof_o lodge_v in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n for_o moses_n not_o aaron_n david_n not_o abiathar_n solomon_n not_o zadock_n summon_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o the_o meeting_n so_o under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n we_o find_v no_o council_n nor_o synod_n call_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o bishop_n or_o by_o any_o other_o minister_n form_v themselves_o into_o classical_a and_o synodical_a meeting_n against_o or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_n prince_n or_o magistrate_n to_o any_o who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v antiquty_n or_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o indiction_n of_o time_n and_o place_n the_o convocate_a of_o person_n the_o precedency_n the_o order_n of_o debate_n the_o dismission_n of_o assembly_n the_o confirmation_n of_o canon_n so_o as_o to_o enforce_v they_o as_o law_n in_o the_o general_n or_o provincial_a council_n be_v all_o perform_v by_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n st._n paul_n himself_o appeal_v to_o caesar_n when_o arraign_v and_o call_v in_o question_n for_o his_o religion_n and_o athanasius_n appeal_v from_o the_o synod_n at_o tyre_n to_o constantine_n to_o who_o be_v two_o appeal_n make_v in_o the_o case_n of_o cassianus_n and_o donatus_n beside_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o churchman_n and_o minister_n
be_v altogether_o strain_v and_o unwarrantable_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o earl_n true_a design_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o meaning_n and_o intention_n in_o make_v of_o the_o say_a explication_n wednesday_n the_o 12._o of_o december_n the_o day_n of_o compearance_n assign_v to_o the_o earl_n be_v now_o come_v he_o be_v bring_v by_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n from_o the_o castle_n to_o the_o place_n appoint_v for_o the_o trial_n and_o the_o justice_n court_n be_v meet_v and_o fence_v the_o earl_n now_o marquis_n of_o queensberry_n than_o justice_n general_n the_o lord_n nairn_n collingtoun_n forret_fw-la newtoun_n and_o hirkhouse_n the_o lord_n of_o justiciary_a sit_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o other_o formality_n also_o perform_v the_o indictment_n above_o set_v down_o num_fw-la 24._o be_v read_v and_o the_o earl_n speak_v as_o follow_v the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n speech_n to_o the_o lord_n justice_n general_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o justiciary_a after_o he_o have_v be_v arraign_v and_o his_o indictment_n read_v my_o lord_n justice_n general_n etc._n etc._n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o undeniable_a privilege_n of_o the_o mean_a subject_n to_o explain_v his_o own_o word_n in_o the_o most_o benign_a sense_n and_o even_o when_o person_n be_v under_o a_o ill_a character_n the_o misconstruction_n of_o word_n in_o themselves_o not_o ill_a can_v only_o reach_v a_o presumption_n or_o aggravation_n but_o not_o any_o more_o but_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o allege_v as_o well_o as_o i_o hope_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o that_o know_v i_o believe_v that_o i_o can_v intend_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v honest_a and_o honourable_a suitable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o my_o religion_n and_o loyalty_n though_o i_o do_v not_o explain_v myself_o at_o all_o my_o lord_n i_o pray_v you_o be_v not_o offend_v that_o i_o take_v up_o a_o little_a of_o your_o time_n to_o tell_v you_o i_o have_v from_o my_o youth_n make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o serve_v his_o majesty_n faithful_o and_o have_v constant_o to_o my_o power_n appear_v in_o his_o service_n especial_o in_o all_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o have_v never_o join_v nor_o comply_v with_o any_o interest_n or_o party_n contrary_a to_o his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o have_v all_o along_o serve_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n without_o a_o frown_n from_o his_o majesty_n these_o thirty_o year_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o pass_v the_o school_n and_o college_n i_o go_v to_o travel_v to_o france_n and_o italy_n and_o be_v abroad_o 1647_o 1648_o and_o till_o the_o end_n of_o 1649._o my_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o serve_v his_o majesty_n as_o colonel_n of_o his_o foot-guard_n and_o though_o at_o that_o time_n all_o the_o commission_n be_v give_v by_o the_o then_o parliament_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o serve_v without_o a_o commission_n from_o his_o majesty_n which_o i_o have_v still_o the_o honour_n to_o have_v by_o i_o after_o the_o misfortune_n of_o worcester_n i_o continue_v in_o arm_n for_o his_o majesty_n service_n when_o scotland_n be_v overrun_v with_o the_o usurper_n and_o be_v alone_o with_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n in_o arm_n in_o the_o year_n 1652._o and_o do_v then_o keep_v up_o some_o appearance_n of_o opposition_n to_o they_o and_o general_n major_a dean_n come_v to_o argyleshire_n and_o plant_v several_a garrison_n he_o no_o soon_o go_v away_o but_o we_o fall_v upon_o the_o garrison_n he_o have_v leave_v and_o in_o one_o day_n take_v two_o of_o they_o and_o cut_v off_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o three_o and_o carry_v away_o in_o all_o about_o three_o hundred_o prisoner_n and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o that_o year_n i_o send_v captain_n shaw_n to_o his_o majesty_n with_o my_o humble_a opinion_n how_o the_o war_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o who_o return_v to_o i_o with_o instruction_n and_o order_n which_o i_o have_v yet_o lie_v by_o i_o after_o which_o i_o join_v with_o those_o his_o majesty_n do_v commissionate_a and_o stand_v out_o till_o the_o last_o that_o the_o earl_n of_o middleton_n his_o majesty_n lieutenant_n general_n give_v i_o order_n to_o capitulate_v which_o i_o do_v without_o any_o other_o engagement_n to_o the_o rebel_n but_o allow_a person_n to_o give_v bale_n for_o my_o live_n peaceable_o and_o do_v aâ—_n my_o capitulate_v relieve_v several_a prisoner_n by_o exchange_n whereof_o my_o lord_n granard_n out_o of_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v one_o it_o be_v notar_o know_v that_o i_o be_v forefault_v by_o the_o usurper_n who_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o i_o that_o contrary_a to_o their_o faith_n within_o eight_o month_n after_o my_o capitulation_n upon_o pretence_n i_o keep_v horse_n above_o the_o value_n they_o seize_v on_o i_o and_o keep_v i_o in_o one_o prison_n after_o another_o till_o his_o majesty_n happy_a restauration_n and_o this_o only_a because_o i_o will_v not_o engage_v not_o to_o serve_v his_o majesty_n though_o there_o be_v no_o oath_n require_v i_o do_v with_o all_o gratitude_n acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n goodness_n bounty_n and_o royal_a favour_n to_o i_o when_o i_o be_v pursue_v before_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o send_v i_o here_o in_o any_o opprobrious_a way_n but_o upon_o a_o bare_a verbal_a paroll_n upon_o which_o i_o come_v down_o post_n and_o present_v myself_o a_o fortnight_n before_o the_o day_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o i_o be_v immediate_o clap_v up_o in_o the_o castle_n but_o have_v satisfy_v his_o majesty_n at_o that_o time_n of_o my_o entire_a loyalty_n i_o do_v not_o offer_v to_o plead_v by_o advocate_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o pardon_v my_o life_n and_o to_o restore_v i_o to_o a_o title_n and_o fortune_n but_o to_o put_v i_o in_o trust_n in_o his_o service_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o to_o heap_v favour_n upon_o i_o far_o beyond_o what_o ever_o i_o do_v or_o can_v deserve_v though_o i_o hope_v his_o majesty_n have_v always_o find_v i_o faithful_a and_o thankful_a and_o ready_a to_o bestow_v all_o i_o have_v or_o can_v have_v for_o his_o service_n and_o i_o hope_v never_o have_v have_v nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v ground_n to_o repent_v any_o favour_n he_o have_v do_v i_o and_o if_o i_o be_v now_o real_o guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n libel_v i_o shall_v think_v myself_o a_o great_a villain_n the_o next_o occasion_n i_o have_v to_o show_v my_o particular_a zeal_n to_o his_o majesty_n service_n be_v in_o anno_fw-la 1666._o when_o the_o insurrection_n be_v make_v that_o be_v repress_v at_o pentland-hill_n at_o the_o very_a first_o the_o intercourse_n betwixt_o this_o place_n and_o i_o be_v stop_v so_o that_o i_o have_v neither_o intelligence_n nor_o order_n from_o the_o council_n nor_o from_o the_o general_n but_o upon_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o now_o archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v a_o rebellion_n like_o to_o be_v in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o bid_v i_o beware_v of_o ireland_n and_o kintyre_n i_o bring_v together_o about_o two_o thousand_o man_n i_o seize_v all_o the_o gentleman_n in_o kintyre_n that_o have_v not_o take_v the_o declaration_n though_o i_o find_v they_o peaceable_a and_o i_o send_v a_o gentleman_n to_o general_n dalziel_n to_o receive_v his_o order_n who_o come_v to_o he_o just_a as_o they_o be_v go_v to_o the_o action_n at_o pentland_n and_o be_v with_o he_o in_o it_o and_o i_o keep_v my_o man_n together_o till_o his_o return_n and_o when_o i_o meet_v with_o considerable_a trouble_n from_o my_o neighbour_n rebellious_o in_o arm_n and_o have_v commission_n both_o on_o public_a and_o private_a account_n have_v i_o not_o carry_v dutiful_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o do_v what_o be_v command_v with_o a_o just_a moderation_n which_o i_o can_v prove_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o enemy_n and_o by_o many_o infallible_a demonstration_n pardon_v i_o a_o few_o word_n do_v i_o not_o in_o this_o present_a parliament_n show_v my_o readiness_n to_o serve_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o royal_a family_n in_o assert_v vigorous_o â—â—e_v lineal_a legal_a succession_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o have_v a_o care_n to_o have_v it_o express_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o shire_n and_o burgh_n i_o have_v interest_n in_o be_v i_o not_o for_o offer_v proper_a supply_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o successor_n and_o do_v i_o not_o concur_v to_o bind_v the_o landlord_n for_o their_o tenant_n although_o i_o be_v main_o concern_v and_o have_v i_o not_o always_o keep_v my_o tenant_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n i_o say_v all_o this_o not_o to_o arrogate_v any_o thing_n for_o do_v what_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o duty_n to_o his_o majesty_n but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o word_n that_o
all_o oath_n and_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o law_n as_o well_o as_o this_o whereas_o to_o shun_v all_o this_o not_o only_o this_o excellent_a statute_n 107._o have_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o be_v common_a reason_n and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o divine_n as_o well_o as_o lawyer_n in_o all_o nation_n verba_fw-la juramenti_fw-la intelliguntur_fw-la secundum_fw-la ment_fw-mi they_o &_o intentionem_fw-la ejus_fw-la cui_fw-la fit_a juramentum_fw-la which_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o grand_a position_n by_o sandersone_n who_o they_o cite_v pag._n 137._o and_o be_v found_v upon_o that_o mother-law_n leg._n 10._o cui_fw-la interrogatus_fw-la f._n f._n de_fw-fr interrogationibus_fw-la in_o jure_fw-la faciendis_fw-la and_o without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v have_v sense_n of_o government_n in_o his_o head_n or_o practice_v it_o in_o any_o nation_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o any_o tender_a conscience_n since_o there_o be_v no_o force_n upon_o the_o earl_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n but_o he_o take_v it_o for_o his_o own_o advantage_n and_o may_v have_v abstain_v 2._o it_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o above-written_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o earl_n be_v clear_o guilty_a of_o contravention_n of_o the_o 10._o act_n parl._n 10._o james_n vi_o whereby_o the_o liedge_n be_v command_v not_o to_o write_v any_o purpose_n of_o reproach_n of_o his_o majesty_n government_n or_o misconstrue_v his_o proceed_n whereby_o any_o mislike_v may_v be_v raise_v betwixt_o his_o highness_n his_o nobility_n or_o his_o people_n and_o who_o can_v read_v this_o paper_n without_o see_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n reproach_v open_o in_o it_o for_o who_o can_v hear_v that_o the_o oath_n be_v only_o take_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o in_o several_a thing_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n why_o this_o clause_n at_o all_o but_o it_o may_v have_v be_v simple_o take_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o hinder_v it_o to_o be_v take_v simple_o be_v because_o of_o the_o inconsistency_n ergo_fw-la there_o behove_v necessary_o to_o be_v a_o inconsistency_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o protestant_a religion_n or_o any_o contradiction_n in_o the_o oath_n itself_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n a_o great_a reproach_n on_o the_o parliament_n or_o a_o great_a ground_n of_o mislike_n to_o the_o people_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o all_o law_n and_o subsumption_n shall_v be_v clear_a and_o these_o be_v only_a inference_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n can_v only_o forbid_v in_o general_a and_o there_o be_v many_o inference_n which_o be_v as_o strong_a and_o natural_a and_o reproach_n as_o soon_o or_o soon_o than_o the_o plain_a defamation_n in_o the_o world_n do_v for_o what_o be_v open_o say_v of_o reproach_n to_o the_o king_n do_v not_o wound_v he_o so_o much_o as_o many_o seditious_a insinuation_n have_v do_v in_o this_o age_n and_o the_o last_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o earl_n design_n albeit_o it_o be_v always_o conceive_v to_o be_v unkind_a to_o the_o act_n against_o which_o himself_o debate_v in_o parliament_n yet_o certain_o the_o law_n in_o such_o case_n be_v only_o to_o consider_v what_o essect_v this_o may_v have_v among_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o be_v to_o guard_v against_o the_o misconstrue_v of_o his_o majesty_n government_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o what_o be_v design_v but_o where_o a_o dislike_a may_v be_v cause_v and_o so_o judge_v ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la and_o consequential_o to_o the_o same_o emergent_a reason_n it_o make_v all_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o raise_n of_o dislike_n to_o be_v punishable_a by_o the_o act_n 60._o parl._n 6._o queen_n marry_o and_o the_o 9_o act._n parl._n 20._o james_n vi_o so_o that_o the_o law_n design_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n by_o these_o indefinite_a and_o comprehensive_a expression_n and_o both_o in_o this_o and_o all_o the_o law_n of_o leasing-making_a the_o judge_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o fall_v under_o these_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a word_n nor_o can_v the_o law_n be_v more_o special_a here_o since_o the_o maker_n of_o reproach_n and_o slander_n be_v so_o various_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v bind_v up_o or_o express_v in_o any_o law_n but_o as_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n can_v hear_v the_o word_n express_v if_o he_o believe_v this_o paper_n but_o he_o must_v think_v the_o parliament_n have_v make_v a_o very_a ridiculous_a oath_n inconsistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o word_n allow_v no_o other_o sense_n and_o have_v that_o natural_a tendency_n even_o as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v say_v i_o love_v such_o a_o man_n only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n he_o behove_v certain_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o man_n be_v not_o every_o way_n honest_a so_o if_o your_o lordship_n will_v take_v measure_n by_o other_o parliament_n or_o your_o predecessor_n you_o will_v clear_o see_v that_o they_o think_v less_o than_o this_o a_o defame_n of_o the_o government_n and_o misconstrue_v his_o majesty_n proceed_n for_o in_o balmerino_n case_n the_o justice_n find_v a_o humble_a supplication_n make_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o to_o fall_v under_o these_o act_n now_o cite_v albeit_o as_o that_o be_v a_o supplication_n so_o it_o contain_v the_o great_a expression_n of_o loyalty_n and_o offer_v of_o life_n and_o fortune_n that_o can_v be_v express_v yet_o because_o it_o insinuate_v dark_o that_o the_o king_n in_o the_o precede_a parliament_n have_v not_o favour_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o they_o be_v sorry_a he_o shall_v have_v take_v note_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n of_o what_o they_o say_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o innocent_a yet_o he_o be_v find_v guilty_a upon_o those_o same_o very_a acts._n and_o the_o parliament_n 1661._o find_v his_o lordship_n himself_o guilty_a of_o lease_v make_v though_o he_o have_v only_o write_v a_o letter_n to_o a_o private_a friend_n which_o require_v no_o great_a care_n nor_o observation_n but_o this_o paper_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o oath_n do_v because_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o letter_n he_o thereafter_o add_v that_o the_o king_n will_v know_v their_o trick_n which_o word_n may_v be_v much_o more_o applicable_a to_o the_o private_a person_n therein_o design_v than_o that_o the_o word_n now_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o interpretation_n and_o if_o either_o interpretation_n upon_o pretext_n of_o exoner_v of_o conscience_n or_o otherwise_o be_v allow_v a_o man_n may_v easy_o defame_v as_o much_o as_o he_o please_v and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o king_n most_o defame_v by_o covenant_n enter_v into_o upon_o pretence_n to_o make_v he_o great_a and_o glorious_a by_o remonstrance_n make_v to_o take_v away_o his_o brother_n and_o best_a friend_n upon_o pretence_n of_o preserve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o his_o sacred_a person_n and_o do_v not_o all_o who_o rebel_v against_o he_o in_o the_o last_o age_n declare_v that_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v he_o but_o still_o as_o far_o as_o that_o can_v consist_v with_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n which_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n ineffectual_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o by_o these_o word_n i_o take_v the_o same_o in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n nothing_o more_o be_v mean_v but_o that_o he_o take_v it_o as_o 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upon_o you_o before_o my_o go_v from_o scotland_n that_o i_o may_v have_v settle_v a_o way_n of_o correspondence_n with_o you_o and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v have_v understand_v i_o better_o than_o yet_o you_o do_v i_o shall_v have_v be_v plain_a in_o every_o thing_n and_o indeed_o have_v make_v your_o lordship_n my_o confessor_n and_o i_o be_o hopeful_a the_o bearer_n will_v say_v somewhat_o for_o i_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o lordship_n will_v trust_v he_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o bring_v i_o safe_a from_o beyond_o sea_n your_o lordship_n shall_v hear_v from_o i_o by_o a_o sure_a hand_n sir_n ro_n m._n will_v tell_v you_o a_o way_n of_o correspond_v so_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o that_o i_o be_o without_o possibility_n of_o change_n my_o noble_a lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o faithful_a and_o most_o humble_a servant_n jo._n middleton_n a_o letter_n from_o the_o earl_n of_o glencairn_n testify_v his_o esteem_n for_o 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the_o 10_o act_n par._n 10._o james_n 6._o and_o upon_o the_o second_o act_n par._n 1._o ses._n 2._o of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o infer_v thereupon_o that_o the_o panel_n by_o the_o pretend_a explication_n give_v in_o by_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy-council_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o oath_n he_o have_v take_v do_v commit_v the_o crime_n of_o leasing-making_a and_o deprave_v his_o majesty_n law_n the_o inference_n and_o subsumption_n be_v most_o unwarrantable_a and_o the_o panel_n though_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v acknowledge_v or_o prove_v can_v never_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o contraveen_v these_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o respect_v it_o be_v evident_a upon_o perusal_n and_o consideration_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o they_o only_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o leasing-making_a tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o to_o beget_v discord_n betwixt_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o the_o dislike_n of_o his_o majesty_n government_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o say_a law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v never_o understand_v or_o libel_v upon_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o all_o the_o former_a act_n of_o parliament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o crime_n of_o leasing-making_a in_o general_a term_n and_o under_o the_o qualification_n foresay_a as_o tend_v to_o beget_v discord_n betwixt_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o subject_n be_v explain_v and_o full_o declare_v as_o to_o what_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n and_o import_n thereof_o by_o the_o 134th_o act_n par._n 8._o james_n 6._o which_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o crime_n of_o leasing-making_a and_o which_o be_v express_o describe_v in_o these_o term_n to_o be_v wicked_a and_o licentious_a public_a and_o private_a speech_n and_o untrue_a calumny_n to_o the_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o proceed_n and_o to_o the_o dishonour_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o highness_n and_o his_o estate_n stir_v up_o his_o 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as_o lieutenant_n general_n under_o his_o majesty_n and_o by_o a_o letter_n under_o the_o earl_n hand_n of_o the_o date_n both_o which_o do_v contain_v high_a expression_n of_o the_o panel_n loyalty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a service_n he_o have_v perform_v for_o his_o majesty_n interest_n and_o his_o majesty_n as_o be_v conscious_a thereof_o and_o perfect_o know_v the_o panel_n loyalty_n and_o his_o zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o his_o service_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o entrust_v the_o panel_n in_o office_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v a_o just_a and_o rational_a presumption_n which_o all_o law_n make_v and_o infer_v that_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o person_n who_o by_o the_o tenor_n and_o course_n of_o their_o life_n have_v express_v their_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n to_o his_o majesty_n interest_n
be_v ever_o to_o be_v interpret_v and_o understand_v in_o meliorem_fw-la partem_fw-la and_o by_o way_n of_o implication_n and_o inference_n to_o conclude_v and_o infer_v crime_n from_o the_o same_o which_o the_o user_n of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n never_o mean_v nor_o design_v be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a 2._o as_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o leasing-maker_n and_o depraver_n of_o his_o majesty_n law_n only_o proceed_v in_o the_o term_n aforesaid_a where_o the_o word_n and_o speech_n be_v plain_a tend_v to_o beget_v discord_n between_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o the_o reproach_n and_o dislike_v of_o his_o government_n and_o when_o the_o same_o be_v speak_v and_o vent_v in_o a_o subdolous_a pernicious_a and_o fraudulent_a manner_n so_o they_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o person_n offer_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o public_a udicature_n whereof_o he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v a_o member_n his_o sincere_a and_o plain_a meaning_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n impose_v and_o enjoin_v the_o test_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o leasing-making_a and_o vent_v and_o spread_v abroad_o the_o same_o upon_o seditious_a design_n than_o the_o foresay_a plain_n and_o open_a declaration_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o it_o be_v of_o no_o import_n to_o inter_v any_o crime_n and_o much_o less_o any_o of_o the_o crime_n libel_v albeit_o the_o panel_n have_v err_v and_o mistake_v in_o his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a extension_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o lease_v maker_n require_v the_o qualification_n aforesaid_a &_o the_o act_n against_o 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of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o test_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o have_v freedom_n to_o take_v the_o same_o 3._o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o test_n do_v not_o enjoin_v the_o same_o to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o only_o prescribe_v it_o as_o a_o qualification_n without_o which_o person_n can_v not_o assume_v or_o continue_v to_o act_v in_o public_a trust_n which_o bein_z a_o oath_n to_o be_v take_v by_o so_o solemn_a a_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o almighty_a god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o allowable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o divine_n ad_fw-la casuist_n popish_a or_o protestant_n but_o also_o commend_v that_o where_o a_o party_n have_v any_o scrupulosity_n or_o unclearness_n in_o his_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n that_o he_o shall_v exhibit_v and_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o which_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o able_a to_o take_v the_o oath_n and_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o material_a whether_o the_o scruple_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v in_o themselves_o just_a or_o groundless_a it_o be_v a_o certain_a maxim_n both_o in_o law_n and_o divinity_n that_o conscientia_fw-la etiam_fw-la erronea_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o therefore_o though_o the_o panel_n have_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o clear_n and_o exoneration_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a concern_v as_o to_o his_o peace_n and_o repose_n to_o have_v express_v and_o declare_v it_o e_o express_a sense_n in_o which_o he_o can_v take_v the_o oath_n whether_o the_o say_a sense_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o not_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o import_n any_o matter_n of_o reproach_n or_o reflection_n upon_o the_o justice_n or_o prudence_n of_o the_o parliament_n in_o impose_v the_o say_a oath_n but_o alenarly_a do_v evince_v the_o weakness_n and_o scrupulosity_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n who_o neither_o do_v nor_o aught_o to_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n but_o with_o a_o explanation_n that_o will_v have_v save_v his_o conscience_n to_o his_o apprehension_n otherwise_o he_o have_v gross_o sin_v before_o god_n even_o though_o it_o be_v conscientia_fw-la errans_fw-la and_o this_o be_v allow_v and_o prescribe_v by_o all_o protestant_a divine_n as_o indispensible_o necessary_a and_o be_v never_o think_v to_o import_v any_o crime_n and_o be_v also_o commend_v even_o by_o popish_a casuist_n themselves_o who_o though_o they_o allow_v in_o some_o case_n of_o mental_a reservation_n and_o equivocation_n yet_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n o_o the_o party_n be_v allow_v and_o commend_v as_o much_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o tutius_fw-la remedium_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la ne_fw-la illaqueetur_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o bellarmine_n de_fw-fr juramento_fw-la and_o upon_o the_o same_o title_n de_fw-fr interpretatione_n juramenti_fw-la and_o lessius_fw-la that_o famous_a casuist_n de_fw-fr justitia_fw-la &_o jure_fw-la dubitatione_n 8_o 9_o utrum_fw-la siquis_fw-la salvo_fw-la animo_fw-la aliquid_fw-la juramento_fw-la promittat_fw-la obligetur_fw-la &_o quale_fw-la peccatum_fw-la hoc_fw-la sit_fw-la and_o which_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o all_o casuist_n and_o all_o divine_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o amesius_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la sanderson_n de_fw-fr juramento_fw-la praelectione_n secunda_fw-la and_o such_o a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o party_n when_o require_v to_o take_v a_o oath_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o clear_n and_o exoneration_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n be_v never_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o lawyer_n or_o any_o divine_a construe_v to_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o leasing-making_a or_o of_o defamatory_n libel_n or_o deprave_v of_o public_a law_n or_o reproach_v or_o misconstrue_v of_o the_o government_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o all_o protestant_a divine_n there_o be_v express_o require_v in_o case_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n a_o abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n of_o all_o reserve_a sense_n and_o of_o all_o amphibology_n and_o equivocation_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a and_o reprobate_a upon_o that_o unanswerable_a reason_n that_o juramentum_fw-la be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o religion_n in_o eo_fw-la requiritur_fw-la maxima_fw-la simplicitas_fw-la and_o that_o a_o party_n be_v oblige_v who_o have_v any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n public_o and_o open_o to_o clear_v and_o declare_v the_o same_o 4._o albeit_o it_o be_v not_o controvert_v but_o that_o a_o legislator_n impose_v a_o oath_n or_o any_o public_a authority_n before_o who_o the_o oath_n be_v take_v may_v after_o hear_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o explication_n which_o a_o person_n be_v willing_a to_o put_v upon_o it_o either_o reject_v or_o accept_v of_o the_o same_o if_o it_o be_v conceive_v not_o to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o oath_n yet_o though_o it_o be_v reject_v it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o or_o pretend_v that_o the_o offering_n of_o a_o sense_n do_v import_v a_o crime_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o habetur_fw-la pro_fw-la recusante_fw-la and_o as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o take_v the_o oath_n and_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o certification_n of_o law_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o refuser_n 5._o the_o panel_n have_v public_o and_o open_o declare_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o he_o be_v free_a to_o take_v the_o oath_n it_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v allow_v and_o do_v according_o proceed_v to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o do_v thereafter_o take_v his_o place_n and_o sit_v and_o vote_n during_o that_o sederunt_fw-la of_o privy_a council_n so_o as_o the_o pretend_a sense_n and_o explication_n which_o he_o do_v then_o emit_v and_o give_v can_v import_v no_o crime_n against_o