of_o sectary_n in_o england_n be_v remonstrate_v by_o we_o to_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n it_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o who_o now_o be_v most_o active_a and_o forward_a for_o a_o engagement_n that_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n be_v in_o no_o such_o danger_n from_o the_o sectary_n in_o england_n and_o the_o army_n there_o as_o may_v be_v any_o cause_n of_o not_o disband_v the_o army_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o be_v this_o candid_a or_o fair_a deal_n to_o extenuat_fw-la or_o elevat_fw-la danger_n from_o sectary_n so_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v man_n present_a business_n or_o if_o the_o design_n at_o that_o time_n be_v to_o disband_v that_o army_n as_o to_o make_v up_o another_o of_o their_o own_o model_n why_o be_v this_o somuch_o disclaim_v when_o mention_v among_o our_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n in_o our_o romonstrance_n octob._n 13_o however_o it_o seem_v the_o thing_n then_o suspect_v be_v now_o begin_v to_o be_v act_v and_o it_o be_v too_o aparent_a that_o our_o former_a fear_n be_v not_o without_o some_o real_a ground_n as_o to_o any_o calumny_n or_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o our_o proceed_n by_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v person_n as_o our_o conscience_n before_o god_n so_o the_o very_a course_n of_o our_o proceed_n before_o man_n do_v clear_o wipe_v they_o off_o and_o because_o we_o have_v here_o only_o summary_o point_v at_o thing_n we_o shall_v for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o all_o refer_v to_o the_o several_a paper_n themselves_o herewithal_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n into_o the_o particular_n all_o that_o do_v ingenious_o seek_v after_o satisfaction_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o particular_a paper_n that_o we_o have_v not_o meddle_v with_o civil_a business_n but_o only_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o mere_o concern_v the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n so_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o well-affected_n in_o the_o land_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v more_o credit_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o information_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o work_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n or_o of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v constant_a and_o real_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o this_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n we_o trust_v god_n will_v discover_v more_o and_o more_o the_o mystery_n of_o malignancy_n now_o so_o strong_o work_v manifest_a the_o innocency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n deliver_v his_o people_n out_o of_o the_o present_a snare_n and_o guide_v they_o in_o a_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n which_o afterward_o shall_v be_v no_o grief_n of_o heart_n but_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o a._n ker_n the_o parliament_n answer_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o of_o march_n 9_o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v by_o mr._n robert_n dowglas_n accompany_v with_o divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n and_o rule_v elder_n read_v in_o audience_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n acknowledge_v and_o take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v this_o counsel_n or_o advise_v to_o the_o parliament_n and_o remit_v the_o same_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o several_a body_n but_o the_o parliament_n desire_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n which_o they_o will_v do_v with_o all_o possible_a speed_n that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n will_v take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o same_o and_o declare_v that_o as_o they_o conceive_v this_o offer_n of_o council_n from_o the_o church_n to_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o parliamentary_a power_n and_o liberty_n so_o by_o this_o delay_n or_o answer_v they_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o way_n to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o privilege_n due_a to_o the_o church_n or_o commission_n thereof_o their_o intention_n be_v mere_o for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o they_o extractum_fw-la alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n answer_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o parliament_n paper_n of_o the_o 9_o of_o march_n edinburgh_n 10._o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v this_o day_n receive_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n register_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n concern_v their_o declaration_n present_v to_o their_o honour_n yesterday_o do_v humble_o return_v this_o answer_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n that_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v our_o counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o that_o they_o profess_v their_o intention_n for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o their_o lordship_n and_o we_o without_o entrench_v any_o way_n upon_o he_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o be_v necessitate_v humble_o to_o represent_v to_o their_o honour_n that_o their_o desire_n to_o we_o to_o take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o say_a declaration_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n be_v such_o that_o this_o kirk_n have_v not_o be_v former_o acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a neither_o can_v we_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o trust_n put_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o delay_n to_o emit_v and_o publish_v this_o declaration_n unless_o we_o have_v assurance_n which_o we_o have_v not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o delay_n otherwise_o we_o come_v under_o great_a guiltiness_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o give_v timous_a and_o due_a warning_n not_o only_o to_o their_o honour_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o god_n require_v of_o watchman_n in_o time_n of_o evident_a danger_n which_o make_v we_o as_o before_o in_o like_a case_n we_o have_v do_v to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o print_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n before_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o honour_n desire_n for_o not_o publish_v it_o thus_o have_v exoner_v our_o own_o conscience_n we_o humble_o desire_v their_o honour_n to_o rest_v confident_a that_o as_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o keep_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o give_v to_o their_o honour_n any_o cause_n of_o offence_n a._n ker_n the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n upon_o the_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o march_v concern_v berwick_n and_o carlisle_n whereas_o we_o have_v earnest_o desire_v and_o press_v that_o no_o power_n he_o grant_v to_o any_o committee_n to_o do_v act_n or_o order_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v engage_v this_o kingdom_n in_o a_o war_n before_o the_o parliament_n resolve_v on_o a_o war_n and_o state_n the_o cause_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o it_o be_v in_o our_o judgement_n neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n and_o tenor_n of_o commission_n from_o shire_n and_o burgh_n nor_o to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1640._o against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n it_o be_v also_o of_o dangerous_a preparative_n and_o much_o derogatory_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n we_o do_v therefore_o dissent_v from_o the_o grant_n of_o any_o such_o power_n and_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v include_v in_o any_o such_o vote_n or_o resolution_n but_o may_v be_v free_a before_o god_n and_o man_n of_o all_o the_o guiltiness_n prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_n that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o the_o cause_n covenant_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o the_o union_n betwext_v the_o kingdom_n edinburgh_n 22._o martii_fw-la 1648._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n whereas_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o some_o of_o your_o lordship_n which_o do_v go_v on_o towards_o a_o agreement_n till_o it_o be_v obstruct_v by_o a_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o have_v already_o show_v by_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 17._o and_o
reason_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n and_o final_o we_o expect_v that_o your_o lordship_n will_v do_v nothing_o that_o may_v strengthen_v the_o popish_a prelatical_a or_o malignant_a party_n who_o be_v wait_v for_o their_o day_n or_o that_o may_v discourage_v or_o weaken_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o england_n or_o render_v your_o way_n suspicion_n unto_o they_o but_o that_o your_o lordship_n will_v employ_v all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o your_o hand_n for_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n many_o of_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o as_o glorious_a a_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o any_o age_n have_v see_v and_o all_o of_o your_o have_v be_v witness_n thereto_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v proceed_v from_o you_o for_o weaken_v or_o defeat_v thereof_o as_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o high_a provocation_n against_o the_o lord_n so_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v trouble_n to_o your_o soul_n in_o your_o latter_a end_n and_o meet_v you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o account_n and_o if_o your_o lordship_n shall_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o this_o our_o humble_a supplication_n we_o take_v god_n to_o record_v that_o we_o have_v exonour_v ourselves_o as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o we_o and_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o trust_n we_o discharge_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n thereof_o be_v free_a of_o all_o that_o guilt_n that_o shall_v follow_v upon_o any_o undertake_n or_o resolution_n tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o union_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o we_o desire_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o better_a thing_n of_o your_o lordship_n and_o that_o you_o will_v give_v we_o such_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o bear_v real_a testimony_n of_o your_o lordship_n that_o you_o intend_v the_o settle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v contribute_v for_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o same_o a._n ker._n the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n against_o their_o lordship_n proceed_v to_o a_o determination_n in_o the_o declaration_n concern_v the_o breach_n and_o demand_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o the_o draught_n of_o a_o declaratian_a have_v now_o be_v read_v concern_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o demand_n to_o be_v make_v for_o remedy_n and_o reparation_n thereof_o the_o danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o security_n to_o be_v have_v for_o establish_v the_o same_o upon_o which_o ground_n a_o war_n be_v principal_o found_v and_o whereas_o we_o have_v earnest_o desire_v and_o insist_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o proceed_n to_o any_o determination_n concern_v the_o say_a declaration_n before_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v first_o consult_v therein_o we_o do_v hereby_o enter_v our_o dissent_n from_o proceed_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o matter_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi as_o a_o preparative_n of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o religion_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o know_a law_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v include_v in_o any_o such_o vote_n or_o resolution_n but_o may_v be_v free_a of_o all_o the_o guiltiness_n confusion_n distraction_n and_o evil_a whatsoever_o that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o religion_n the_o king_n this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a protestation_n that_o the_o parliament_n ought_v to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o paper_n already_o present_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o advise_v with_o they_o concern_v the_o draught_n of_o the_o declaration_n before_o they_o approve_v the_o same_o for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o declaration_n be_v concern_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o demand_n to_o be_v make_v for_o remedy_n and_o reparation_n thereof_o the_o danger_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o security_n to_o be_v have_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o same_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v to_o be_v consult_v therein_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n chief_o a_o war_n be_v found_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o kirke_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v the_o ground_n be_v take_v principal_o from_o the_o interest_n of_o covenant_n and_o religion_n 2._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi be_v the_o competent_a and_o proper_a judge_n against_o all_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o when_o there_o be_v great_a controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n betwixt_o his_o majesty_n and_o this_o kingdom_n that_o which_o be_v earnest_o seek_v for_o as_o the_o proper_a and_o only_a mean_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o solemn_a agreement_n be_v that_o all_o question_n about_o religion_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a be_v determine_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi as_o matter_n civil_a by_o the_o parliament_n which_o express_a word_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 4_o and_o 38_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1640_o and_o by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v particular_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o antecedent_n judgement_n be_v the_o church_fw-mi and_o the_o consequent_a judgement_n or_o civil_a sanction_n be_v the_o state_n as_o in_o the_o king_n oath_n of_o coronation_n and_o the_o first_o act_n 1592._o anent_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi insert_v in_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o repeat_v in_o the_o act_n rescissory_a 1640._o which_o evince_v that_o the_o parliament_n shall_v communicate_v the_o declaration_n to_o the_o church_fw-mi before_o they_o resolve_v upon_o it_o among_o themselves_o 3._o all_o our_o supplication_n remonstrance_n declaration_n protestation_n act_n of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o our_o defensive_a arm_n in_o anno_fw-la 1639_o and_o 1640_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o innovation_n then_o urge_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n service_n book_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o evil_a matter_n therein_o contain_v but_o also_o against_o the_o dangerous_a manner_n of_o introduce_v the_o same_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 4._o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v first_o draw_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o their_o interest_n interpretation_n thereof_o especial_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v religion_n be_v never_o hitherto_o deny_v but_o by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirke_n be_v always_o consult_v anent_o the_o danger_n thereunto_o and_o the_o duty_n ground_v thereupon_o and_o touch_v the_o demand_n and_o security_n for_o religion_n before_o any_o expedition_n or_o declaration_n for_o war_n offensive_a or_o defensive_a 5._o the_o parliament_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o sole_a judge_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n demand_n for_o reparation_n the_o danger_n to_o duty_n for_o and_o security_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a preparative_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o subsequent_a parliament_n may_v according_a to_o this_o precedent_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi impose_v upon_o they_o new_a confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n government_n and_o so_o change_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o fundamental_o of_o our_o religion_n likewise_o this_o preparative_n in_o a_o parliament_n of_o scotland_n will_v confirm_v such_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n who_o maintain_v the_o errastian_n tenet_n wherefore_o if_o extirpation_n of_o errastianisme_n be_v intend_v in_o england_n as_o be_v profess_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v practise_v at_o home_n 6._o even_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n will_v not_o engage_v in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n until_o they_o have_v first_o advise_v it_o with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n albeit_o that_o assembly_n have_v no_o jurisdiction_n how_o much_o more_o
we_o to_o supplicate_v their_o lordship_n concern_v such_o thing_n next_o we_o say_v that_o in_o all_o the_o three_o instance_n which_o be_v give_v our_o supplication_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o avert_v what_o we_o just_o conceive_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n we_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v have_v the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n may_v supplicate_v against_o danger_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_n within_o the_o first_o table_n but_o not_o against_o danger_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_n within_o the_o second_o table_n or_o that_o they_o may_v supplicate_v against_o danger_n of_o religion_n arise_v from_o other_o man_n but_o not_o against_o danger_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o his_o majesty_n be_v any_o way_n concern_v or_o which_o flow_n from_o a_o bad_a choice_n of_o the_o instrument_n and_o manager_n of_o public_a resolution_n the_o episcopal_a disease_n of_o meddle_v with_o civil_a affair_n we_o trust_v through_o god_n mercy_n neither_o have_v nor_o shall_v have_v any_o place_n among_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o by_o their_o nationall_n covenant_n abjure_v the_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n of_o kirk-man_n only_o we_o shall_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v other_o episcopal_a disease_n and_o distemper_n beside_o this_o as_o namely_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n the_o force_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n and_o persecute_v such_o who_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n obey_v wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o the_o episcopal_a evil_n and_o disorder_n be_v careful_o avoid_v and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v the_o ensue_a general_n assembly_n will_v do_v what_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o villify_n and_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n if_o it_o be_v find_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v vilify_v so_o we_o humble_o conceive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v unmindful_a to_o prevent_v the_o villify_n and_o contemn_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o own_o commissioner_n the_o follow_a clause_n in_o the_o letter_n put_v over_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n any_o of_o the_o ministry_n who_o shall_v offer_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o disobey_v or_o deny_v to_o give_v civil_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n it_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o the_o second_o and_o three_o act_n of_o king_n james_n 6._o his_o 8._o parliament_n in_o anno_fw-la 1584._o that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n where_o first_o we_o shall_v desire_v that_o two_o know_a distinction_n which_o in_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o letter_n seem_v either_o to_o be_v confound_v or_o forget_v may_v be_v remember_v civil_a obedience_n to_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v either_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o right_a in_o the_o former_a case_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n a_o sin_n not_o to_o obey_v again_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n be_v one_o thing_n a_o act_n of_o parliament_n another_o thing_n we_o do_v still_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n when_o we_o obey_v not_o this_o or_o that_o act._n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o treason_n of_o impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n it_o can_v be_v no_o treason_n to_o obey_v god_n father_n than_o man_n neither_o do_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o and_o such_o as_o be_v active_a for_o the_o covenant_n at_o that_o time_n commit_v any_o treason_n when_o they_o impugn_a episcopacy_n and_o perth_n article_n although_o ratify_v and_o strengthen_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o stand_a law_n then_o unrepealed_a as_o to_o the_o two_o act_n cite_v in_o the_o letter_n if_o the_o order_n of_o the_o print_a act_n be_v follow_v the_o three_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o what_o it_o be_v cite_v for_o neither_o know_v we_o for_o what_o use_v it_o can_v be_v cite_v and_o apply_v except_o to_o the_o abridge_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n for_o it_o discharge_v all_o judicatories_n and_o judgement_n convention_n and_o assembly_n ecclesiastical_a without_o his_o majesty_n special_a licence_n and_o commandment_n which_o how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o find_v divine_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o to_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v more_o manifest_a then_o to_o need_v that_o we_o shall_v insist_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o the_o order_n of_o the_o unprint_v act_n be_v follow_v the_o second_o of_o these_o act_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n but_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n however_o we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n a_o parliament_n which_o reintroduce_v episcopacy_n and_o so_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n swear_v three_o year_n before_o for_o captain_n james_n stewart_n then_o earl_n of_o arran_n and_o chancellor_n and_o the_o few_o prelate_n of_o that_o time_n contrive_v and_o procure_v such_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o may_v serve_v their_o end_n the_o same_o act_n be_v allege_v and_o urge_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n in_o anno_fw-la 1638._o for_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o this_o answer_n be_v make_v at_o that_o time_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o be_v of_o several_a nature_n but_o they_o be_v protest_v against_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n when_o they_o be_v proclaim_v and_o as_o they_o be_v make_v in_o that_o time_n which_o be_v call_v the_o hour_n of_o darkness_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi tyranize_v over_o by_o the_o earl_n of_o arran_n so_o be_v they_o repeal_v 1542._o cap._n 114._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o after_o the_o make_n of_o those_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o be_v so_o general_o dislike_v by_o all_o good_a man_n that_o the_o chief_a courtier_n of_o that_o time_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o employ_v master_n patrick_n adamson_n a_o chief_a deviser_n of_o these_o act_n to_o make_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o in_o his_o majesty_n name_n which_o he_o according_o perform_v concern_v which_o declaration_n the_o say_a master_n patrick_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n do_v afterward_o in_o his_o renunciation_n make_v this_o confession_n as_o where_o i_o be_o burden_a to_o be_v the_o setter_n forth_o of_o a_o book_n call_v the_o king_n declaration_n wherein_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v condemn_v and_o traduce_v i_o protest_v before_o god_n that_o so_o i_o be_v command_v to_o write_v the_o same_o by_o the_o chancellor_n for_o the_o time_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o secretary_n another_o great_a courtier_n who_o himself_o pen_v the_o second_o act_n of_o parliament_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o judicatory_a to_o be_v absolute_a in_o the_o king_n power_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o subject_a to_o reclaim_v from_o the_o same_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o act_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v treason_n beside_o that_o declaration_n his_o majesty_n himself_o have_v receive_v a_o supplication_n from_o divers_a well-affected_a minister_n with_o their_o animadversion_n upon_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n do_v pen_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n another_o declaration_n of_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o by_o both_o those_o declaration_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o say_v act_n be_v intend_v for_o innovate_a and_o change_v the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi for_o set_v up_o bishop_n and_o for_o suppress_v the_o best_a minister_n and_o according_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o afterward_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o charge_n against_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v banish_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o here_o to_o insert_v that_o part_n of_o the_o minister_n animadversion_n give_v in_o to_o his_o majesty_n at_o that_o time_n which_o concern_v the_o second_o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n the_o word_n be_v these_o as_o concern_v the_o second_o act_n the_o narration_n thereof_o appear_v to_o be_v slanderous_a against_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n which_o we_o will_v wish_v to_o be_v reform_v or_o otherwise_o conceive_v except_o the_o truth_n thereof_o be_v verify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o act_n itself_o it_o attribute_v to_o your_o majesty_n a_o sovereign_a power_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o person_n of_o your_o subject_n but_o also_o in_o all_o matter_n wherein_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v apprehend_v summon_v or_o charge_v etc
shall_v we_o be_v caution_n of_o engage_v in_o such_o a_o business_n where_o there_o be_v a_o constitute_v settle_a church_n without_o their_o advice_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a breach_n both_o of_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o determine_v or_o approve_v of_o a_o business_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o their_o commissioner_n see_v by_o both_o covenant_n we_o be_v plain_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi which_o yet_o can_v be_v preserve_v but_o overthrow_v by_o such_o a_o parliamentary_a determination_n and_o declaration_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi neither_o can_v we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o undertake_n if_o in_o this_o cause_n wherein_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v we_o shall_v engage_v without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi who_o god_n have_v use_v as_o main_a instrument_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n edinb_n 20._o april_n 1648._o answer_n of_o the_o parliament_n to_o the_o desire_v give_v in_o to_o they_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o to_o the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o they_o upon_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o day_n of_o this_o month_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n have_v again_o take_v to_o their_o consideration_n the_o desire_n give_v in_o to_o they_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o have_v also_o consider_v the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n upon_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o day_n of_o this_o month_n do_v conceive_v that_o the_o declaration_n of_o parliament_n be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o eight_o desire_n as_o also_o to_o the_o other_o two_o paper_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v concident_fw-la with_o these_o desire_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o particular_n of_o their_o two_o last_o paper_n concern_v the_o way_n and_o time_n of_o send_v proposition_n to_o the_o king_n 1._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o parliament_n conceive_v the_o same_o way_n be_v now_o take_v that_o have_v be_v former_o and_o in_o regard_n the_o parliament_n of_o england_n have_v lay_v aside_o these_o proposition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o joint_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v our_o first_o application_n to_o they_o who_o must_v first_o agree_v and_o condescend_v thereunto_o before_o his_o majesty_n assent_n can_v be_v demand_v and_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n that_o we_o real_o intend_v to_o insist_v for_o satisfaction_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o that_o that_o concern_v religion_n before_o all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o his_o majesty_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o freedom_n honour_n and_o safety_n as_o his_o concession_n may_v be_v effectual_a and_o as_o to_o that_o prejudice_n allege_v in_o the_o preparative_n of_o take_v resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi 2._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o as_o we_o have_v never_o hitherto_o take_v any_o resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o advice_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o since_o what_o be_v now_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o new_a ground_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o in_o our_o demand_n concern_v religion_n as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v be_v desire_v so_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v prejudice_v the_o just_a interest_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o for_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o declaration_n which_o contain_v the_o ground_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o do_v cross_v the_o demand_n concern_v religion_n or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o security_n thereof_o and_o far_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v agree_v unto_o the_o declaration_n it_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n before_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n that_o the_o parliament_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o hear_v and_o consider_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi extract_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o parliament_n by_o sir_n alex_n gibson_n of_o dury_n knight_n clerk_z of_o his_o majesty_n register_n council_n and_o roll_n etc._n etc._n alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n edinb_n 25._o april_n 1648._o the_o humble_a return_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o honourable_a and_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n to_o our_o 8_o desire_n and_o to_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o of_o this_o month._n whereas_o your_o lordship_n do_v communicate_v unto_o we_o your_o large_a declaration_n contain_v principal_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n concern_v danger_n and_o duty_n relate_v to_o religion_n we_o wish_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o liberty_n and_o due_a interest_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n &_o their_o commissioner_n as_o to_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o a_o business_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n before_o not_o after_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n take_v therein_o and_o that_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o so_o many_o &_o so_o considerable_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v give_v most_o real_a and_o constant_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o this_o cause_n to_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o your_o lordship_n proceed_v to_o determine_v a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o consultation_n with_o we_o and_o our_o consent_n have_v therein_o for_o our_o part_n the_o trust_v commit_v to_o we_o be_v so_o precious_a that_o we_o may_v not_o hold_v our_o peace_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o must_v free_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o this_o act_n be_v real_o a_o take_n from_o we_o to_o yourselves_o the_o antecedent_n judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o danger_n sand_n duty_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n in_o this_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v so_o far_o prejudice_v as_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o expect_v after_o so_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n we_o therefore_o protest_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n solemn_a covenant_n former_a law_n and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o this_o act_n of_o your_o lordship_n be_v no_o preparative_n for_o the_o future_a final_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v yet_o free_a unto_o we_o according_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o place_n and_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n to_o give_v our_o judgement_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a way_n of_o the_o material_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n so_o far_o as_o religion_n be_v therein_o concern_v as_o free_o as_o if_o your_o lordship_n have_v take_v no_o resolution_n thereupon_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v and_o desire_v your_o lordship_n to_o remember_v what_o we_o do_v former_o profess_v in_o our_o late_a petition_n that_o we_o never_o be_v nor_o now_o be_v averse_a from_o any_o engagement_n be_v first_o satisfy_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o undertake_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v the_o same_o we_o proceed_v to_o make_v our_o humble_a return_n to_o your_o lordship_n answer_n of_o the_o 20_o of_o this_o month_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n and_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o of_o the_o same_o month_n whereas_o your_o lordship_n conceive_v that_o your_o declaration_n communicate_v unto_o we_o be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n we_o must_v clear_o profess_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o declaration_n as_o a_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n but_o that_o we_o find_v diverse_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o we_o humble_o conceive_v to_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o our_o desire_n and_o of_o very_o
the_o trust_n of_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n determine_v judge_n and_o declare_v by_o a_o antecedent_n judgement_n matter_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n as_o these_o contain_v in_o the_o parliament_n late_a declaration_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o only_o dangerous_a expression_n concern_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o we_o have_v particular_o instance_a in_o our_o late_a declaration_n but_o likewise_o in_o the_o close_a a_o strange_a and_o new_a sense_n put_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n without_o so_o much_o as_o first_o consult_v we_o concern_v such_o a_o sense_n thereof_o which_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v if_o they_o have_v consult_v we_o therein_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o which_o the_o declaration_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o from_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o we_o have_v promise_v a_o speedy_a return_n thereto_o 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