to_o his_o majesty_n all_o this_o be_v do_v immediate_o after_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o household_n in_o january_n and_o be_v command_v to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o subject_n in_o march_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n about_o the_o intention_n and_o meaning_n of_o king_n council_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n yet_o one_o thing_n be_v main_o object_v to_o prove_v that_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o year_n 1571._o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a agreement_n between_o the_o commissioner_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o during_o the_o king_n minority_n or_o without_o a_o contrary_a order_n from_o parliament_n there_o shall_v be_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n dean_n chapter_n abbot_n and_o prior_n their_o office_n and_o form_n of_o election_n the_o oath_n take_v by_o they_o at_o their_o admission_n the_o restitution_n to_o their_o temporality_n be_v all_o particular_o agree_v upon_o this_o agreement_n in_o the_o year_n 1571_o be_v in_o precise_a term_n confirm_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o when_v the_o covenant_n be_v command_v to_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o subject_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n do_v in_o the_o same_o year_n give_v order_n to_o abjure_v episcopacy_n wherein_o they_o take_v such_o special_a care_n to_o confirm_v it_o ans_fw-fr for_o answer_v this_o objection_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1571_o january_n 12._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o convention_n of_o superintendent_o minister_n and_o other_o commissioner_n for_o consult_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o convention_n be_v not_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o register_n call_v it_o only_o a_o convention_n and_o not_o a_o assembly_n the_o ordinary_a assembly_n be_v hold_v at_o saint_n andrew_n in_o the_o same_o year_n 1571_o march_v 6._o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o year_n before_o this_o convention_n be_v procure_v by_o the_o court_n for_o worldly_a end_n especial_o that_o title_n of_o bishop_n abbot_n and_o prior_n which_o be_v not_o proper_a in_o the_o person_n of_o nobleman_n may_v be_v give_v to_o kirk-man_n or_o minister_n with_o some_o small_a portion_n of_o the_o benefice_n that_o the_o noble_a man_n themselves_o may_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o rent_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o scottish_a name_n of_o tulchan_n bishop_n at_o that_o time_n a_o name_n not_o improper_a for_o they_o a_o tulchan_n in_o our_o language_n be_v the_o skin_n of_o a_o calf_n stuff_v with_o straw_n and_o set_v up_o beside_o the_o kow_n to_o make_v she_o give_v milk_n to_o the_o owner_n 2._o although_o that_o convention_n at_o leith_n be_v not_o a_o general_n assembly_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o appoint_v those_o bishop_n by_o itself_o but_o give_v power_n to_o seven_o of_o the_o number_n or_o any_o four_o of_o they_o to_o confer_v with_o the_o regent_n &_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n who_o do_v agree_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n dean_n and_o chapter_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o diocese_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v of_o less_o authority_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a importance_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v their_o own_o do_v 3._o the_o article_n and_o conclusion_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o that_o convention_n be_v not_o approven_v in_o the_o next_o ordinary_a general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o saint_n andrew_n march_n 6._o 1571._o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o perth_n 1572._o be_v not_o only_o offend_v with_o the_o name_n of_o archbishop_n dean_n archdeacon_n chancellor_n etc._n etc._n as_o sound_v to_o popery_n but_o also_o declare_v that_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v that_o order_n of_o church_n government_n but_o do_v tolerat_o the_o same_o allanerly_a till_o a_o more_o perfect_a shall_v be_v obtain_v for_o which_o they_o labour_v afterward_o at_o all_o occasion_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o meeting_n at_o leith_n 1571._o never_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n but_o be_v disclaim_v by_o it_o during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o toleration_n many_o complaint_n be_v make_v in_o the_o assembly_n against_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1573._o and_o afterward_o some_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o confer_v with_o the_o regent_n and_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n upon_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o policy_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n till_o at_o last_o after_o many_o disputation_n and_o much_o reason_n the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o final_a conclusion_n the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v abolish_v and_o presbyterial_a government_n establish_v next_o concern_v the_o act_n of_o council_n in_o the_o year_n 1580._o confirm_v the_o agreement_n at_o leith_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o council_n lawful_o can_v not_o confirm_v that_o agreement_n introduce_v episcopacy_n or_o change_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o so_o many_o general_n assembly_n keep_v from_o the_o year_n 1571_o to_o 1580._o wherein_o the_o policy_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o 2._o the_o act_n of_o council_n be_v never_o publish_v nor_o make_v know_v to_o the_o subject_n nor_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o cause_n till_o this_o time_n wherein_o no_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o salve_v of_o episcopacy_n from_o abjuration_n 3._o this_o act_n of_o council_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o command_n for_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o act_n be_v make_v in_o october_n 1581._o and_o the_o commandment_n come_v forth_o in_o march_n many_o month_n before_o 4._o no_o such_o intention_n be_v profess_v when_o the_o charge_n be_v give_v for_o subscription_n neither_o can_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o any_o sense_n bear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o agreement_n these_o office_n and_o the_o form_n of_o their_o election_n be_v damn_v as_o popish_a in_o the_o assembly_n before_o no_o man_n will_v marvel_n much_o at_o such_o a_o act_n of_o council_n who_o know_v what_o other_o act_n pass_v that_o year_n in_o council_n and_o who_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n the_o perusal_n and_o knowledge_n whereof_o will_v both_o show_v how_o sudden_o covenant_n have_v be_v break_v and_o will_v easy_o give_v satisfaction_n against_o all_o mistake_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o so_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n against_o this_o our_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n first_o and_o last_o our_o adversary_n arise_v with_o great_a hate_n &_o strength_n and_o fight_n with_o tooth_n and_o nail_n for_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n episcopacy_n must_v be_v assert_v by_o no_o other_o than_o by_o divine_a right_n and_o hierarchy_n maintain_v not_o only_o as_o tolerable_a and_o lawful_a but_o as_o necessary_a and_o divine_a although_o before_o this_o time_n neither_o our_o own_o doctor_n and_o prelate_n nor_o the_o english_a have_v be_v so_o peremptory_a &_o bold_a about_o this_o point_n for_o while_o some_o of_o they_o have_v maintain_v episcopacy_n by_o divine_a authority_n yet_o other_o have_v be_v more_o ingenuous_a confess_v it_o only_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o ancient_a custom_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o humane_a invention_n or_o ecclesiastic_a tradition_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n different_a from_o both_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v apostolic_a again_o some_o of_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o kirk_n government_n to_o be_v universal_a and_o perpetual_a and_o other_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v local_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o civil_a policy_n thus_o have_v they_o be_v divide_v one_o of_o they_o from_o another_o but_o in_o this_o exigence_n and_o point_n of_o time_n one_o must_v undertake_v for_o all_o to_o cry_v up_o episcopacy_n as_o come_v from_o heaven_n &_o not_o from_o the_o earth_n even_o as_o it_o have_v the_o altitude_n of_o fix_a superiority_n &_o the_o latitude_n of_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o why_o because_o we_o have_v abjure_v it_o and_o our_o assembly_n have_v find_v it_o unlawful_a in_o this_o kirk_n this_o be_v their_o modesty_n of_o expression_n desire_v more_o to_o reform_v at_o home_n then_o to_o be_v busy_a abroad_o for_o which_o they_o find_v no_o more_o courtesy_n nor_o less_o acerbity_n of_o spirit_n then_o if_o they_o have_v give_v out_o a_o general_a sentence_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o nor_o for_o this_o naked_a relation_n
majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n by_o their_o authority_n to_o ratify_v and_o enjoin_v the_o same_o under_o all_o civil_a pain_n which_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n preservation_n of_o religion_n the_o king_n majesty_n honour_n and_o perfect_a peace_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n those_o and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v debate_v and_o with_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n peaceable_o determine_v in_o the_o assembly_n we_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o to_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o his_o royal_a favour_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n fear_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o challenge_n of_o insolency_n or_o sedition_n and_o fill_v with_o hope_n that_o the_o parliament_n now_o approach_v shall_v ratify_v what_o be_v universal_o and_o with_o the_o like_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n conclude_v in_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n give_v thanks_o for_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o petition_v again_o what_o be_v promise_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o certain_o expect_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n this_o thanksgiving_n and_o petition_n deliver_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o our_o commissioner_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n most_o gracious_a sovereign_n we_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o loyal_a subject_n the_o commissioner_n from_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o your_o majesty_n ancient_a and_o native_a kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o the_o nationall_n assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n by_o your_o majesty_n special_a indiction_n and_o honour_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o your_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n have_v be_v wait_v for_o a_o day_n of_o rejoice_v and_o of_o solemn_a thanksgiving_n to_o be_v render_v to_o god_n by_o this_o whole_a kirk_n and_o kingdom_n for_o give_v we_o a_o king_n so_o just_a and_o religious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o be_v christian_n under_o your_o majesty_n government_n which_o sometime_o have_v be_v the_o great_a praise_n of_o great_a prince_n but_o also_o that_o it_o have_v please_v your_o gracious_a majesty_n to_o make_v know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o royal_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o all_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a be_v determine_v in_o free_a national_a assembly_n and_o matter_n civil_a in_o parliament_n which_o be_v a_o most_o noble_a and_o ample_a expression_n of_o your_o majesty_n justice_n and_o we_o trust_v shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a means_n of_o our_o common_a happiness_n under_o your_o majesty_n most_o bless_a reign_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o do_v most_o humble_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n bless_v your_o majesty_n for_o that_o happiness_n already_o begin_v in_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o proceed_n whereof_o next_o under_o god_n we_o have_v labour_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o unto_o your_o majesty_n vicegerent_n as_o if_o your_o majesty_n eye_n have_v be_v upon_o we_o which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o will_v have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o full_a rejoice_v and_o do_v still_o continue_v your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a supplicant_n for_o your_o majesty_n civil_a sanction_n and_o ratification_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o parliament_n that_o your_o majesty_n princely_a power_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n join_v in_o one_o the_o mutual_a embracement_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o land_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o shall_v make_v we_o be_v not_o only_o so_o far_o recover_v but_o also_o revive_v to_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o our_o praise_n and_o to_o pray_v that_o king_n charles_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o bless_a and_o his_o throne_n establish_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o by_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unthankful_a for_o his_o majesty_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o be_v not_o conscient_fw-la to_o ourselves_o of_o any_o wilful_a breach_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v confident_a of_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o work_n in_o parliament_n wherein_o what_o our_o carrtage_n be_v will_v now_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o relation_n and_o proceed_n of_o our_o commissioner_n send_v from_o the_o parliament_n to_o the_o king_n against_o all_o that_o have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n remember_v that_o we_o be_v a_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o subject_n or_o two_o who_o inform_v against_o we_o a_o kingdom_n convene_v in_o parliament_n which_o can_v best_o judge_v what_o be_v most_o conducible_a for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o collective_a body_n which_o we_o represent_v and_o a_o kingdom_n live_v under_o our_o own_o native_a king_n in_o who_o we_o have_v as_o great_a interest_n as_o a_o kingdom_n can_v have_v in_o their_o king_n and_o who_o we_o desire_v to_o honour_v we_o can_v dissemble_v our_o grief_n but_o be_v force_v to_o complain_v that_o in_o our_o own_o nationall_n affair_n we_o have_v not_o great_a credence_n regard_n and_o power_n with_o his_o majesty_n than_o all_o other_o whatsoever_o but_o this_o be_v one_o evil_a among_o many_o that_o press_v we_o sore_o through_o the_o want_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a presence_n among_o we_o which_o we_o trust_v will_v move_v his_o majesty_n in_o his_o fatherly_a affection_n to_o be_v the_o more_o tender_a and_o all_o other_o remember_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o more_o equal_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o action_n towards_o we_o one_o thing_n there_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v remember_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proceed_n of_o our_o commissioner_n send_v from_o the_o parliament_n to_o the_o king_n a_o paper_n bear_v some_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o in_o command_v to_o swear_v the_o covenant_n 1580_o and_o 1581._o his_o majesty_n that_o then_o be_v and_o his_o council_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n this_o paper_n although_o it_o be_v come_v to_o few_o hand_n before_o this_o time_n yet_o be_v it_o much_o esteem_v by_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o be_v put_v in_o his_o majesty_n own_o hand_n and_o by_o his_o majesty_n send_v to_o one_o of_o our_o minister_n as_o a_o strong_a hold_n and_o impregnable_a strength_n for_o episcopacy_n against_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n or_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n it_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v the_o last_o endeavour_n and_o assay_v of_o our_o adversary_n in_o that_o kind_n from_o no_o small_a knowledge_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o former_a time_n and_o with_o no_o less_o artifice_n and_o engine_n set_v on_o work_n wherein_o they_o will_v outstrip_v all_o that_o have_v be_v write_v in_o the_o large_a declaration_n as_o insist_v on_o thing_n childish_a and_o trivial_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o fine_a and_o subtle_a invention_n never_o bring_v to_o light_v before_o this_o last_o breath_n of_o episcopacy_n expire_a in_o this_o kirk_n and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n we_o judge_v it_o not_o convenient_a to_o conceal_v but_o have_v set_v it_o down_o here_o with_o a_o solid_a and_o modest_a answer_n write_v at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o paper_n come_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o intend_v to_o remove_v the_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o majesty_n mind_n and_o to_o show_v the_o author_n his_o own_o error_n if_o it_o have_v be_v of_o simplicity_n or_o if_o it_o be_v wilful_a to_o convince_v he_o the_o more_o that_o in_o command_v to_o swear_v the_o covenant_n 80._o and_o 81._o his_o majesty_n that_o then_o be_v and_o his_o council_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n because_o but_o ten_o year_n before_o viz._n in_o 71._o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a agreement_n make_v between_o the_o commissioner_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o during_o the_o king_n minority_n or_o without_o a_o contrary_a order_n from_o parliament_n arch_a bishop_n and_o bishop_n shall_v continue_v as_o before_o they_o do_v and_o that_o in_o every_o metropolitical_a and_o episcopal_a see_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o deane_n and_o a_o chapter_n and_o that_o the_o bound_n of_o diocese_n shall_v not_o be_v confound_v nay_o there_o be_v a_o exact_a form_n at_o that_o time_n set_v down_o by_o the_o say_v several_a commissioner_n and_o regâ—stred_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n for_o the_o create_v of_o bishop_n after_o a_o protestant_a manner_n viz._n by_o congee_n deslire_fw-la to_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n than_o a_o form_n of_o return_v the_o election_n with_o petition_n to_o the_o king_n for_o his_o royal_a assent_n with_o commandment_n to_o the_o archbishop_n etc._n etc._n
state_n wrong_v because_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o that_o kingdom_n be_v represent_v by_o their_o commissioner_n from_o presbitry_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o desire_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o kirk_n have_v with_o allowance_n of_o your_o majesty_n commissioner_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o council_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o have_v always_o be_v and_o be_v your_o majesty_n supplicant_n that_o the_o parliament_n may_v ratify_v what_o the_o assembly_n have_v find_v and_o conclude_v neither_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o your_o majesty_n who_o we_o hear_v do_v acknowledge_v prince_n to_o be_v like_o shine_a star_n which_o have_v their_o splendour_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o esteem_v the_o prosperity_n and_o welfare_n of_o your_o people_n your_o great_a content_n and_o the_o have_v of_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v your_o majesty_n great_a security_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o which_o your_o majesty_n have_v so_o well_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v abridge_v in_o the_o inscription_n of_o their_o coin_n presim_n ut_fw-la prosim_fw-la will_v think_v that_o the_o grant_n of_o that_o which_o upon_o so_o good_a reason_n be_v so_o earnest_o desire_v both_o by_o kirk_n and_o state_n to_o be_v any_o diminution_n of_o your_o majesty_n royal_a prerogative_n and_o privilege_n of_o your_o crown_n which_o by_o our_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v defyne_v to_o be_v that_o power_n which_o your_o majesty_n have_v over_o all_o estate_n and_o person_n and_o not_o any_o particular_a interest_n more_o in_o one_o estate_n nor_o another_o and_o which_o be_v competent_a and_o reciprocal_a to_o the_o king_n and_o do_v pertain_v to_o your_o majesty_n inviolablie_o and_o be_v no_o way_n contingent_a separable_a nor_o mutable_a with_o the_o change_n of_o any_o of_o the_o estate_n but_o be_v that_o power_n which_o do_v just_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n before_o any_o bishop_n be_v in_o scotland_n and_o which_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n when_o bishop_n be_v allow_v and_o have_v their_o dependence_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o which_o do_v likewise_o pertain_v to_o the_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v abjure_v and_o remove_v out_o of_o scotland_n in_o the_o which_o oath_n all_o the_o subject_n be_v swear_v to_o maintain_v your_o majesty_n greatness_n and_o authority_n with_o their_o life_n and_o mean_n which_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o defend_v to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o see_v your_o majesty_n subject_n have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o such_o as_o serve_v for_o establish_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n thereof_o and_o to_o the_o article_n of_o pacification_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n be_v the_o only_a lawful_a mean_n to_o remeid_v our_o evil_n remove_v distraction_n and_o settle_v a_o solid_a and_o perfect_a peace_n the_o sum_n of_o your_o majesty_n subject_n their_o desire_n be_v that_o your_o majesty_n may_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o command_v that_o the_o parliament_n may_v proceed_v free_o and_o determine_v anent_o all_o these_o article_n give_v in_o to_o they_o and_o whatever_o exception_n objection_n or_o information_n be_v make_v against_o any_o of_o the_o particular_a overture_n article_n or_o proceed_n of_o the_o parliament_n we_o be_v most_o willing_a and_o desirous_a according_a to_o your_o majesty_n commandment_n for_o avoid_v contestation_n about_o word_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o in_o writ_n and_o be_v content_a in_o the_o same_o way_n to_o return_v our_o answer_n and_o humble_a desire_n after_o some_o question_n move_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o by_o some_o of_o the_o committee_n which_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o all_o that_o pass_v write_v by_o they_o immediate_o by_o after_o their_o return_n to_o their_o lodging_n from_o his_o majesty_n the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o day_n hear_v be_v that_o against_o the_o king_n return_n from_o hampton-court_n they_o shall_v show_v his_o majesty_n their_o instruction_n and_o after_o his_o majesty_n return_n upon_o the_o 8._o of_o march_n they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v at_o whitehall_n the_o next_o day_n thereafter_o at_o two_o of_o the_o clock_n in_o the_o afternoon_n where_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v appear_v before_o his_o majesty_n he_o do_v call_v for_o their_o instruction_n which_o they_o do_v exhibit_v and_o read_v their_o power_n be_v call_v in_o question_n as_o be_v only_o subscribe_v by_o some_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n and_z as_o not_o flow_v from_o the_o parliament_n whereunto_o they_o do_v answer_v that_o their_o instruction_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o parliament_n because_o they_o be_v relative_a to_o former_a instruction_n give_v to_o the_o earl_n of_o dumfermeling_n and_o lord_n lowdoun_n which_o be_v subscryve_v by_o a_o great_a many_o nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n who_o be_v present_a sit_v in_o parliament_n and_o that_o their_o last_o instruction_n be_v subscryve_v by_o these_o commissioner_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o parliament_n to_o make_v remonstrance_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o receive_v the_o return_n of_o his_o answer_n who_o be_v authorize_v with_o commission_n from_o the_o parlîament_n to_o that_o effect_n all_o which_o our_o commissioner_n do_v instruct_v and_o after_o long_o debate_v anent_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o power_n the_o particular_a dispute_n and_o reason_v whereof_o our_o commissioner_n do_v for_o their_o memory_n put_v in_o writ_n the_o king_n majesty_n say_v he_o will_v hear_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o their_o demand_n whereunto_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o their_o demand_n be_v only_o that_o the_o parliament_n may_v proceed_v and_o ratify_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o determine_v anent_o the_o article_n give_v in_o to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o article_n of_o pacification_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o objection_n to_o the_o contrair_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v and_o answer_v the_o same_o in_o writ_n the_o king_n say_v it_o be_v his_o commissioner_n behove_v to_o give_v these_o and_o that_o his_o majesty_n be_v to_o maintain_v his_o action_n and_o thursday_n the_o 12._o of_o march_n be_v assign_v for_o their_o next_o hear_n and_o the_o king_n commissioner_n command_v to_o give_v his_o objection_n to_o they_o in_o writ_n against_o that_o time_n upon_o the_o 12._o of_o march_n the_o king_n call_v for_o the_o power_n and_o warrant_v grant_v by_o the_o parliament_n to_o these_o nobleman_n and_o other_o who_o have_v subscryve_v our_o commissioner_n instruction_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o declaration_n make_v by_o the_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n command_v the_o whole_a declaration_n to_o be_v read_v do_v expostulat_fw-la and_o quarrel_v the_o same_o as_o trinch_v upon_o his_o prerogative_n and_o diverse_a objection_n be_v propon_v against_o the_o declaration_n both_o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o these_o of_o the_o committee_n which_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o commissioner_n who_o do_v write_v what_o be_v reason_v and_o answer_v concern_v that_o point_n and_o crave_v that_o what_o can_v be_v object_v against_o that_o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o parliament_n proceed_n shall_v be_v set_v down_o it_o write_v whereupon_o the_o king_n command_v the_o earl_n of_o traquhair_n to_o set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n in_o writ_n which_o he_o do_v in_o manner_n follow_v viz_o whither_o be_v you_o warrant_v or_o instruct_v from_o parliament_n to_o satisfy_v his_o majesty_n anent_o his_o power_n of_o prorogue_v of_o parliament_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o royal_a prerogative_n simple_o and_o whether_o a_o parliament_n thus_o prorogue_v simple_o by_o his_o majesty_n own_o sole_a royal_a power_n can_v or_o may_v sit_v before_o the_o time_n to_o which_o his_o majesty_n have_v prorogue_v the_o same_o and_o if_o you_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o instruction_n herein_o from_o the_o parliament_n what_o be_v your_o own_o private_a judgement_n therein_o likeas_n his_o majesty_n command_v the_o earl_n of_o traquhair_n to_o give_v some_o other_o proposition_n and_o queree_n and_o the_o 16._o of_o march_n be_v assign_v to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o give_v in_o their_o answer_n which_o proposition_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o march_n which_o be_v these_o viz_o protestation_n give_v in_o at_o the_o first_o prorogation_n of_o the_o parliament_n at_o least_o give_v into_o the_o commissioner_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n act_n desire_v the_o power_n of_o article_n new_a augmentation_n of_o custom_n to_o be_v discharge_v and_o no_o custom_n nor_o imposition_n to_o be_v impose_v hereafter_o but_o by_o advice_n
for_o consecration_n than_o the_o oath_n the_o new_a bishop_n be_v to_o take_v before_o his_o majesty_n viz._n that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n majesty_n supreme_a governor_n of_o his_o realm_n as_o well_o in_o thing_n temporal_a as_o in_o the_o conservation_n and_o purgation_n of_o religion_n which_o differ_v in_o word_n from_o the_o english_a oath_n of_o supremacy_n but_o be_v in_o sense_n the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o hold_v the_o say_a bishopric_n and_o the_o possession_n thereof_o under_o god_n only_o of_o his_o majesty_n crown_n etc._n etc._n last_o there_o be_v a_o form_n conclude_v on_o for_o his_o restitution_n to_o his_o temporality_n now_o this_o agreement_n be_v in_o precise_a term_n confirm_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n in_o that_o self_n same_o year_n 81._o when_v that_o covenant_n be_v command_v by_o they_o to_o be_v swear_v by_o the_o subject_a so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n shall_v in_o the_o same_o year_n give_v order_n to_o swear_v down_o episcopacy_n wherein_o they_o apparent_o take_v such_o special_a care_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o no_o honest_a man_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o swear_v that_o covenant_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o none_o other_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o intention_n who_o command_v it_o to_o be_v swear_v it_o be_v object_v that_o under_o those_o word_n we_o abjure_v etc._n etc._n the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n episcopacy_n be_v swear_v down_o r._n if_o by_o those_o word_n they_o will_v overthrow_v episcopacy_n i_o see_v not_o but_o withal_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v at_o once_o abjure_v both_o their_o presbyter_n and_o their_o deacon_n for_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n make_v the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o those_o three_o order_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n now_o if_o under_o the_o word_n hierarchy_n one_o of_o these_o be_v swear_v down_o how_o can_v the_o other_o two_o escape_n for_o it_o consist_v alike_o of_o three_o and_o therefore_o all_o three_o must_v needs_o run_v the_o same_o fortune_n if_o they_o reply_v that_o indeed_o they_o still_o retain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n but_o yet_o so_o only_o as_o they_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n r._n the_o like_a i_o reply_v for_o bishop_n that_o they_o be_v then_o ordain_v in_o a_o form_n allow_v by_o reform_a church_n as_o this_o in_o substance_n be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o precise_a term_n by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o ten_o year_n space_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o bishopric_n void_a and_o so_o none_o ordain_v according_a to_o the_o form_n in_o the_o council_n book_n nay_o it_o be_v apparent_o plain_a that_o some_o be_v so_o ordain_v and_o take_v that_o forenamed_a oath_n viz._n john_n archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n in_o the_o year_n 72._o and_o james_n bishop_n of_o dunkell_n in_o the_o year_n 73._o as_o it_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n where_o perhaps_o other_o be_v record_v too_o if_o they_o say_v that_o the_o scottish_a bishop_n must_v needs_o be_v part_n of_o the_o pope_n hierarchy_n because_o they_o succeed_v those_o and_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o those_o who_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o pope_n r._n i_o again_o reply_n that_o their_o presbyter_n be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o case_n for_o i_o presume_v they_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o must_v needs_o derive_v their_o order_n either_o from_o bishop_n of_o that_o obedience_n or_o from_o presbyter_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o bishop_n because_o that_o see_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v no_o other_o clergy_n man_n in_o these_o part_n they_o must_v take_v their_o order_n either_o from_o they_o or_o none_o for_o i_o persuade_v myself_o they_o will_v not_o affirm_v that_o non_fw-la presbyter_n can_n ordinare_fw-la presbyterum_fw-la nay_o as_o they_o be_v learned_a man_n they_o shall_v not_o say_v but_o that_o a_o priest_n ordain_v by_o the_o new_a roman_a church_n if_o he_o leave_v his_o superstition_n and_o turn_v protestant_n need_v no_o more_o ordination_n to_o become_v a_o presbyter_n with_o we_o but_o what_o then_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n that_o they_o abjure_v the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n r._n as_o i_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o a_o precedent_a clause_n in_o that_o covenant_n viz._n that_o they_o abjure_v the_o pope_n five_o bastard_n sacrament_n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v they_o intend_v not_o to_o swear_v out_o either_o matrimony_n or_o holy_a order_n in_o general_a which_o yet_o be_v two_o as_o all_o know_v reckon_v by_o that_o church_n among_o her_o five_o but_o only_o they_o abjure_v those_o corruption_n and_o superstitious_a form_n which_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v annex_v to_o these_o divine_a institution_n as_o in_o call_v they_o proper_a sacrament_n so_o when_o they_o abjure_v his_o wicked_a hierarchy_n they_o do_v not_o swear_v out_o bishop_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v presbyter_n or_o deacon_n but_o they_o abjure_v the_o corruption_n and_o superstitious_a concomitants_a which_o the_o pope_n have_v annex_v to_o those_o holy_a calling_n v.g._n among_o many_o other_o abuse_n that_o bishop_n be_v constrain_v to_o swear_v such_o a_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n on_o the_o pope_n as_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o their_o own_o native_a prince_n so_o that_o then_o it_o be_v almost_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o be_v at_o once_o a_o stout_a prelate_n and_o a_o loyal_a subject_n and_o suppose_v bishop_n or_o presbyter_n in_o this_o treasonable_a constitution_n they_o be_v then_o not_o doubt_n in_o that_o point_n the_o pope_n wicked_a hierarchy_n as_o now_o they_o may_v be_v the_o consistory_n all_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o urge_v because_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o act_n of_o king_n and_o council_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o that_o covenant_n because_o it_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o council_n for_o cuique_fw-la optimus_fw-la interpres_fw-la svi_fw-la the_o answer_n whether_o in_o command_v to_o swear_v the_o covenant_n 1580._o and_o 81._o his_o majesty_n that_o then_o be_v and_o his_o council_n do_v intend_v the_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o command_a oath_n and_o abjuration_n a_o twofold_a deception_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v one_o be_v in_o he_o who_o take_v the_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v no_o fraudulent_a intention_n contrary_a to_o the_o sound_n &_o profess_a intention_n of_o he_o who_o tender_v the_o oath_n otherwise_o both_o god_n name_n be_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o our_o superior_a be_v delude_v the_o other_o be_v in_o he_o that_o tender_v the_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v not_o a_o hide_a and_o secret_a intention_n contrair_a to_o that_o which_o be_v open_a and_o profess_v in_o this_o case_n the_o regard_n must_v be_v have_v not_o to_o that_o which_o be_v secret_a and_o unknown_a but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v profess_v and_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oath_n that_o abjuration_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v profess_o intend_v in_o the_o covenant_n 1580._o and_o 1581._o by_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n may_v be_v apparent_a first_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o confession_n command_v to_o be_v swear_v where_o profession_n be_v make_v that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n which_o discipline_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n but_o by_o presbytery_n the_o whole_a head_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n except_o such_o as_o concern_v patronage_n church_n rent_n and_o the_o like_a after_o much_o agitation_n from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n be_v agree_v upon_o not_o only_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o by_o his_o majesty_n council_n episcopacy_n be_v abandon_v and_o presbyterial_a government_n establish_v such_o as_o before_o be_v call_v bishop_n be_v tie_v to_o particular_a flock_n ordain_v to_o be_v call_v by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o by_o the_o name_n of_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v to_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n till_o at_o last_o in_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o dundie_n july_n 1580._o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v abolish_v by_o a_o particular_a act_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o bishop_n ordain_v to_o dimit_v the_o examine_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n like_a as_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 1581._o the_o say_a act_n be_v further_o explain_v and_o confirm_v the_o king_n commissioner_n present_v to_o the_o assembly_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o