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
joint_a way_n of_o application_n to_o the_o king_n by_o both_o kingdom_n once_o begin_v have_v be_v continue_v and_o do_v conceive_v very_o much_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o divide_a way_n only_o we_o offer_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n further_a consideration_n whether_o this_o breach_n be_v not_o at_o least_o disputable_a there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o in_o that_o article_n of_o proposal_n proposition_n or_o bill_n but_o only_o of_o cessation_n pacification_n and_o agreement_n for_o peace_n so_o that_o it_o may_v just_o be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o send_n of_o those_o proposal_n and_o bill_n to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v in_o it_o that_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n of_o a_o breach_n of_o treaty_n between_o the_o kingdom_n as_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o treaty_n for_o either_o kingdom_n single_o and_o divide_o to_o send_v proposition_n to_o his_o majesty_n we_o shall_v crave_v leave_n that_o we_o may_v desire_v to_o to_o in_o form_v how_o this_o consist_v with_o that_o latitude_n which_o your_o lordship_n leave_v afterward_o in_o this_o same_o declaration_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o present_v bill_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o king_n for_o your_o lordship_n desire_n assurance_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o agree_v to_o such_o act_n or_o bill_n as_o shall_v be_v present_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o parliament_n of_o both_o or_o either_o kingdom_n respecitiuè_fw-la we_o may_v also_o insist_v upon_o some_o paper_n and_o proposition_n present_v to_o his_o maj._n from_o this_o kingdom_n at_o newcastle_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o the_o pacification_n conclude_v there_o with_o his_o majesty_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o disband_n and_o remove_v of_o the_o rebel_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o in_o a_o single_a way_n as_o we_o conceive_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n but_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o that_o which_o your_o lordship_n make_v the_o result_n upon_o all_o these_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n viz._n that_o they_o call_v upon_o your_o lordship_n to_o a_o duty_n to_o god_n your_o king_n and_o country_n and_o to_o your_o oppress_a brethren_n in_o england_n which_o your_o lordship_n speak_v more_o plain_o in_o the_o next_o clause_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o those_o difference_n or_o breach_n be_v such_o as_o if_o not_o repair_v by_o amicable_a endeavour_n may_v otherwise_o necessitate_v this_o kingdom_n to_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n but_o that_o first_o your_o lordship_n intend_v to_o send_v the_o three_o desire_n next_o mention_v in_o the_o declaration_n to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n we_o find_v to_o our_o second_o desire_n which_o be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o treaty_n it_o may_v be_v condescend_v upon_o and_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n what_o be_v those_o breach_n of_o peace_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n and_o that_o reparation_n thereof_o may_v be_v seek_v but_o as_o we_o see_v no_o breach_n of_o peace_n instance_a in_o the_o declaration_n and_o as_o the_o three_o breach_n of_o treaty_n insist_v upon_o by_o your_o lordship_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o least_o debatable_a so_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o any_o resolution_n of_o parliament_n that_o such_o breach_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v condescend_v upon_o by_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v and_o send_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n as_o we_o expect_v and_o they_o have_v desire_v by_o their_o commissioner_n here_o only_o we_o hear_v of_o three_o desire_n to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n for_o religion_n his_o majesty_n and_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o these_o kingdom_n we_o conceive_v its_o the_o best_a and_o most_o justificable_a way_n of_o proceed_v that_o public_a as_o well_o as_o private_a injury_n be_v declare_v and_o make_v know_v to_o those_o who_o it_o concern_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o fear_v your_o lordship_n will_v hardly_o avoid_v a_o nationall_n quarrel_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n if_o the_o three_o instance_n before_o mention_v be_v insist_v upon_o as_o breach_n of_o treaty_n to_o infer_v a_o war_n because_o when_o the_o house_n be_v most_o free_a and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o over-awing_a influence_n of_o the_o sectary_n party_n even_o than_o they_o do_v not_o suppress_v the_o irishes_n in_o this_o kingdom_n they_o do_v not_o enforce_v the_o covenant_n on_o all_o their_o officer_n much_o less_o on_o all_o english_a subject_n neither_o will_v they_o then_o admit_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o treaty_n not_o to_o send_v proposition_n of_o bill_n to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o all_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v it_o be_v far_o from_o our_o meaning_n to_o assume_v any_o judgement_n of_o the_o treaty_n between_o the_o kingdom_n only_o because_o your_o lordship_n have_v remit_v we_o to_o the_o declaration_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o conscience_n as_o in_o other_o particular_n so_o in_o this_o of_o the_o breach_n we_o have_v humble_o represent_v to_o your_o lordship_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n to_o consent_v and_o concur_v for_o our_o part_n upon_o such_o ground_n and_o withal_o see_v it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o desire_n as_o messenger_n of_o peace_n but_o your_o lordship_n profess_a resolution_n in_o this_o declaration_n that_o you_o will_v assay_v all_o brotherly_a and_o amicable_a way_n for_o repair_a difference_n and_o make_v up_o breach_n we_o recommend_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n serious_a thought_n whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o that_o brotherly_a way_n of_o proceed_v between_o two_o kingdom_n in_o covenant_n together_o to_o desire_v a_o treaty_n with_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o breach_n and_o demand_n mention_v in_o this_o your_o declaration_n especial_o see_v the_o way_n of_o treaty_n be_v the_o way_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o 1640._o before_o the_o kingdom_n be_v join_v in_o covenant_n how_o much_o more_o now_o be_v so_o conjoin_v be_v all_o possible_a and_o lawful_a way_n to_o be_v try_v for_o prevent_v the_o effusion_n of_o more_o blood_n in_o your_o lordship_n first_o demand_v which_o concern_v religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o can_v in_o our_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v as_o namely_o 1._o because_o the_o first_o two_o particular_n therein_o contain_v viz._n concern_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o directory_n of_o worship_n be_v press_v only_o upon_o subject_n which_o may_v be_v interpret_v as_o tend_v to_o exempt_v the_o king_n majesty_n not_o only_o from_o take_v the_o covenant_n which_o yet_o be_v laudable_o desire_v in_o the_o proposition_n of_o both_o kingd_a but_o from_o have_v the_o directory_n of_o worship_n practise_v in_o his_o family_n which_o be_v a_o liberty_n that_o his_o majesty_n reserve_v to_o himself_o in_o his_o late_a concession_n send_v to_o we_o and_o in_o diverse_a message_n before_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n at_o westm_n 2._o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o this_o demand_n of_o any_o application_n to_o be_v make_v at_o or_o about_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o king_n for_o obtain_v assurance_n from_o his_o majesty_n for_o his_o royal_a consent_n but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v express_v ourselves_o more_o full_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o lordship_n paper_n of_o the_o twenty_o of_o this_o month_n 3._o although_o this_o be_v the_o second_o time_n your_o lordship_n cite_v in_o this_o declaration_n a_o passage_n of_o the_o joint_a declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o which_o all_o that_o will_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v public_a enemy_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o country_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o punish_v as_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n yet_o we_o find_v no_o such_o thing_n declare_v or_o resolve_v by_o your_o lordship_n in_o this_o declaration_n in_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n take_v the_o covenant_n as_o that_o you_o will_v hold_v they_o all_o for_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n we_o hope_v your_o lordship_n will_v not_o think_v it_o just_a nor_o equal_a to_o press_v such_o a_o rule_n upon_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n except_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n yourselves_o 4._o your_o lordship_n do_v simple_o and_o absolute_o desire_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n transmit_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n to_o the_o house_n be_v approven_v whereas_o the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o general_n assembly_n approve_v
or_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o declaration_n his_o majesty_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n before_o security_n have_v from_o he_o for_o religion_n as_o we_o desire_v the_o next_o qualification_n add_v by_o your_o lordship_n immediate_o be_v in_o these_o word_n have_v find_v his_o late_a concession_n and_o offer_n concern_v religion_n not_o satisfactory_a where_o first_o the_o word_n have_v find_v may_v be_v various_o understand_v either_o when_o his_o majesty_n shall_v have_v find_v or_o when_o your_o lordship_n shall_v have_v find_v or_o because_o his_o majesty_n have_v find_v or_o because_o your_o lordship_n have_v find_v next_o the_o word_n not_o satisfactory_a be_v as_o doubtful_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v in_o several_a sense_n either_o that_o his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v concern_v religion_n be_v not_o satisfactory_a in_o themselves_o or_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o satisfactory_a to_o your_o lordship_n nor_o to_o we_o or_o the_o meaning_n may_v be_v only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfactory_a to_o we_o which_o doubtfulness_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o observe_v because_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o hitherto_o return_v we_o any_o clear_a or_o positive_a answer_n to_o our_o five_o desire_n that_o his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v concern_v religion_n as_o they_o have_v be_v by_o the_o church_n so_o may_v be_v by_o the_o parliament_n declare_v unsatisfactory_a only_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v here_o to_o make_v a_o light_a transition_n over_o that_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o grave_a subject_n of_o a_o solemn_a declaration_n the_o three_o qualification_n in_o the_o assurance_n to_o be_v require_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v agree_v to_o such_o act_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o bill_n as_o shall_v be_v present_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o parliament_n of_o both_o or_o either_o kingdom_n respective_o for_o enjoin_v the_o covenant_n and_o establish_v the_o presbyterial_a government_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n but_o we_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n good_a of_o religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n own_o happiness_n that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o godly_a reform_a king_n of_o judah_n and_o of_o the_o best_a christian_a emperor_n of_o old_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n declare_v his_o own_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n for_o the_o reformation_n and_o settle_v religion_n and_o that_o your_o lordship_n shall_v do_v well_o to_o solicit_v and_o incite_v his_o majesty_n hereunto_o rather_o than_o to_o seem_v to_o yield_v so_o far_o as_o that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v be_v free_a for_o his_o part_n till_o his_o parliament_n of_o both_o or_o either_o kingdom_n respective_o agree_v what_o act_n or_o bill_n to_o present_v to_o he_o the_o prepare_v and_o present_v whereof_o how_o much_o it_o may_v be_v retard_v and_o obstruct_v by_o the_o prevalency_n both_o of_o malignant_n and_o sectary_n we_o know_v not_o see_v therefore_o his_o majesty_n owe_v a_o duty_n do_v to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o reformation_n and_o settlement_n of_o religion_n your_o lordship_n may_v do_v better_a to_o solicit_v his_o majesty_n and_o to_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v positive_o declare_v himself_o willing_a and_o ready_a for_o his_o part_n and_o for_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o that_o he_o give_v assurance_n for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o particular_n your_o lordship_n further_o declare_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o eight_o and_o last_o desire_n that_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o subjoin_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o undertake_n a_o oath_n wherein_o both_o in_o the_o frame_n thereof_o and_o otherwise_o your_o lordship_n be_v willing_a the_o church_n shall_v have_v their_o due_a interest_n as_o former_o in_o the_o like_a case_n where_o as_o we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o your_o lordship_n meaning_n do_v reach_v in_o the_o word_n other_o way_n and_o in_o the_o word_n due_a so_o we_o know_v not_o why_o your_o lordship_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o agree_v to_o our_o desire_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v and_o the_o word_n stand_v viz_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o engagement_n without_o a_o solemn_a oath_n wherein_o the_o kirk_n may_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o desire_n be_v so_o far_o unsatisfied_a that_o for_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o undertake_n we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o allow_v or_o preserx_v to_o we_o but_o rather_o that_o the_o declaration_n hold_v forth_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o undertake_n already_o resolve_v upon_o by_o your_o lordship_n only_o leave_v we_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o be_v subjoin_v and_o that_o not_o without_o some_o uncertain_a and_o dubious_a qualification_n as_o have_v be_v touch_v mean_o while_o we_o see_v only_o a_o declaration_n without_o a_o oath_n and_o as_o declaration_n be_v alterable_a by_o parliament_n and_o their_o proceed_n sometime_o not_o agreeable_a to_o their_o declaration_n which_o he_o experience_n of_o these_o time_n have_v teach_v we_o so_o if_o there_o be_v a_o oath_n subjoin_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o undertake_v express_v in_o this_o declaration_n we_o can_v not_o account_v it_o a_o lawful_a oath_n but_o that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o business_n worse_o your_o lordship_n add_v somewhat_o further_o relate_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o first_o and_o second_o desire_n namely_o that_o your_o lordship_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o war_n before_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n thereof_o be_v clear_v so_o as_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o reparation_n to_o such_o bpeache_n and_o injuric_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v condescend_v upon_o shall_v be_v demand_v in_o such_o a_o just_a one_fw-mi fit_a way_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v most_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a this_o clause_n as_o likewise_o that_o which_o follow_v that_o many_o of_o the_o danger_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o resolution_n be_v by_o this_o declaration_n of_o your_o lordship_n make_v know_v to_o this_o kingdom_n seem_v to_o hold_v we_o in_o suspense_n till_o all_o the_o danger_n ground_n and_o resolution_n be_v make_v know_v and_o till_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o war_n be_v clear_v and_o the_o way_n of_o seek_v reparation_n resolve_v upon_o yet_o eour_n lordship_n may_v be_v please_v to_o remember_v that_o in_o that_o part_n of_o your_o answer_n to_o we_o of_o the_o twenty_o which_o be_v a_o return_n to_o our_o desire_n of_o know_v full_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n and_o be_v satisfy_v on_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o be_v remit_v to_o the_o declaretion_n as_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 as_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v concern_v a_o present_a put_v of_o the_o country_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n as_o in_o anno_fw-la 1643._o we_o shall_v be_v glad_a it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v real_o that_o the_o ground_n principle_n and_o end_n be_v the_o same_o now_o they_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1643._o otherwise_o the_o like_a act_n upon_o different_a ground_n and_o for_o different_a end_n make_v it_o not_o the_o same_o cause_n your_o lordship_n do_v indeed_o speak_v of_o the_o principle_n express_v in_o the_o declaration_n as_o the_o same_o with_o the_o first_o principle_n contain_v in_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n but_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o conceive_v they_o be_v new_a and_o different_a principle_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o several_a particular_n before_o mention_v we_o can_v here_o pass_v a_o new_a interpretation_n which_o the_o declaration_n put_v upon_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n viz._n that_o we_o do_v solemn_o swear_v and_o promise_v before_o god_n and_o his_o angeli_fw-la to_o endeavour_v reformation_n of_o and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o church-government_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n where_o we_o pass_v your_o lordship_n limit_v and_o restrict_v of_o uniformity_n more_o than_o the_o covenant_n do_v which_o may_v infer_v that_o uniformity_n in_o church-government_n between_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o three_o covenant_v kingdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n or_o measure_n than_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n of_o in_o other_o reform_a kirk_n but_o that_o which_o here_o we_o chief_o aim_v at_o be_v the_o follow_a clause_n of_o the_o declaration_n
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 strike_v equal_o on_o both_o hand_n begin_v to_o reform_v at_o home_n your_o lordship_n say_v well_o that_o the_o not_o taker_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v by_o the_o joint_a declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n declare_v to_o be_v public_a enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o country_n and_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o profess_a adversary_n and_o malignant_n but_o we_o wish_v your_o lordship_n may_v not_o forget_v to_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n take_v the_o covenant_n in_o england_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o your_o lordship_n as_o common_a enemy_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v and_o punish_v the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o covenant_n out_o of_o the_o new_a proposition_n send_v to_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n we_o utter_o disapprove_v and_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o but_o we_o wish_v there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o guiltiness_n of_o this_o same_o kind_n at_o home_n when_o it_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o public_a desire_n send_v up_o in_o august_n last_o to_o his_o majesty_n and_o whereas_o your_o lordship_n do_v enumerate_v among_o these_o breach_n of_o covenant_n that_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o trial_n and_o condign_a punishment_n for_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n divide_v the_o king_n from_o his_o people_n one_o of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o another_o or_o make_v any_o faction_n or_o party_n among_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n have_v be_v protect_v and_o assist_v we_o shall_v here_o only_o desire_v your_o lordship_n to_o remember_v that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a of_o malignant_n as_o well_o as_o of_o sectary_n and_o for_o our_o part_n whatsoever_o liberty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o manner_n or_o circumstance_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v necessary_a both_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o solemn_a covenant_n viz._n that_o justice_n be_v do_v and_o condign_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o all_o hinderer_n of_o reformation_n and_o peace_n and_o all_o who_o make_v faction_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n whether_o they_o be_v sectary_n or_o malignant_n but_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o malignant_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o respective_a parliament_n think_v fit_a which_o your_o lordship_n give_v we_o a_o touch_n of_o in_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o your_o narrative_a we_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n consideration_n whether_o you_o do_v not_o hereby_o furnish_v such_o a_o retortion_n to_o those_o that_o favour_n the_o sectary_n in_o england_n as_o that_o they_o may_v plead_v from_o that_o principle_n in_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o sectary_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v simple_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o your_o lordship_n must_v allow_v they_o the_o same_o latitude_n of_o favour_n towards_o the_o sectary_n as_o before_o you_o have_v allow_v both_o to_o yourselves_o and_o they_o towards_o the_o malignant_n your_o lordship_n add_v as_o another_o breach_n of_o covenant_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o firm_a union_n and_o peace_n between_o the_o kingdom_n a_o breach_n have_v be_v endeavour_v which_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o a_o rock_n to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_o avoid_v it_o be_v our_o grief_n that_o there_o be_v also_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n at_o home_n as_o no_o less_o guilty_a of_o endeavour_v a_o breach_n between_o the_o kingdom_n the_o attempt_n injury_n and_o violence_n of_o that_o party_n of_o sectary_n against_o his_o majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o the_o hard_a condition_n he_o be_v reduce_v unto_o by_o their_o mean_n we_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o and_o as_o we_o have_v often_o before_o profess_a our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n have_v not_o be_v neither_o shall_v be_v want_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v ponder_v by_o your_o lordship_n whether_o they_o that_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v the_o require_v of_o satisfaction_n and_o security_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n before_o his_o restitution_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n do_v not_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o by_o consequence_n obstruct_v and_o hinder_v his_o majesty_n deliverance_n and_o restitution_n whereof_o such_o security_n and_o assurance_n have_v from_o his_o majesty_n may_v be_v a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a mean_n as_o we_o know_v not_o who_o your_o lordship_n mean_v when_o you_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o have_v warrant_n from_o the_o parliament_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o access_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o yet_o be_v debar_v and_o as_o no_o violence_n nor_o injury_n offer_v to_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o another_o kingdom_n can_v be_v excuse_v so_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o soldier_n act_n in_o remove_v once_o the_o earl_n of_o lauderdale_n from_o wooburne_n be_v not_o only_o disclaim_v but_o his_o lordship_n often_o thereafter_o permit_v free_a access_n to_o his_o majesty_n your_o lordship_n insist_v upon_o three_o instance_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o treaty_n one_o of_o the_o large_a treaty_n and_o two_o other_o breach_n of_o the_o treaty_n 1643._o as_o to_o the_o first_o which_o for_o order_n sake_n we_o begin_v at_o we_o can_v say_v that_o it_o hold_v forth_o any_o convince_a clearness_n to_o we_o yea_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n whereunto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o treaty_n be_v not_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o this_o kingdom_n at_o london_n but_o a_o alternative_a for_o assistance_n against_o the_o rebel_n by_o force_n or_o monies_n after_o which_o the_o parliament_n of_o this_o kingdom_n make_v a_o desire_n of_o assistance_n by_o money_n which_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n promise_v to_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n and_o see_v your_o lordship_n in_o this_o same_o declaration_n wave_v breach_n of_o treaty_n in_o money-matter_n even_o where_o the_o money_n be_v due_a by_o treaty_n we_o hope_v your_o lordship_n will_v find_v it_o the_o more_o inexpedient_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o not_o obtain_v of_o that_o assistance_n by_o money_n against_o the_o rebel_n be_v a_o way_n not_o provide_v by_o the_o treaty_n concern_v the_o other_o two_o breach_n which_o pitch_v upon_o the_o treaty_n 1643._o first_o your_o lordship_n say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o first_o article_n of_o that_o treaty_n the_o covenant_n shall_v have_v be_v take_v by_o both_o kingdom_n but_o that_o now_o by_o the_o prevalent_a party_n of_o sectary_n and_o their_o adherent_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lay_v aside_o in_o the_o new_a proposition_n and_o no_o execution_n of_o public_a order_n for_o take_v it_o throughout_o the_o country_n but_o many_o in_o place_n of_o trust_n have_v never_o take_v it_o neither_o be_v urge_v to_o take_v it_o certain_o such_o slieght_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n against_o god_n and_o a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v desire_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n to_o press_v it_o not_o only_o upon_o person_n of_o trust_n but_o universal_o on_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o any_o just_a ground_n of_o war_n against_o that_o kingdom_n in_o that_o which_o have_v be_v instance_a by_o your_o lordship_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o covenant_n be_v take_v by_o the_o representative_n and_o other_o chief_a corporation_n in_o england_n whereupon_o both_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o parliament_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v frequent_o mention_v in_o their_o act_n letter_n and_o declaration_n the_o union_n and_o conjunction_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n neither_o be_v we_o without_o hope_n if_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o right_a way_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n may_v be_v bring_v a_o further_a length_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n whereof_o we_o be_v the_o more_o confident_a because_o of_o the_o famous_a and_o frequent_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o against_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n by_o the_o ministry_n in_o divers_a province_n in_o england_n as_o for_o the_o last_o breach_n which_o your_o lordship_n conceive_v to_o be_v against_o the_o eight_o article_n of_o the_o same_o treaty_n 1643._o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o
viz._n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mâ—an_n and_o life_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o prese_n vation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o also_o in_o every_o cause_n which_o may_v concern_v his_o majesty_n honour_n to_o concur_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n yet_o your_o lordship_n know_v that_o no_o such_o interpretation_n bathe_v be_v make_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v here_o to_o make_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o your_o lordship_n meaning_n be_v only_o of_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v withal_o that_o the_o plain_a and_o grammatical_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n will_v carry_v that_o interpretation_n either_o upon_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n only_o or_o both_o upon_o it_o and_o upon_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n however_o although_o our_o national_a covenant_n only_o be_v here_o fix_v upon_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o expression_n in_o the_o supplication_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1639._o to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o weighty_a consideration_n which_o we_o humble_o offer_v against_o the_o application_n of_o that_o supplication_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o present_a dusinesse_n for_o 1._o his_o majesty_n be_v at_o that_o time_n give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o public_a desire_n of_o this_o kirk_n concern_v religion_n we_o hearty_o wish_v we_o may_v say_v the_o like_a now_o 2._o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o cause_n state_v in_o the_o declaration_n to_o be_v for_o his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o so_o to_o fall_v within_o that_o duty_n express_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o happiness_n and_o your_o lordship_n also_o have_v acknowledge_v in_o your_o oath_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o honour_n happiness_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n so_o whatsoever_o cross_v or_o prejudice_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o of_o the_o end_n thereof_o can_v with_o we_o find_v any_o such_o commendation_n as_o to_o be_v a_o cause_n which_o concern_v his_o majesty_n honour_n 3._o whatsoever_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o king_n in_o civil_a matter_n distinct_a from_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n sure_o all_o these_o other_o duty_n be_v with_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o we_o be_v very_o confident_a it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v far_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n under_o colour_n of_o his_o majesty_n honour_n to_o concur_v with_o he_o or_o any_o in_o his_o name_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v hurtful_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o other_o end_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n yet_o the_o cause_n state_v in_o the_o declaration_n we_o humble_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o 4._o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o crosse-petition_n have_v cite_v the_o same_o clause_n of_o the_o say_a petition_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o make_v use_n thereof_o in_o order_n to_o a_o engagement_n in_o war_n in_o his_o majesty_n quarrel_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n be_v declare_v against_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anno_fw-la 1643._o and_o among_o other_o particular_n it_o be_v then_o declare_v that_o the_o limitation_n express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n supplication_n viz._n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o duty_n of_o good_a subject_n be_v interpret_v by_o some_o that_o speak_v at_o the_o time_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v within_o this_o kingdom_n we_o not_o know_v of_o any_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o further_a extent_n it_o be_v also_o then_o observe_v any_o may_v now_o be_v apply_v and_o remember_v that_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n have_v be_v subscribe_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o and_o 1590._o before_o king_n james_n be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o be_v qualify_v in_o the_o particular_a head_n and_o article_n by_o express_a limitation_n and_o restriction_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n to_o the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o scotland_n can_v no_o more_o be_v extend_v to_o municipal_a debate_n and_o to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o england_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v stranger_n than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n can_v judge_v of_o our_o law_n and_o determine_v our_o difference_n the_o two_o kingdom_n be_v still_o independent_a each_o on_o other_o and_o not_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o large_a treaty_n full_o declare_v as_o to_o that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o declaration_n that_o this_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n will_v now_o make_v it_o evident_a as_o they_o have_v often_o declare_v that_o their_o quietness_n stability_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o maintenance_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o royal_a authority_n who_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n set_v over_o we_o for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n we_o shall_v only_o put_v your_o sordship_n in_o mind_n that_o your_o national_a covenant_n join_v with_o his_o majesty_n safety_n his_o good_a behaviour_n in_o his_o office_n and_o say_v that_o the_o quietness_n and_o stability_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o kick_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o saety_n and_o good_a behaviour_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o upon_o a_o comfortable_a instrument_n of_o god_n mercy_n grant_v to_o this_o country_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n otherwise_o if_o a_o king_n do_v not_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v ot_fw-mi his_o safety_n alone_o that_o make_v his_o peaple_n to_o be_v in_o quietness_n and_o happiness_n withal_o as_o our_o quietness_n and_o happiness_n depend_v on_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o do_v of_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n for_o good_a so_o the_o honour_n greatness_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o subject_n depend_v upon_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v well_o express_v in_o your_o lordship_n oath_n gf_a parliament_n and_o now_o we_o shall_v with_o your_o lordship_n favour_n and_o permission_n make_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o as_o we_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v against_o a_o engagement_n with_o this_o kingdom_n in_o war_n but_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o consent_v thereto_o if_o once_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v the_o clearness_n lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o quarrel_n and_o concern_v our_o call_n manner_n of_o proceed_v instrument_n to_o be_v entrust_v security_n to_o be_v have_v for_o religion_n and_o other_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o former_a paper_n not_o yet_o satisfy_v by_o your_o lordship_n so_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o we_o can_v we_o dare_v not_o in_o our_o conscience_n agree_v to_o a_o engagement_n upon_o such_o ground_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v state_v in_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o exoneration_n do_v dissent_n from_o the_o whole_a complex_fw-la business_n in_o the_o say_a declaration_n as_o not_o contain_v clear_a and_o convince_a ground_n of_o undertake_v of_o a_o war_n nor_o provide_v for_o the_o security_n of_o religion_n nor_o clear_o disclaim_v his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v as_o unsatisfactory_a nor_o tend_v to_o the_o suppression_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n but_o rather_o to_o compliance_n with_o they_o as_o we_o humble_o conceive_v nor_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n and_o know_a interest_n of_o the_o kirk_n nor_o propose_v the_o way_n of_o treaty_n and_o all_o other_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v seek_v and_o assay_v before_o a_o war_n for_o which_o reason_n and_o other_o before_o mention_v upon_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o declaration_n we_o plain_o declare_v our_o dissent_n from_o the_o complex_fw-la circumstantiat_fw-la state_n of_o the_o present_a business_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n and_o take_v to_o witness_v god_n angel_n and_o man_n that_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o
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
conference_n and_o who_o shall_v be_v appoint_v for_o draw_v up_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n to_o find_v out_o some_o more_o smooth_a expression_n in_o place_n thereof_o with_o the_o like_a security_n to_o religion_n 7._o item_n to_o the_o seven_o desire_n the_o say_v estate_n of_o parliament_n declare_v that_o they_o will_v be_v careful_a that_o none_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o command_n of_o their_o army_n nor_o in_o their_o committee_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o know_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o just_a case_n of_o exception_n item_n to_o the_o eight_o article_n or_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n declare_v that_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o engagement_n and_o undertake_v a_o oath_n shall_v be_v subjoin_v wherein_o both_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o otherways_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v their_o due_a interest_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n desire_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o of_o that_o committee_n of_o parliament_n of_o 24._o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o same_o committee_n for_o the_o conference_n and_o state_v of_o the_o question_n for_o agree_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o engagement_n and_o draw_v up_o such_o a_o state_n of_o a_o question_n as_o may_v unite_v this_o nation_n in_o a_o unanimous_a undertake_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o safety_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o this_o kingdom_n extract_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o parliament_n by_o i_o sir_n alexander_n gibson_n of_o durie_n knight_n clerk_z of_o his_o majesty_n register_n council_n and_o roll_n under_o my_o sign_n and_o subscription_n manuel_n alex._n gibson_n cler_n regist_n edinburgh_n 29._o martii_fw-la 1648._o a_o humble_a representation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parli_n upon_o their_o l._n answer_n to_o the_o eight_o desire_n late_o present_v to_o their_o lordship_n have_v receive_v yesterday_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n to_o our_o late_a desire_n present_v to_o their_o lordship_n upon_o the_o 22._o of_o this_o instant_n we_o do_v immediate_o take_v to_o our_o consideration_n the_o particular_a answer_n give_v thereunto_o and_o now_o without_o any_o long_a delay_n do_v humble_o represent_v to_o their_o honour_n our_o sense_n of_o the_o particular_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o desire_n we_o conceive_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n express_v in_o your_o lordship_n answer_v there_o may_v be_v a_o act_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o war_n before_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o war_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v agree_v upon_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o do_v desire_v to_o be_v avoid_v 2._o in_o the_o answer_n to_o our_o second_o desire_n we_o neither_o find_v any_o breach_n of_o peace_n between_o the_o kingdom_n which_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n condescend_v upon_o nor_o any_o positive_a resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n to_o seek_v reparation_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o treaty_n yet_o both_o these_o be_v desire_v by_o we_o 3._o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o desire_n instead_o of_o that_o clause_n of_o the_o desire_n the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o england_n who_o continue_v firm_a in_o adhere_v to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n we_o find_v this_o change_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o answer_n the_o presbyterian_o and_o well-affected_a in_o england_n which_o as_o the_o word_n stand_v may_v intimate_v and_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o well-affected_a in_o england_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n nor_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n 4._o our_o four_o desire_n for_o not_o join_v or_o associate_a what_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a or_o malignant_a party_n if_o they_o shall_v again_o rise_v in_o arm_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v endeavour_v to_o suppress_v they_o as_o enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o sectary_n upon_o the_o other_o be_v so_o just_a in_o itself_o so_o consonant_a to_o the_o former_a principle_n and_o profession_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n since_o their_o first_o engagement_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o be_v also_o as_o clear_v both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n as_o the_o covenant_n treaty_n and_o declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n we_o can_v conceive_v wherein_o it_o need_v explanation_n or_o what_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n can_v be_v make_v concern_v it_o as_o it_o stand_v unless_o there_o be_v now_o some_o more_o favourable_a and_o friendly_a intention_n towards_o the_o malignant_a party_n then_o former_o which_o we_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o avert_v and_o although_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o some_o plead_v for_o malignant_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o as_o friend_n rather_o than_o avoid_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o our_o late_a declaration_n yet_o we_o trust_v that_o any_o such_o design_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n 5._o touch_v the_o 5_o desire_v as_o your_o lordship_n answer_n em_v to_o sup_v see_v his_o majeâ—late_a concession_n concern_v religion_n not_o to_o be_v satisfactory_a so_o these_o concession_n be_v so_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o cause_n &_o covenant_n we_o wish_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v against_o they_o both_o positive_o without_o any_o condition_n and_o present_o without_o any_o delay_n 6._o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o sixth_o desire_n as_o thereis_n much_o say_v in_o the_o first_o part_n for_o security_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n so_o that_o clause_n viz._n that_o this_o security_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n before_o his_o restitution_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a tower_n not_o be_v agree_v to_o by_o your_o lordship_n but_o rather_o lay_v aside_o until_o some_o smooth_a expression_n be_v find_v out_o we_o be_v leave_v unsatisfied_a in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a of_o that_o desire_n and_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o any_o security_n express_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o your_o lordship_n answer_n if_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v upon_o another_o expression_n contain_v as_o good_a and_o as_o real_a security_n for_o religion_n we_o shall_v have_v acquiess_v therein_o without_o stick_v upon_o word_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o expression_n yet_o condescend_v upon_o and_o that_o clause_n of_o we_o without_o which_o the_o whole_a desire_n be_v lest_o uncertain_a lay_v aside_o for_o the_o present_a we_o can_v find_v ourselves_o therein_o satisfy_v as_o yet_o 7._o the_o answer_n to_o the_o seven_o desire_n concern_v such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v in_o army_n and_o committee_n do_v omit_v some_o of_o the_o qualification_n express_v in_o our_o desire_n viz._n such_o as_o have_v give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o more_o confident_o encourage_v our_o flock_n to_o follow_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o fidelity_n which_o qualification_n be_v contain_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o omit_v in_o your_o lordship_n answer_n we_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n that_o this_o omission_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o as_o if_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o mean_v to_o agree_v full_o to_o that_o desire_n and_o so_o take_v occasion_n to_o deal_v for_o employ_v and_o entrust_v such_o in_o the_o committee_n and_o army_n as_o may_v be_v just_o exclude_v by_o the_o qualification_n contain_v in_o our_o say_a desire_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o desire_n in_o stead_n of_o that_o clear_a expression_n use_v by_o we_o namely_o that_o the_o kirke_n may_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o any_o oath_n for_o a_o new_a engagement_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n we_o find_v this_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a expression_n the_o church_fw-mi shall_v have_v their_o due_a interest_n which_o difference_n of_o your_o lordship_n expression_n from_o we_o may_v also_o be_v interpret_v by_o some_o as_o if_o the_o kirk_n have_v assume_v more_o interest_n in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n than_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o unto_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o our_o desire_n unto_o which_o we_o still_o adhere_v as_o just_a and_o necessary_a be_v
receive_v from_o your_o lordship_n can_v but_o leave_v we_o under_o just_a fear_n and_o sad_a apprehension_n the_o three_o part_n of_o your_o lordship_n answer_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o desire_n of_o be_v satisfy_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n where_o your_o lordship_n again_o refer_v we_o to_o the_o declaration_n as_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 this_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v with_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o declaration_n where_o your_o lordship_n profess_v that_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o war_n before_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n thereof_o be_v clear_v so_o as_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o reparation_n to_o such_o breach_n or_o injury_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v condescend_v on_o shall_v be_v demand_v in_o such_o a_o just_a and_o fit_a way_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v most_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a the_o one_o passage_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o satisfaction_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o other_o hold_v we_o still_o in_o suspense_n till_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o war_n be_v clear_v and_o the_o way_n of_o demand_v reparation_n resolve_v upon_o for_o that_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o say_v in_o the_o end_n that_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o declaration_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 what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n shall_v appear_v to_o your_o lordship_n in_o our_o paper_n which_o we_o be_v to_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n concern_v the_o declaration_n unto_o which_o we_o refer_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o sense_n of_o other_o particular_n in_o this_o business_n not_o here_o express_v a._n ker_n the_o humble_a representation_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n upon_o their_o declaration_n late_o communicate_v to_o we_o edinburgh_n 28._o april_n 1648._o see_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v in_o your_o answer_n to_o we_o of_o the_o twenty_o of_o this_o month_n to_o remit_v we_o to_o your_o declaration_n to_o the_o kingdom_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n former_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n as_o likewise_o to_o our_o other_o desire_n concern_v application_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o see_v your_o lordship_n in_o the_o same_o paper_n answer_v our_o desire_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v please_v again_o to_o remit_v we_o to_o the_o declaration_n as_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 we_o have_v therefore_o take_v to_o our_o serious_a consideration_n your_o lordship_n declaration_n to_o look_v after_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o these_o our_o desire_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o our_o fear_n and_o dis-satisfaction_n be_v not_o a_o little_a increase_v by_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n we_o shall_v not_o search_v into_o some_o particular_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o narrative_a part_n neither_o shall_v we_o be_v curious_a after_o the_o reason_n why_o in_o so_o large_a a_o declaration_n concern_v public_a danger_n duty_n and_o remedy_n there_o be_v no_o expression_n for_o preservation_n of_o monarchical_a government_n in_o his_o majesty_n posterity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o the_o preface_n we_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o we_o can_v have_v wish_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v please_v to_o express_v yourselves_o more_o plain_o who_o be_v those_o obstructer_n and_o traducer_n of_o your_o lordship_n proceed_n those_o deceiver_n and_o abuser_n of_o the_o people_n which_o 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bring_v to_o such_o condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o respective_a parliament_n think_v fit_a we_o shall_v here_o pass_v your_o lordship_n omit_v of_o the_o treaty_n between_o the_o kingdom_n which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v a_o near_a and_o immediate_a influence_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o conjunction_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o arm_n although_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o chief_a foundation_n thereof_o but_o whereas_o your_o lordship_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o the_o cloud_n of_o malignancy_n be_v then_o sufficient_o dissipate_v or_o at_o least_o that_o the_o covenant_n be_v sufficient_o perform_v in_o bring_v delinquent_n to_o such_o condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o respective_a parliament_n think_v fit_a we_o be_v sorry_a that_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o remember_v what_o forbearance_n yea_o favour_n and_o friendship_n have_v be_v grant_v to_o many_o such_o and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v the_o danger_n from_o these_o former_a common_a enemy_n past_a 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in_o divers_a particular_n break_v by_o many_o in_o both_o kingdom_n the_o lord_n pardon_v it_o and_o accept_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v many_o seven_o thousand_o in_o england_n who_o have_v not_o only_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a and_o retain_v their_o integrity_n in_o that_o business_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v foul_o and_o shameful_a break_v by_o as_o many_o of_o the_o prevalent_a party_n of_o sectary_n and_o their_o adherent_n as_o ever_o take_v the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a and_o by_o their_o mean_n have_v come_v the_o resist_a and_o hinder_v of_o reformation_n connivance_n at_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o other_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n but_o it_o can_v as_o little_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o there_o be_v dangerous_a breach_n of_o covenant_n by_o malignant_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o your_o lordship_n know_v true_a zeal_n against_o breach_n of_o covenant_n
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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