this_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o after_o seven_o day_n sit_v declare_v all_o act_n make_v or_o hereafter_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o strength_n and_o that_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v either_o express_v in_o his_o majesty_n former_a proclamation_n and_o so_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n or_o set_v down_o in_o the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n present_v in_o name_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v full_o clear_v in_o our_o answer_n make_v thereto_o or_o else_o be_v long_o since_o propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_v send_v unto_o we_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v satisfy_v by_o our_o answer_n which_o his_o grace_n acknowledge_v by_o promise_v after_o the_o recept_n thereof_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n with_o power_n to_o determine_v upon_o all_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n manner_n and_o matter_n thereof_o all_o which_o for_o avoid_v tediousness_n we_o here_o repeat_v or_o otherwise_o the_o say_a cause_n allege_v by_o the_o commissioner_n be_v propon_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o assembly_n such_o as_o first_o that_o the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o read_v the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n exhibit_v by_o the_o prelate_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v public_o read_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o assembly_n immediate_o after_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o member_n before_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o assembly_n establish_v to_o who_o the_o same_o can_v have_v be_v read_v next_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n which_o be_v know_v to_o his_o grace_n before_o the_o indiction_n and_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n in_o violable_o observe_v before_o the_o late_a time_n of_o corruption_n that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o to_o who_o by_o the_o indiction_n and_o promise_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n the_o determination_n of_o that_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n constituent_a property_n belong_v and_o last_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o six_o assessor_n who_o do_v sit_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o ask_v and_o number_v which_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n since_o after_o 39_o national_n assembly_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n where_o neither_o the_o king_n majesty_n nor_o any_o in_o his_o name_n be_v present_a at_o the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o majesty_n gracious_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n either_o in_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n or_o by_o a_o commissioner_n not_o for_o vote_v or_o multiply_v of_o voice_n but_o as_o prince_n and_o emperor_n of_o old_a in_o a_o princely_a manner_n to_o countenance_v that_o meeting_n and_o to_o preside_v in_o it_o for_o external_a order_n and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o his_o majesty_n personal_a presence_n his_o majesty_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n will_v have_v only_o give_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o vote_v of_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o have_v call_v other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v clothe_v with_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o carry_v thing_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n therefore_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_n and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v with_o sorrowful_a and_o heavy_a but_o loyal_a heart_n that_o we_o can_v dissolve_v this_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o necessity_n of_o conveen_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v convene_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v 2._o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v now_o judicial_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n &_o covenant_n subscribe_v &_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 3._o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o a_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n than_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n &_o subscribe_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church-government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n 4._o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v lawful_o dissolve_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundùm_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 5._o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notwithstanding_o any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o master_n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherwise_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_a master_n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v uninform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 6._o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterared_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o after_o frequent_a convention_n formal_a
can_v we_o have_v any_o other_o intention_n or_o meaning_n be_v clear_o warrant_v and_o express_o command_v by_o his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o exact_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o take_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v swear_v throughout_o the_o kingdom_n in_o that_o fair_a and_o lawful_a sense_n and_o none_o other_o neither_o in_o this_o point_n do_v we_o deliver_v our_o own_o word_n or_o his_o majesty_n mind_n ambiguous_o or_o doubtful_o so_o as_o any_o other_o sense_n to_o our_o think_n can_v be_v pick_v or_o wring_v out_o of_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o we_o do_v attest_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n whether_o we_o do_v not_o to_o many_o or_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o conference_n with_o they_o ever_o since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n constant_o declare_v unto_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abolish_v we_o attest_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n whether_o before_o our_o tender_v of_o that_o oath_n to_o they_o or_o their_o lordship_n take_v of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o full_o and_o free_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o his_o majesty_n mind_n in_o command_v we_o to_o see_v this_o oath_n take_v and_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o require_v they_o to_o take_v it_o be_v only_o to_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o religion_n and_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o abjure_v of_o episcopal_a government_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n now_o in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n at_o the_o time_n of_o administer_a this_o oath_n which_o their_o lordship_n be_v the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a judge_n of_o the_o law_n know_v well_o can_v not_o be_v abjure_v after_o which_o perspicuous_a predeclaration_n of_o our_o mind_n their_o lordship_n undoubted_o in_o that_o same_o sense_n and_o none_o other_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o now_o good_a reader_n have_v hear_v his_o majesty_n mind_n and_o intention_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n concern_v this_o oath_n the_o reason_n to_o repel_v the_o former_a objection_n seem_v to_o be_v needless_a the_o know_a mind_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o urge_v a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o undoubted_a sense_n of_o it_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o objection_n have_v of_o late_o be_v main_o urge_v for_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n and_o well_o affect_v to_o that_o government_n from_o adhere_v unto_o it_o be_v please_v to_o know_v that_o the_o former_a objection_n have_v neither_o show_n nor_o force_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a oath_n and_o that_o explanation_n set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n episcopal_a government_n neither_o be_v nor_o possible_o can_v be_v abjure_v and_o that_o for_o many_o reason_n but_o especial_o these_o five_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o approve_v have_v cause_v to_o be_v here_o insert_v and_o leave_v they_o to_o thy_o impartial_a consideration_n first_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v command_v his_o subject_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o swear_v against_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o which_o he_o live_v unless_o that_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o unlawful_a until_o such_o time_n as_o that_o kingdom_n and_o church_n do_v first_o repeal_v these_o law_n and_o therefore_o episcopal_a government_n not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o be_v consonant_n unto_o it_o as_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n which_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o argue_v it_o and_o stand_v full_o establish_v both_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o abjure_v it_o before_o these_o act_n be_v repeal_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v no_o man_n will_v conceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n mean_v to_o command_v a_o thing_n absolute_o unlawful_a and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o pitiful_a shift_n and_o evasion_n that_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n establish_v episcopal_a government_n be_v unlawful_o and_o undue_o obtain_v certain_o if_o they_o have_v any_o reason_n for_o this_o their_o bold_a assertion_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n then_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endure_v in_o any_o well_o settle_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n these_o reason_n may_v be_v present_v lawful_o to_o these_o judicatories_n to_o entreat_v they_o to_o reduce_v the_o say_n act_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v strength_n and_o validity_n find_v in_o they_o but_o to_o hold_v that_o until_o such_o time_n as_o these_o judicatories_n shall_v repeal_v the_o say_n law_n they_o either_o aught_o to_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v abjure_v be_v a_o wicked_a position_n and_o destructive_a of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n second_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o oath_n shall_v oblige_v the_o now_o taker_n of_o it_o far_o than_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o taker_n of_o it_o at_o first_o for_o doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o do_v oblige_v they_o then_o and_o so_o do_v it_o we_o now_o perpetual_o because_o these_o point_n in_o themselves_o be_v perpetual_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a but_o for_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n that_o oath_n can_v bind_v the_o first_o taker_n of_o it_o no_o long_o than_o that_o discipline_n and_o government_n shall_v stand_v in_o force_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o our_o church_n in_o her_o positive_a confession_n of_o faith_n print_v among_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n artic_a 20.21_o declare_v to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o repealable_a by_o succeed_a act_n if_o the_o câ—â—rch_n shall_v see_v cause_n when_o a_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n or_o a_o judge_n at_o his_o admission_n swear_v to_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o these_o law_n the_o meaning_n of_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v or_o judge_v according_a to_o they_o long_o than_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v law_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v lawful_o repeal_v both_o king_n and_o judge_n be_v free_a from_o rule_v and_o judge_v according_a to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v thus_o lawful_o repeal_v notwithstanding_o their_o original_a oath_n since_o therefore_o if_o the_o first_o taker_n of_o that_o oath_n be_v now_o alive_a they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v abjure_v episcopal_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o establsh_v by_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n in_o her_o confession_n hold_v church_n government_n to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o repeat_v but_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v say_v to_o abjure_v that_o government_n now_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o repeat_v the_o same_o oath_n three_o how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_v this_o oath_n shall_v make_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abjure_v by_o it_o more_o than_o the_o covenanter_n require_v it_o of_o their_o associate_n in_o both_o covenant_n the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n by_o the_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o the_o contriver_n and_o urger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v subscribe_v it_o without_o abjure_v of_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o invent_v and_o make_v and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o aberdene_n quaeres_fw-la have_v full_o and_o clear_o express_v themselves_o to_o that_o sense_n hold_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o present_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o only_o refer_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o likewise_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o last_o protestation_n against_o his_o
of_o our_o worthy_a and_o religious_a progenitor_n and_o of_o many_o yet_o live_v among_o we_o which_o be_v warrant_v also_o by_o act_n of_o council_n command_v a_o general_a band_n to_o be_v make_v and_o subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n subject_n of_o all_o rank_n for_o two_o cause_n one_o be_v for_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v then_o reform_v and_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n above_o write_v and_o a_o former_a large_a confession_n establish_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o of_o parliament_n unto_o which_o it_o have_v relation_n set_v down_o in_o public_a cathechisme_n and_o which_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n with_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n preach_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n as_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o write_a word_n the_o other_o cause_n be_v for_o maintain_v the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o estate_n the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 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the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o majesty_n of_o our_o king_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o common_a happiness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n and_o because_o we_o can_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o proceed_n except_o with_o our_o profession_n and_o subscription_n we_o join_v such_o a_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o beseem_v christian_n who_o have_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o therefore_o faithful_o promise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o follower_n and_o all_o other_o under_o we_o both_o in_o public_a in_o our_o particular_a family_n and_o personal_a carriage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v good_a example_n to_o other_o of_o all_o godliness_n soberness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o every_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man._n and_o that_o this_o our_o union_n and_o conjunction_n may_v be_v observe_v without_o violation_n 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this_o to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n of_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o rather_o a_o powerful_a and_o principal_a motive_n with_o speed_n to_o convene_v the_o same_o as_o the_o proper_a judicatorie_a wherein_o to_o determine_v such_o dangerous_a and_o universal_a difference_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o hear_v that_o any_o minister_n be_v depose_v but_o only_o suspend_v during_o this_o interim_n till_o a_o general_n assembly_n for_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o flagitious_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o try_v offensive_a to_o god_n disgraceful_a to_o religion_n and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o people_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o place_n till_o they_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v and_o concern_v moderator_n none_o of_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v depose_v but_o some_o only_o change_v which_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n the_o four_o concern_v the_o repair_n of_o parishioner_n to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o 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without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n we_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n none_o but_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n and_o that_o no_o minister_n or_o elder_n shall_v have_v voice_n in_o election_n but_o in_o his_o own_o presbytery_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o particular_n be_v concern_v civil_a matter_n as_o the_o five_o concern_v the_o pay_n of_o rent_n and_o stipend_n to_o minister_n and_o bishop_n concern_v which_o we_o can_v say_v no_o further_o but_o that_o the_o law_n be_v patent_n for_o they_o as_o for_o his_o majesty_n other_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v delay_v upon_o any_o complaint_n in_o that_o kind_n the_o eight_o require_v that_o bishop_n and_o minister_n be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n we_o think_v so_o reasonable_a that_o we_o will_v promise_v every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o part_n 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to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n but_o although_o our_o adversary_n have_v herein_o calumniate_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v always_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o loyal_a subject_n petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o a_o legal_a redress_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n to_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o covenant_n the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n have_v many_o time_n and_o most_o instant_o press_v we_o with_o that_o point_n we_o do_v first_o by_o child_n invincible_a argument_n make_v manifest_a that_o we_o can_v not_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o without_o do_v wrong_n to_o this_o national_n church_n and_o all_o posterity_n rescind_n or_o alter_v the_o same_o and_o thereafter_o do_v at_o large_a clear_v the_o same_o of_o all_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n by_o our_o last_o supplication_n and_o declaration_n which_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n any_o accept_v as_o the_o 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press_v or_o threaten_v of_o the_o mean_a we_o hope_v shall_v never_o give_v his_o majesty_n the_o least_o cause_n of_o discontent_n see_v therefore_o according_a to_o our_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o remove_v all_o hindrance_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n worthy_a our_o profession_n and_o covenant_n do_v aim_n at_o nothing_o but_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o consumption_n or_o combustion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v desperate_o disease_v except_o remedy_v some_o way_n be_v speedy_o provide_v and_o we_o delight_v to_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v legal_a and_o have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o without_o further_a delay_n for_o prevent_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n than_o we_o can_v express_v our_o just_a desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v so_o shall_v we_o be_v encourage_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n still_o to_o pray_v for_o his_o majesty_n all_o increase_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n upon_o their_o refusal_n he_o send_v for_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o his_o resolution_n for_o a_o new_a journey_n that_o he_o find_v their_o way_n such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o grant_v they_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o to_o be_v a_o free_a one_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v bring_v in_o every_o man_n to_o have_v a_o voice_n who_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o if_o they_o will_v let_v he_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v sit_v there_o and_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v there_o he_o will_v give_v his_o best_a concurrence_n if_o he_o find_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o
of_o that_o employment_n by_o their_o place_n or_o such_o as_o be_v legal_o disable_v to_o sit_v and_o decide_v in_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n a_o meeting_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n can_v be_v think_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n by_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n ja._n 6._o par_fw-fr 3._o cap._n 46._o 1572._o every_o minister_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n parliament_n and_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o province_n give_v his_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a in_o write_v thereupon_o and_o open_o upon_o some_o sunday_n in_o time_n of_o sermon_n or_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o kirk_n where_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v read_v both_o the_o testimonial_a and_o confession_n and_o of_o new_a make_v the_o say_a oath_n within_o a_o month_n after_o his_o admission_n under_o the_o pain_n that_o every_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o do_v as_o be_v above_o appoint_v shall_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v deprive_v and_o all_o his_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n and_o live_a shall_v be_v then_o vacant_a as_o if_o he_o be_v then_o natural_o dead_a and_o that_o all_o inferior_a person_n under_o prelate_n be_v call_v before_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n superintendent_o and_o commissioner_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o province_n within_o which_o they_o dwell_v as_o the_o act_n bear_v all_o of_o the_o clergy_n convene_v to_o this_o assembly_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o have_v benefice_n or_o other_o ecclesiastical_a live_n yet_o nevertheless_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v never_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n superintendent_n or_o commissioner_n of_o the_o diocese_n or_o province_n subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la deprive_v and_o their_o place_n void_a as_o if_o they_o be_v natural_o dead_a and_o consequent_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o function_n in_o the_o church_n can_v be_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n hoc_fw-la maximè_fw-la attento_fw-it that_o the_o say_v person_n not_o only_o have_v never_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n nor_o can_v show_v no_o testimonial_a thereupon_o as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o say_a act_n but_o also_o have_v as_o subject_n comprehend_v in_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o acknowledge_v obey_v maintain_v defend_v &_o advance_v the_o life_n honour_n safety_n dignity_n sovereign_a authority_n and_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o his_o sovereign_a majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o highness_n crown_n with_o their_o life_n land_n and_o good_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n constant_o and_o faithful_o to_o withstand_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n power_n and_o estate_n who_o shall_v presume_v press_v or_o intend_v any_o wise_a to_o impugn_v prejudge_v hurt_n or_o impair_v the_o same_o and_o never_o to_o come_v in_o the_o contrary_a thereof_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o any_o time_n come_v as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n jacob._n 6._o parl._n 18._o cap._n 1._o car._n parl._n cap._n 1_o do_v proport_n and_o moreover_o be_v oblige_v at_o their_o admission_n to_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o testify_v and_o declare_v on_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o lawful_a supreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a band_n act_n and_o promise_n whereby_o the_o say_v person_n be_v so_o strict_o bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o premise_n his_o majesty_n have_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n at_o holy-rood-house_n septem_n 24._o 1638._o and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o his_o majesty_n have_v of_o whatsoever_o estate_n degree_n or_o quality_n ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a shall_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n together_o with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o without_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a band_n and_o confession_n but_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o other_o speech_n dissuade_v deter_v impede_v and_o hinder_v other_o of_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o public_o protest_v against_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o can_v conveen_v nor_o concur_v lawful_o to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v deprive_v and_o denude_v of_o all_o place_n and_o function_n in_o the_o same_o a_o general_a assembly_n be_v condescend_v to_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a clemency_n and_o pious_a disposition_n as_o a_o royal_a favour_n to_o those_o that_o so_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o acquiesce_v to_o his_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n which_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n sept._n 1638._o do_v not_o so_o account_v of_o and_o accept_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o say_a protestation_n whereby_o they_o protest_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o at_o other_o time_n so_o at_o this_o to_o assemble_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o any_o impediment_n or_o prorogation_n to_o the_o contrary_n as_o also_o by_o continue_v their_o meeting_n and_o table_n discharge_v by_o authority_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n according_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o counsel_n command_v for_o maintain_v his_o majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n protest_v against_o the_o same_o still_o insist_v with_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o band_n of_o mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o remit_v nothing_o of_o their_o former_a proceed_n whereby_o his_o majesty_n wrath_n be_v provoke_v thereby_o they_o be_v become_v in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n and_o pardon_n and_o so_o forfeit_a the_o favour_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v just_o fear_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o in_o this_o convention_n for_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o parl._n 15._o cap._n 31._o prelacy_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o par._n 8._o cap._n 130._o all_o person_n be_v discharge_v to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o whereas_o the_o king_n by_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o for_o that_o effect_n as_o constant_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o all_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v present_a as_o appear_v by_o many_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n ordain_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o assist_v at_o the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n decemb._n 15._o 1566._o at_o edinburgh_n 6._o march_n 1572._o at_o edinburgh_n may_v 10._o 1586._o and_o by_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o assembly_n march_v 6._o 1573._o to_o the_o regent_n earnest_o desire_v his_o own_o or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o assembly_n they_o notwithstanding_o by_o the_o say_a protestation_n septemb_n 22_o declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o their_o office_n in_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v authorize_v with_o no_o lawful_a commission_n and_o to_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n and_o withal_o do_v arrogate_v to_o their_o meeting_n a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o can_v arise_v contrary_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n whether_o in_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o in_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o
law_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v streinied_a thereto_o james_n 2._o parliament_n 2._o act_n 3._o and_o therefore_o now_o see_v there_o be_v not_o only_o violent_a presumption_n but_o great_a menace_v from_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o country_n and_o their_o adherent_n of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o country_n and_o harm_v of_o the_o examine_v and_o especial_o his_o majesty_n have_v within_o edinburgh_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a provision_n of_o munition_n to_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o that_o by_o the_o said_n bishop_n plot_n from_o his_o majesty_n prime_a officer_n who_o in_o his_o majesty_n absence_n shall_v preveene_n that_o inconvenient_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o act_n therefore_o upon_o their_o default_n the_o country_n itself_o and_o the_o king_n have_v in_o who_o favour_n the_o act_n be_v make_v may_v provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unharmed_a by_o that_o castle_n or_o any_o inhabitant_n thereof_o and_o so_o preveen_v the_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n thereunto_o conform_v to_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n pen._n second_o as_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o certain_a other_o castle_n and_o land_n be_v the_o king_n undoubted_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o what_o cause_n they_o be_v annex_v by_o who_o annex_v upon_o what_o condition_n and_o how_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o for_o the_o only_a cause_n express_v in_o the_o annexation_n thereof_o 41._o act._n james_n 2._o parliament_n 11._o be_v that_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o crown_n be_v ofttimes_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o act_n make_v no_o mention_n that_o the_o king_n be_v annexer_n of_o the_o castle_n and_o land_n to_o the_o crown_n but_o only_o that_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o full_a council_n of_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v so_o statute_n and_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o advice_n deliverance_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n so_o that_o be_v thus_o annex_v to_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o realm_n itself_o for_o avoid_v a_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o realm_n and_o be_v annex_v with_o condition_n not_o to_o be_v dispone_v upon_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o decreet_a of_o the_o whole_a parliament_n and_o for_o great_a see_v and_o reasonable_a cause_n of_o the_o realm_n justice_n and_o equity_n will_v require_v that_o these_o castle_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o poverty_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o capital_a town_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o of_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n there_o convene_v for_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n and_o prepare_v overture_n to_o the_o future_a parliament_n for_o redress_v of_o our_o just_a grievance_n but_o now_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a provision_n to_o the_o castle_n be_v threaten_v with_o ruin_n and_o exterminion_n they_o may_v stop_v the_o misemploy_v of_o that_o benefit_n grant_v to_o the_o realm_n eo_fw-la animo_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la hunc_fw-la finem_fw-la for_o the_o well_o of_o the_o realm_n while_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n give_v their_o humble_a advice_n to_o his_o majesty_n thereanent_fw-la three_o by_o the_o 9_o act._n 9_o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n dumbartane_a stirling_n and_o blaknesse_n be_v four_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v safe_o keep_v to_o the_o king_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o for_o keep_v the_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n there_o be_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n both_o money_n and_o victual_n a_o great_a part_n whereof_o be_v forth_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n which_o three_o in_o december_n 1561._o be_v decern_v and_o ordain_v by_o queen_n marie_n with_o advice_n of_o her_o council_n and_o other_o of_o the_o nobility_n then_o present_a to_o be_v up_o take_v and_o employ_v for_o these_o two_o use_n viz._n sustain_v of_o minister_n and_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o be_v also_o enact_v act_n 10._o parl._n 1_o james_n 6._o and_o thereafter_o ratify_v act_n 121._o parl._n 12._o james_n 6._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o as_o the_o castle_n be_v the_o king_n undeniable_a annex_v property_n so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o strength_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o shall_v be_v safe_o keep_v to_o his_o majesty_n behoof_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o keep_n thereof_o rend_v assign_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n forth_o out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o benefice_n estimate_n by_o the_o estate_n in_o eum_fw-la usum_fw-la for_o entertain_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o not_o loyal_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n have_v main_a interest_n to_o divert_v the_o convert_n of_o this_o strength_n to_o the_o weaken_n or_o ruin_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o threaten_v by_o this_o unusual_a provision_n and_o open_o denounce_v by_o our_o say_a enemy_n four_o by_o the_o 125._o act_n 7._o parl._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o king_n castle_n and_o strength_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o the_o only_a use_n of_o key_n be_v for_o keep_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o preservation_n and_o not_o for_o spartle_v disperse_v or_o perdition_n so_o that_o the_o realm_n and_o collective_a body_n thereof_o can_v hardly_o be_v disallow_v for_o contribute_v their_o loyal_a endeavour_n to_o the_o good_a keep_n of_o their_o kingdom_n own_o key_n when_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_a end_n these_o key_n be_v use_v against_o the_o country_n and_o realm_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v the_o key_n of_o safety_n as_o by_o the_o say_a act_n be_v declare_v five_o by_o the_o same_o act_n all_o violent_a detainer_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n from_o he_o or_o constrainer_n of_o the_o king_n regent_n do_v redeem_v his_o own_o house_n and_o all_o maker_n of_o any_o such_o bargain_n merchandise_n or_o market_n of_o the_o king_n castle_n be_v only_o ordain_v to_o rander_n and_o deliver_v again_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o reddition_n of_o the_o say_n castle_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v action_n for_o repetition_n thereof_o as_o necessary_o give_v for_o the_o time_n and_o wrongous_o receive_v for_o unlawful_a cause_n and_o our_o proceed_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v deserve_v so_o harsh_a construction_n where_o the_o part_n best_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v constrain_v for_o indemnity_n of_o their_o person_n and_o good_n do_v neither_o take_v nor_o detain_v the_o castle_n but_o only_o withhold_v importation_n first_o clandestin_o intend_v and_o thereafter_o open_o threaten_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o warlike_a and_o invasive_a furniture_n which_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o the_o harm_n and_o annoyance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v convene_v for_o the_o just_a occasion_n foresaid_n who_o deserve_v and_o expect_v approbation_n and_o they_o thanks_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n for_o keep_v his_o evil_a counselor_n and_o bad_a patriot_n from_o put_v hand_n in_o his_o best_a subject_n six_o by_o the_o 25._o act_n 6._o parliament_n james_n 2._o sundry_a point_n of_o treason_n be_v ennumerate_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n one_o be_v the_o assail_a without_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n the_o castle_n or_o place_n where_o the_o king_n person_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v and_o now_o the_o king_n person_n not_o be_v in_o this_o castle_n but_o out_o of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o subject_n best_a and_o most_o loyal_a part_n of_o his_o subject_n both_o for_o number_n and_o fidelity_n implore_v his_o majesty_n authority_n for_o convocate_a the_o estate_n to_o take_v order_n with_o these_o who_o presume_v upon_o his_o majesty_n absence_n be_v bold_a to_o give_v he_o sinistrous_a information_n and_o counsel_n these_o who_o do_v no_o way_n assail_v the_o castle_n but_o bar_n these_o evil_a patriot_n from_o put_v in_o execution_n their_o damnable_a suggestion_n by_o their_o supercherie_n violence_n and_o terrification_n from_o that_o castle_n before_o the_o convention_n of_o estate_n can_v in_o law_n and_o equity_n be_v challenge_v in_o their_o carriage_n so_o necessary_a to_o they_o in_o the_o interim_n while_o the_o estate_n convene_v in_o a_o parliament_n which_o now_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o proclaim_v seven_o it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o chronicle_n
sufficient_o evince_v that_o our_o proceed_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o destructive_a of_o any_o lawful_a three_o estate_n and_o which_o part_n of_o the_o proclamation_n do_v close_a with_o a_o undeserved_a imputation_n to_o our_o loyalty_n bear_v that_o for_o the_o like_a dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n and_o for_o other_o reason_n import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n the_o commissioner_n be_v force_v to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n but_o the_o same_o be_v so_o general_o express_v that_o it_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v do_v of_o plain_a purpose_n to_o make_v we_o hateful_a which_o we_o hope_v will_v not_o work_v that_o end_n unless_o some_o special_a act_n of_o disloyalty_n or_o malversation_n can_v be_v special_o condescend_v upon_o which_o undoubted_o have_v not_o be_v omit_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a otherways_o that_o dark_a cloud_n of_o general_a term_n can_v obfuscate_v the_o pure_a brightness_n of_o our_o sincere_a intention_n unless_o our_o true_a representation_n of_o grievance_n and_o earnest_a humble_a press_a legal_a redress_n thereof_o at_o his_o majesty_n hand_n may_v deserve_v that_o aspersion_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o these_o counsellor_n who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v rather_o in_o absolute_a obedience_n than_o a_o dutiful_a representation_n to_o their_o sovereign_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o warrantable_a wherein_o we_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n if_o either_o our_o proceed_n or_o opinion_n be_v any_o way_n derogatory_n to_o the_o true_a power_n of_o monarchical_a government_n or_o his_o majesty_n authority_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o defend_v with_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n by_o our_o covenant_n return_v and_o where_o in_o the_o proclamation_n in_o that_o part_n thereof_o anent_o the_o commissioner_n discharge_v of_o the_o assembly_n be_v insinuate_v some_o expression_n of_o his_o grace_n willingness_n to_o return_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o the_o assembly_n we_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o grace_n presence_n and_o receive_v great_a contentment_n by_o that_o countenance_n of_o royal_a authority_n in_o representation_n whereof_o we_o will_v never_o have_v deprive_v ourselves_o if_o we_o have_v have_v the_o least_o signification_n of_o any_o such_o intention_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o have_v call_v ourselves_o to_o our_o best_a remembrance_n we_o hear_v no_o word_n or_o expression_n tend_v that_o way_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_n false_a we_o do_v humble_o require_v his_o grace_n to_o give_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o discontentment_n in_o writ_n and_o to_o return_v the_o next_o day_n again_o at_o which_o time_n we_o shall_v give_v in_o sufficient_a answer_n thereto_o which_o may_v wipe_v away_o all_o his_o grace_n objection_n and_o move_v he_o to_o continue_v his_o wish_a presence_n to_o that_o assembly_n whereat_o he_o have_v public_o profess_v he_o can_v no_o long_o assist_v but_o this_o be_v refuse_v and_o the_o assembly_n discharge_v by_o he_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o protest_v both_o that_o day_n and_o the_o day_n follow_v upon_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o glasgow_n and_o to_o show_v that_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_fw-mi and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o can_v not_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o discharge_v for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o conveening_a a_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v conveen_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi in_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v then_o judicial_o and_o do_v now_o actual_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n subscribe_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n three_o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o the_o self_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_fw-mi to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o well-farre_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church_fw-mi government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n four_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v dissolve_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n five_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notstand_v any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o it_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherways_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_v m._n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v misinform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n six_o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterated_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o and_o after_o frequent_a convention_n and_o formal_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o