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blood_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n but_o also_o their_o honour_n and_o whole_a estate_n now_o this_o present_a lord_n balmerino_n be_v so_o extraordinary_o oblige_v to_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o our_o crown_n for_o the_o life_n of_o his_o father_n his_o own_o honour_n and_o whole_a fortune_n and_o so_o be_v one_o from_o who_o we_o the_o son_n of_o that_o royal_a and_o gracious_a father_n to_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a family_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v perfidiousness_n and_o ingratitude_n he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o favour_n from_o we_o but_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a trial_n which_o we_o grant_v he_o at_o that_o trial_n and_o arraignment_n he_o be_v by_o his_o peer_n find_v guilty_a of_o abet_v and_o disperse_v that_o infamous_a libel_n make_v against_o we_o and_o according_o be_v to_o receive_v sentence_n of_o death_n for_o it_o which_o our_o chief_a justice_n respite_v only_o until_o our_o pleasure_n may_v be_v know_v then_o indeed_o they_o who_o afterward_o prove_v the_o contriver_n of_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o their_o adherent_n begin_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o hard_a measure_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o this_o lord_n and_o to_o lay_v false_a and_o wicked_a aspersion_n upon_o his_o peer_n who_o find_v he_o guilty_a but_o find_v that_o all_o the_o proceed_n be_v usual_a and_o legal_a they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v acquit_v the_o judge_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v condemn_v he_o nor_o can_v they_o have_v find_v the_o least_o blemish_n in_o our_o justice_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v give_v warrant_n both_o for_o his_o sentence_n and_o execution_n who_o life_n be_v now_o legal_o devolve_v into_o our_o hand_n and_o therefore_o this_o convict_a lord_n betake_v himself_o only_o to_o our_o mercy_n which_o we_o show_v to_o he_o in_o that_o height_n as_o we_o be_v confident_a it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v pattern_v by_o any_o precedent_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o head_n of_o this_o family_n which_o be_v first_o raise_v by_o our_o father_n and_o then_o be_v fall_v yet_o raise_v by_o he_o again_o and_o now_o relapse_v be_v once_o again_o bring_v under_o our_o axe_n as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o bring_v under_o the_o axe_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n we_o desirous_a to_o show_v ourself_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o none_o of_o our_o bless_a father_n virtue_n more_o than_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o clemency_n be_v content_v upon_o his_o deep_a protestation_n of_o loyalty_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o grant_v he_o under_o our_o great_a seal_n for_o that_o our_o kingdom_n not_o only_o a_o pardon_n of_o that_o crime_n of_o which_o he_o stand_v convict_v but_o also_o his_o full_a liberty_n and_o enlargement_n which_o gracious_a pardon_n of_o we_o when_o
that_o barbarous_a insurrection_n which_o be_v raise_v the_o next_o day_n sufficient_o testify_v on_o the_o eighteen_o of_o october_n 1637._o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n and_o sir_n william_n elfinston_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n to_o examine_v witness_n in_o a_o cause_n depend_v before_o they_o between_o francis_n stuart_n son_n to_o the_o late_a earl_n of_o bothwell_n and_o divers_a other_o the_o bishop_n be_v peaceable_o pass_v along_o the_o street_n towards_o the_o council-house_n where_o the_o examination_n be_v to_o be_v take_v but_o sudden_o a_o enrage_a multitude_n surround_v he_o and_o follow_v he_o with_o fearful_a curse_n and_o exclamation_n close_o to_o the_o council-house_n door_n where_o he_o be_v again_o encounter_v afresh_o with_o a_o new_a troop_n who_o watch_v and_o lay_v in_o wait_n for_o his_o come_n thither_o and_o who_o fury_n exceed_v word_n for_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o bishop_n have_v be_v pull_v in_o piece_n by_o they_o if_o by_o divine_a providence_n he_o have_v not_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o say_v francis_n stuart_n who_o with_o much_o ado_n get_v the_o bishop_n within_o the_o door_n of_o the_o council-house_n where_o our_o lord_n chief_a justice_n stay_v for_o he_o but_o when_o he_o be_v there_o that_o place_n of_o high_a reverence_n within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n be_v no_o sanctuary_n for_o he_o for_o they_o continue_v demand_v his_o person_n and_o threaten_v he_o with_o death_n the_o report_n hereof_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o lord_n life_n be_v bring_v by_o some_o of_o the_o bishop_n servant_n present_o to_o the_o earl_n of_o traquair_n our_o lord_n treasurer_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o wigton_n one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n who_o be_v then_o at_o a_o lodging_n not_o far_o from_o thence_o they_o come_v present_o with_o their_o follower_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o bishop_n but_o very_o hardly_o for_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o mutineer_n can_v approach_v the_o council-house_n where_o he_o be_v at_o last_o when_o with_o much_o ado_n they_o get_v entrance_n they_o find_v themselves_o in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o the_o bishop_n be_v for_o the_o people_n fury_n meet_v with_o no_o proportionable_a resistance_n increase_v the_o more_o the_o lord_n thus_o beset_v in_o our_o council-house_n send_v private_o to_o the_o lord_n provost_n bailiff_n and_o council_n of_o edinburgh_n who_o be_v then_o assemble_v in_o their_o own_o council-house_n require_v they_o to_o come_v to_o their_o rescue_n and_o to_o take_v some_o present_a order_n for_o their_o safety_n they_o by_o one_o sir_n thomas_n thompson_n who_o indeed_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o return_v this_o answer_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o if_o not_o a_o worse_a case_n themselves_o if_o the_o lord_n without_o do_v not_o present_o pacify_v the_o enrage_a multitude_n that_o the_o whole_a street_n be_v pester_v with_o disorderly_a people_n that_o their_o council-house_n be_v beset_v without_o and_o throng_v within_o with_o their_o own_o threaten_a citizen_n who_o have_v vow_v to_o kill_v all_o within_o their_o house_n unless_o they_o do_v present_o subscribe_v to_o a_o paper_n present_v to_o they_o which_o for_o fear_n of_o their_o life_n they_o be_v force_v to_o do_v which_o paper_n contain_v these_o three_o particular_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o service_n book_n and_o in_o petition_v we_o for_o that_o purpose_n second_o that_o by_o their_o authority_n they_o shall_v present_o restore_v unto_o their_o pulpit_n and_o place_n master_n ramsey_n and_o rollock_n their_o two_o silence_a minister_n three_o that_o they_o shall_v restore_v unto_o his_o place_n one_o henderson_n a_o silence_a reader_n no_o doubt_v three_o most_o important_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o fearful_a sedition_n no_o better_o answer_v be_v return_v the_o lord_n treasurer_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o wigton_n with_o their_o follower_n resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o town_n council-house_n and_o to_o use_v the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o authority_n or_o if_o that_o find_v no_o respect_n their_o best_a persuasion_n for_o settle_v the_o present_a sedition_n when_o they_o come_v thither_o they_o find_v the_o magistrate_n very_o much_o discompose_v &_o great_o perplex_v as_o much_o doubt_v whether_o they_o shall_v ever_o escape_v from_o the_o place_n with_o their_o life_n yet_o they_o present_o enter_v into_o consultation_n with_o they_o about_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o exigent_n and_o find_v now_o that_o the_o public_a divulge_v of_o that_o paper_n which_o the_o magistrate_n and_o council_n of_o the_o city_n have_v subscribe_v and_o that_o the_o open_a proclamation_n of_o it_o throughout_o all_o their_o turbulent_a troop_n and_o at_o the_o cross_n have_v a_o little_a assuage_v their_o furious_a rage_n the_o lord_n begin_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o magistrate_n what_o be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n who_o they_o have_v leave_v besiege_v in_o the_o council-house_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a by_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v return_v to_o our_o council-house_n and_o contain_v themselves_o therein_o till_o the_o magistrate_n may_v try_v what_o they_o can_v do_v for_o calm_v the_o commotion_n in_o the_o street_n but_o no_o soon_o have_v the_o lord_n present_v themselves_o to_o the_o street_n but_o they_o be_v receive_v with_o such_o violence_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v until_o such_o time_n as_o two_o of_o the_o bailiff_n with_o their_o sergeant_n and_o officer_n and_o such_o other_o as_o they_o get_v to_o attend_v they_o accompany_v the_o lord_n and_o repeat_v to_o the_o multitude_n what_o have_v be_v yield_v to_o in_o the_o paper_n exhibit_v to_o they_o a_o little_a way_n be_v make_v at_o first_o but_o present_o when_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o great_a street_n the_o barbarous_a multitude_n run_v most_o inraged_o upon_o they_o their_o out-cry_n be_v horrible_a and_o confuse_a but_o be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o such_o a_o confusion_n can_v be_v distinguish_v god_n defend_v all_o those_o who_o will_v defend_v god_n cause_n and_o god_n confound_v the_o service_n book_n and_o all_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o present_a and_o imminent_a danger_n assure_v the_o people_n that_o they_o will_v represent_v their_o grievance_n to_o we_o for_o when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o people_n refuse_v to_o obey_v any_o commandment_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o in_o our_o name_n and_o that_o they_o slight_v their_o require_v of_o they_o to_o retire_v unto_o their_o own_o house_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o quiet_a and_o good_a subject_n under_o pain_n of_o our_o high_a displeasure_n they_o be_v glad_a then_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o entreaty_n and_o plausible_a persuasion_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o the_o people_n still_o increase_v their_o fury_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n be_v throw_v down_o his_o hat_n cloak_n and_o white_a staff_n pull_v from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o some_o about_o he_o he_o have_v not_o be_v present_o pull_v up_o again_o upon_o his_o foot_n he_o have_v undoubted_o be_v tread_v to_o death_n and_o in_o that_o posture_n without_o hat_n or_o cloak_n like_o a_o notorious_a malefactor_n be_v he_o carry_v by_o the_o crowd_n to_o our_o council-house_n door_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n and_o other_o of_o our_o council_n be_v imprison_v in_o great_a fear_n and_o expect_v the_o lord_n return_v for_o their_o relief_n not_o long_o after_o the_o provost_n and_o bailiff_n come_v thither_o to_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v use_v their_o uttermost_a power_n and_o persuasion_n with_o the_o best_a able_a and_o of_o the_o prime_a esteem_n of_o all_o their_o citizen_n for_o the_o appease_n of_o the_o present_a tumult_n and_o secure_v their_o lordship_n person_n but_o can_v find_v no_o concurrence_n nor_o obedience_n whereupon_o the_o lord_n resolve_v to_o send_v for_o some_o of_o the_o nobleman_n and_o gentry_n and_o other_o who_o be_v now_o frequent_o assemble_v for_o assist_v the_o petition_n against_o the_o service_n book_n to_o try_v what_o help_n they_o will_v or_o can_v contribute_v for_o quiet_v the_o enrage_a people_n and_o what_o assistance_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o they_o in_o free_v they_o from_o the_o present_a danger_n they_o be_v send_v for_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o declare_v unto_o they_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o present_a mutiny_n offer_v their_o person_n and_o power_n for_o secure_v they_o from_o all_o violence_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o council-house_n accept_v of_o with_o much_o ado_n be_v guard_v by_o they_o who_o the_o people_n
januarie_n 28._o 1580._o and_o sign_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o to_o that_o effect_n have_v give_v order_n to_o our_o commissioner_n with_o advice_n of_o our_o council_n to_o set_v down_o and_o settle_v some_o solid_a course_n whereby_o the_o same_o may_v be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o council_n judge_n magistrate_n of_o burroughes_n and_o all_o other_o our_o people_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o ourself_o we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o the_o reform_a religion_n now_o establish_v and_o against_o the_o roman_a so_o we_o purpose_v by_o god_n grace_n both_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n what_o we_o have_v think_v further_a fit_v to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o time_n concern_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o subject_n petition_n you_o shall_v receive_v our_o full_a pleasure_n therein_o from_o our_o commissioner_n and_o that_o this_o our_o declaration_n concern_v ourself_o and_o our_o pious_a intention_n for_o settle_v the_o reform_a religion_n within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n may_v appear_v to_o posterity_n our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o these_o present_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n oatland_n septem_fw-la 9_o 1638._o this_o our_o letter_n be_v receive_v by_o our_o council_n with_o all_o submissive_a joyful_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n our_o commissioner_n make_v they_o further_o acquaint_v with_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o the_o appease_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o same_o be_v fill_v with_o excessive_a joy_n as_o make_v full_a account_n that_o now_o malice_n itself_o can_v not_o find_v the_o least_o pretence_n of_o keep_v our_o people_n from_o be_v satisfy_v all_o thing_n which_o ever_o yet_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o trouble_v they_o have_v desire_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o some_o of_o our_o counsellor_n who_o be_v not_o only_o covenanter_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o their_o covenant_n have_v make_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a covenant_a lord_n acquaint_v with_o the_o unexpected_a excess_n of_o our_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n these_o lord_n make_v full_a account_n that_o their_o reign_n be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o expiration_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v understand_v our_o grace_n and_o favour_n bestir_v themselves_o with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o disperse_v rumour_n among_o they_o that_o the_o news_n bring_v home_o by_o our_o commissioner_n import_v our_o answer_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o we_o to_o 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full_a hear_n of_o they_o that_o consider_v the_o invaliditie_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a our_o gracious_a declaration_n shall_v be_v publish_v that_o day_n at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o so_o according_o our_a declaration_n that_o day_n be_v proclaim_v as_o here_o it_o follow_v charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n messenger_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o our_o kingdom_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o conceive_a fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n to_o free_a all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o any_o intention_n in_o we_o to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o religion_n or_o law_n and_o to_o satisfy_v not_o only_o their_o desire_n but_o even_o their_o doubt_n we_o have_v discharge_v and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o by_o these_o present_n annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v or_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v and_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v breed_v great_a distraction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o our_o consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n do_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_n article_n but_o also_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o discharge_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o do_v hereby_o free_a all_o our_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o government_n disperse_v and_o surmise_a throughout_o this_o our_o kingdom_n that_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v exercise_v such_o illimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n and_o have_v hold_v themselves_o exime_v from_o censure_n and_o punishment_n to_o which_o other_o our_o subject_n be_v liable_a we_o do_v by_o these_o present_v declare_v that_o
therefore_o take_v to_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v just_o punish_v we_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o national_a covenant_n make_v with_o god_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o we_o think_v fit_a to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o he_o again_o by_o renew_v the_o same_o covenant_n and_o so_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o christian._n divine_a commandment_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o our_o religious_a progenitour_n warrant_v by_o act_n of_o council_n we_o again_o renew_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o loyalty_n to_o our_o sovereign_n and_o mutual_a union_n among_o ourselves_o in_o that_o cause_n which_o confession_n with_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n blessing_n from_o heaven_n be_v solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o necessary_a explanation_n and_o application_n for_o exclude_v the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n introduce_v in_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o year_n 1580._o that_o so_o our_o oath_n to_o god_n may_v be_v clear_a for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n then_o profess_v and_o establish_v and_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o time_n the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o our_o resolution_n and_o do_v have_v be_v wonderful_a and_o since_o that_o time_n god_n powerful_a hand_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o business_n have_v evident_o appear_v for_o after_o some_o time_n upon_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o groan_n and_o supplication_n our_o gracious_a sovereign_n be_v please_v to_o send_v into_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a lord_n james_n marquis_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v our_o heavy_a grievance_n who_o after_o many_o voyage_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o long_a conference_n and_o treat_v with_o we_o needless_a to_o be_v relate_v in_o this_o place_n do_v in_o end_n by_o commandment_n from_o his_o majesty_n indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o twenty_o one_o of_o november_n last_o and_o proclaim_v a_o parliament_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o fifteen_o of_o may_n next_o to_o come_v for_o settle_v a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o further_o to_o give_v full_a assurance_n to_o the_o subject_n that_o his_o majesty_n do_v never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o his_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o royal_a intention_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n his_o majesty_n do_v enjoin_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o all_o other_o subject_n whatsoever_o to_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n former_o subscribe_v by_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o anno_fw-la 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o again_o subscribe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o anno_fw-la 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o a_o band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o of_o other_o in_o that_o cause_n as_o the_o proclamation_n of_o indiction_n be_v date_v at_o oatland_n the_o 9_o of_o september_n publish_v at_o the_o mercat_n cross_v of_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o the_o say_a month_n more_o full_o proport_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o which_o proclamation_n these_o who_o be_v attend_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o expect_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a desire_n as_o out_o of_o bind_a duty_n they_o do_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n so_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o do_v protest_v that_o they_o who_o have_v by_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o confession_n condescend_v more_o special_o to_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n can_v not_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o specification_n return_v to_o a_o implicit_a and_o more_o general_a confession_n enjoin_v conform_a to_o a_o mandat_fw-la apparent_o discrepant_a from_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n and_o want_v both_o explication_n and_o application_n and_o do_v most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n that_o they_o will_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o former_a reason_n press_v upon_o the_o subject_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o forbear_v their_o own_o subscribe_v of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n may_v result_v upon_o their_o subscribe_v thereof_o in_o a_o ambiguous_a sense_n but_o their_o lordship_n not_o have_v subscribe_v that_o confession_n contain_v our_o former_a explanation_n and_o be_v require_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o present_v to_o they_o without_o our_o explanation_n with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n now_o present_o profess_v and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n lest_o these_o word_n now_o present_o repeat_v in_o this_o year_n 1638._o shall_v infer_v any_o approbation_n of_o these_o innovation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n 1580._o whereof_o many_o do_v just_o complain_v after_o deliberation_n for_o remove_v of_o this_o scruple_n and_o prejudice_n and_o clear_v of_o their_o own_o meaning_n they_o cause_v make_v a_o act_n of_o council_n that_o their_o swear_n and_o subscribe_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o date_n the_o second_o of_o march_n 1580._o according_a as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n whereupon_o they_o rest_v satisfy_v be_v confident_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n then_o indict_v will_v remove_v any_o doubt_n and_o differ_v which_o may_v arise_v anent_o the_o meaning_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o clear_v what_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o yet_o some_o have_v subscribe_v that_o covenant_n in_o different_a sense_n other_o forbear_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o as_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o genuine_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n upon_o who_o interpretation_n as_o of_o the_o only_a competent_a judge_n they_o may_v acquiesce_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v which_o now_o after_o accurate_a trial_n of_o the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n be_v full_o clear_v and_o explain_v in_o this_o last_o general_a assembly_n by_o god_n mercy_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n of_o indiction_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n as_o the_o act_n make_v thereupon_o do_v proport_n whereby_o episcopal_a government_n among_o many_o other_o innovation_n be_v find_v upon_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o publish_v in_o name_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n a_o declaration_n tend_v to_o dissuade_v his_o majesty_n subject_n from_o receive_v the_o explanation_n of_o the_o confession_n make_v 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sunshine_n be_v not_o eclipse_v by_o some_o sinful_a division_n or_o defection_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v this_o a_o bless_a kingdom_n to_o the_o contentment_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n according_a as_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o perform_v to_o his_o people_n in_o former_a time_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v force_v from_o our_o heart_n both_o to_o wish_v and_o entreat_v your_o lordship_n to_o be_v partaker_n and_o promover_n of_o this_o joy_n and_o happiness_n by_o your_o subscription_n when_o your_o lordship_n shall_v think_v it_o convenient_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n that_o your_o lordship_n will_v not_o be_v spare_v to_o give_v a_o free_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o timely_a and_o necessary_a expression_n of_o your_o tender_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n now_o call_v for_o help_v at_o your_o hand_n your_o lordship_n profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v reform_v in_o this_o land_n the_o national_a oath_n of_o this_o kingdom_n sundry_a time_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v ablish_v we_o who_o live_v at_o this_o time_n the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a patriot_n the_o office_n and_o trust_n of_o a_o privy_a counsellor_n the_o present_a employment_n to_o have_v place_n among_o those_o that_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n the_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v the_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o your_o lordship_n affection_n to_o religion_n the_o respect_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v unto_o your_o fame_n both_o now_o and_o hereafter_o when_o thing_n shall_v be_v record_v to_o posterity_n and_o the_o remembrance_n that_o not_o only_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v upon_o your_o lordship_n carriage_n but_o also_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o secret_a witness_n now_o to_o observe_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o open_a judge_n hereafter_o to_o reward_n and_o confess_v every_o
and_o other_o and_o second_o consider_v that_o he_o now_o find_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o speak_v more_o spare_o and_o reserve_o in_o that_o point_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o treat_v of_o it_o before_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v give_v out_o that_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o way_n to_o throw_v off_o that_o grievous_a burden_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o weight_n whereof_o their_o father_n be_v so_o much_o grieve_v viz._n by_o join_v so_o many_o laic_a elder_n to_o every_o presbytery_n as_o there_o shall_v be_v minister_n in_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o laity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v the_o presbytery_n under_o without_o the_o help_n of_o bishop_n our_o commissioner_n be_v now_o once_o again_o at_o a_o stand_n not_o know_v how_o to_o proceed_v as_o not_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o our_o instruction_n to_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n or_o parliament_n unless_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v satisfy_v by_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o understand_v the_o form_n of_o assembly_n what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v both_o for_o the_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n and_o for_o a_o previous_a consultation_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n to_o be_v treat_v there_o all_o which_o consultation_n the_o covenanter_n do_v utter_o reject_v he_o therefore_o resolve_v once_o again_o to_o make_v a_o journey_n to_o we_o and_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o new_a occurrence_n since_o he_o find_v they_o daily_o increase_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n &_o so_o change_v as_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o judgement_n either_o of_o their_o resolution_n or_o desire_n or_o of_o what_o will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o our_o commissioner_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o we_o to_o indict_v a_o assembly_n unless_o some_o particular_n be_v agree_v upon_o both_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o present_a settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o right_v and_o restore_v to_o their_o place_n such_o minister_n as_o have_v be_v displace_v without_o order_n of_o law_n who_o may_v again_o be_v displace_v if_o at_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o demand_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n in_o these_o ten_o article_n which_o will_v be_v find_v by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o to_o be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o all_o minister_n depose_v or_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o first_o of_o february_n last_o without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a shall_v be_v restore_v to_o their_o own_o place_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v legal_o convict_v that_o all_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n depose_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n by_o the_o presbytery_n without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a be_v restore_v and_o all_o moderator_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a presbytery_n without_o warrant_n foresay_a to_o desist_v from_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o moderator_n that_o all_o minister_n admit_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o foresay_a day_n without_o warrant_n from_o the_o ordinary_a shall_v desist_v from_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o present_v and_o admit_v that_o all_o parishioner_n shall_v frequent_v their_o own_o church_n and_o hear_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o session_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o former_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v that_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o rent_n and_o stipend_n due_o and_o thankful_o pay_v they_o that_o all_o minister_n be_v appoint_v present_o to_o repair_v to_o their_o own_o church_n that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v hold_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n that_o according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1606._o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n be_v find_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n every_o one_o of_o the_o say_a moderator_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commissioner_n from_o that_o presbytery_n where_o he_o be_v moderator_n that_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n who_o shall_v attend_v the_o assembly_n may_v be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n from_o all_o trouble_n and_o molestation_n that_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n only_o and_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v in_o the_o choice_n nor_o no_o minister_n without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n that_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n be_v dissolve_v and_o that_o every_o man_n repair_v to_o his_o own_o house_n and_o that_o the_o country_n not_o only_o be_v make_v peaceable_a but_o also_o that_o all_o such_o act_n be_v forbear_v as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v otherways_o and_o since_o his_o majesty_n be_v still_o displease_v with_o the_o covenant_n wisdom_n and_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o our_o sovereign_n require_v that_o some_o such_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v whereby_o his_o majesty_n may_v receive_v satisfaction_n therein_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o press_v threaten_a or_o persuade_v of_o man_n to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n nor_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v thereof_o any_o more_o in_o pulpit_n to_o these_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a manner_n they_o will_v no_o way_n condescend_v but_o return_v to_o our_o commissioner_n these_o most_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a answer_n answer_n to_o the_o particular_n propound_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v serious_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o precious_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o dear_a unto_o we_o as_o our_o religion_n that_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o church_n after_o long_a toleration_n do_v threaten_v no_o less_o than_o her_o utter_a ruin_n and_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n be_v the_o ordinary_a remedy_n appoint_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o bless_v by_o divine_a providence_n in_o other_o church_n and_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n we_o have_v often_o and_o earnest_o supplicate_v for_o the_o same_o and_o have_v labour_v to_o remove_v what_o be_v object_v or_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n like_v as_o we_o have_v now_o for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n resolve_v to_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o particular_n propound_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o before_o any_o assembly_n be_v indict_v the_o particular_n propound_v be_v either_o concern_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n matter_n be_v the_o first_o concern_v minister_n depose_v or_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o first_o of_o february_n last_o without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a that_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o own_o place_n the_o second_o concern_v moderator_n of_o presbytery_n depose_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n to_o be_v restore_v and_o all_o moderator_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a presbytery_n without_o warrant_n aforesaid_a to_o desist_v from_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o moderator_n the_o three_o concern_v minister_n admit_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n that_o they_o desist_v from_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v these_o three_o particular_n do_v concern_v the_o power_n duty_n and_o particular_a fact_n or_o fault_n of_o presbytery_n wherein_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o judge_v or_o determine_v whether_o they_o have_v proceed_v lawful_o or_o not_o far_o less_o can_v we_o urge_v or_o command_v they_o to_o recall_v what_o they_o have_v determine_v or_o do_v in_o the_o suspending_a depose_v or_o admit_v of_o minister_n or_o moderator_n they_o be_v proper_o subject_a to_o the_o superior_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o after_o trial_n justify_v their_o proceed_n from_o the_o good_a warrant_n of_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o act_n and_o praclice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o sustain_v their_o own_o deserve_a censure_n and_o since_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v many_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n for_o their_o usurpation_n over_o presbytery_n in_o the_o like_a particular_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v such_o complaint_n of_o the_o do_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o prelate_n we_o trust_v that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n will_v not_o esteem_v
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 that_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cognosce_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n be_v subject_a since_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v in_o the_o minister_n no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v no_o redress_n there_o to_o assent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v disorder_n to_o be_v multiply_v both_o in_o presbytery_n and_o particular_a parish_n to_o the_o six_o that_o minister_n wait_v upon_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o place_n where_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n we_o answer_v that_o none_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n assembly_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o allow_v by_o commission_n to_o have_v voice_n or_o otherwise_o have_v such_o interest_n as_o they_o can_v justify_v to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v to_o the_o seven_o concern_v the_o appoint_v of_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n only_o constant_a moderator_n who_o have_v cease_v long_o since_o be_v find_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1606._o which_o yet_o be_v never_o repute_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a national_a assembly_n to_o be_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o both_o the_o moderator_n who_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a member_n need_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o choose_a commissioner_n repair_v to_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n itself_o can_v judge_v best_a of_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o ought_v to_o consist_v to_o the_o nine_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v with_o the_o choose_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n and_o no_o minister_n 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 they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o violence_n from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v hinder_v other_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v and_o if_o any_o trouble_v they_o otherwise_o or_o make_v they_o any_o kind_n of_o molestation_n in_o that_o attendance_n but_o by_o order_n of_o law_n the_o party_n be_v just_o punishable_a according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o other_o subject_n be_v to_o the_o ten_o concern_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n and_o the_o peaceablenesse_n of_o the_o country_n these_o meeting_n be_v keep_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o consult_v about_o lawful_a remedy_n against_o such_o press_a grievance_n as_o threaten_v the_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n can_v be_v dissolve_v till_o the_o evil_n be_v remove_v and_o true_a we_o trust_v that_o nothing_o in_o these_o our_o meeting_n have_v escape_v we_o which_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o undutifulnesse_n or_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o tend_v 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 most_o ready_a and_o powerful_a of_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o can_v come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o give_v his_o majesty_n satisfaction_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o act_n so_o evident_o tend_v to_o the_o god_n glory_n of_o god_n the_o king_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v already_o prove_v so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o inward_a of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v our_o ardent_a and_o constant_a desire_n and_o ready_a wish_n that_o both_o his_o majesty_n and_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n like_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o conscience_n and_o by_o the_o covenant_n itself_o to_o persuade_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v modest_o use_v by_o we_o without_o 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 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these_o eight_o article_n compose_v and_o command_v by_o their_o table_n in_o the_o second_o article_n they_o set_v down_o to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o set_a form_n of_o a_o commission_n to_o be_v make_v to_o their_o commissioner_n which_o be_v never_o do_v before_o and_o at_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o several_a commission_n be_v read_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o commission_n be_v the_o same_o verbatim_o except_o a_o very_a few_o from_o some_o presbytery_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o table_n and_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o assembly_n than_o we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n shall_v continue_v it_o in_o the_o same_o article_n they_o will_v have_v the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o commission_n to_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o pretend_a and_o complain_v of_o innovation_n be_v corruption_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o 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only_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o own_o lay_v elder_a but_o which_o be_v insufferable_a shall_v have_v suffrage_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o three_o minister_n commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v be_v never_o hear_v nor_o practise_v in_o that_o church_n before_o in_o the_o very_a first_o and_o strict_a time_n of_o reformation_n nor_o ever_o since_o in_o the_o four_o article_n they_o order_v a_o notable_a trick_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n whereby_o they_o be_v ascertain_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n in_o any_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v any_o power_n but_o such_o as_o do_v undoubted_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rebellious_a course_n for_o they_o appoint_v and_o according_o it_o be_v practise_v that_o every_o man_n suspect_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a judgement_n from_o they_o shall_v present_o be_v process_n and_o bring_v under_o the_o scandal_n of_o erroneous_a life_n or_o doctrine_n and_o so_o make_v uncapable_a of_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n according_a to_o which_o article_n there_o be_v very_o few_o minister_n in_o the_o kingdom_n who_o have_v not_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n but_o they_o be_v present_o suspend_v by_o their_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v voice_n to_o do_v it_o or_o at_o the_o least_o put_v under_o process_n by_o some_o one_o or_o other_o which_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v deny_v a_o original_a process_n against_o any_o man_n who_o he_o will_v implead_v but_o yet_o this_o article_n leave_v no_o evasion_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o order_v that_o the_o rest_n who_o give_v not_o voice_n shall_v protest_v against_o the_o election_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o they_o be_v sure_a enough_o to_o process_n he_o there_o and_o lay_v he_o aside_o until_o his_o process_n shall_v be_v discuss_v which_o they_o do_v put_v in_o practice_n upon_o some_o minister_n who_o do_v not_o concur_v in_o judgement_n with_o they_o at_o the_o first_o sit_v down_o of_o the_o assembly_n the_o six_o article_n be_v direct_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o church_n then_o in_o force_n and_o till_o then_o practise_v the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v constant_o one_o as_o be_v most_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o all_o presbyterial_a action_n the_o seven_o article_n give_v order_n for_o practise_v the_o above_o mention_v equivocation_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v their_o election_n before_o they_o receive_v our_o answer_n and_o that_o they_o repair_v to_o edinburgh_n immediate_o after_o their_o election_n that_o all_o the_o commissioner_n elect_v may_v consult_v before_o hand_n upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v or_o do_v at_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n neither_o 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appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o these_o public_a instruction_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o private_a one_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o communicate_v to_o all_o their_o party_n but_o only_o to_o some_o one_o laic_a and_o one_o minister_n their_o special_a confident_n in_o every_o presbytery_n of_o which_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o afterward_o in_o their_o due_a place_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o discouragement_n arise_v from_o the_o disorderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o covenanter_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n our_o commissioner_n the_o day_n after_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o return_n viz._n the_o 22._o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o assemble_v our_o council_n at_o our_o palace_n of_o holy-rood-house_n and_o there_o first_o deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o letter_n from_o we_o as_o follow_v apud_fw-la holy-rood-house_n septemb_n 22._o 1638._o the_o which_o day_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n produce_v and_o exhibit_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o privy_a council_n the_o two_o missive_n underwritten_a sign_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n which_o be_v read_v hear_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n they_o have_v ordain_v and_o ordain_v the_o same_o to_o be_v insert_v and_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o secret_a council_n therein_o to_o remain_v ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v charles_n r._n right_o trusty_a etc._n etc._n be_v certain_o inform_v that_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o this_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v much_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o of_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o that_o these_o distraction_n have_v be_v occasion_v upon_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o popery_n and_o not_o without_o some_o suspicion_n as_o if_o we_o ourself_o be_v incline_v that_o way_n upon_o occasion_n whereof_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v of_o late_o subscribe_v a_o band_n or_o covenant_n for_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o law_n already_o establish_v and_o for_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o other_o in_o defence_n thereof_o but_o the_o same_o not_o be_v warrant_v by_o royal_a authority_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o our_o dear_a father_n time_n must_v needs_o of_o itself_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o much_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o ancient_a form_n and_o custom_n of_o government_n keep_v within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n wherefore_o we_o out_o of_o our_o inborn_a love_n to_o our_o say_a native_a country_n and_o for_o obviate_a these_o conceive_a fear_n and_o satisfy_v of_o you_o and_o all_o our_o love_a people_n have_v think_v good_a to_o ordain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n subjoin_v thereto_o of_o the_o date_n at_o edinburgh_n
if_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a of_o whatsoever_o quality_n title_n or_o degree_n have_v or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n presume_v to_o do_v any_o such_o act_n or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o such_o exemption_n or_o power_n that_o they_o shall_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o make_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatories_n competent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o for_o the_o free_a entry_n of_o minister_n that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administrate_n unto_o they_o than_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o to_o give_v our_o subject_n full_a assurance_n that_o we_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v of_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o our_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o our_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o enjoin_v and_o authorise_v like_v as_o we_o by_o these_o present_n do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n judges_z and_o magistrate_n to_o burgh_n and_o land_n and_o all_o our_o oâ—her_n subject_n whatsoever_o to_o subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v at_o first_o by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o their_o general_a band_n of_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n person_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n we_o do_v require_v the_o lord_n of_o council_n to_o take_v such_o course_n anent_o the_o foresay_a confession_n and_o general_a band_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subscribe_v and_o renew_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n and_o because_o we_o will_v not_o leave_v in_o our_o subject_n mind_v the_o least_o scruple_n or_o doubt_n of_o our_o royal_a intention_n and_o real_a resolution_n we_o have_v give_v warrant_v to_o our_o commissioner_n to_o indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o twenty_o first_o day_n of_o november_n in_o this_o present_a year_n 1638._o and_o thereafter_o a_o parliament_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o fifteen_o day_n of_o may_n anno_fw-la 1639._o for_o settle_v a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a have_v be_v occasion_v through_o the_o conceive_a fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o disloyalty_n or_o disaffection_n to_o sovereignty_n we_o be_v gracious_o please_v absolute_o to_o forget_v what_o be_v past_a and_o free_o to_o forgive_v all_o by-gones_a to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v acquiesce_v to_o this_o our_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o shall_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o in_o our_o next_o ensue_a parliament_n and_o that_o this_o assembly_n may_v have_v the_o better_a success_n and_o more_o happy_a conclusion_n our_o will_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a fast_o proclaim_v and_o keep_v by_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n a_o fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o beg_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o that_o assembly_n and_o a_o peaceable_a end_n to_o the_o distraction_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n with_o the_o aversion_n of_o god_n heavy_a judgement_n from_o both_o and_o our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o this_o fast_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n as_o have_v be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o any_o time_n heretofore_o upon_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a occasion_n our_o will_n be_v herefore_o and_o we_o charge_v you_o straight_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o the_o head_n burrow_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v at_o our_o court_n of_o oatland_n the_o nine_o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la after_o this_o declaration_n be_v proclaim_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o command_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n as_o also_o the_o band_n annex_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o religion_n now_o establish_v and_o of_o our_o person_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o subscription_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o they_o both_o do_v here_o follow_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n subscribe_v at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n umwhile_o dear_a father_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o the_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o now_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n by_o the_o right_n noble_a marquesse_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n lord_n even_o and_o evendail_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n undersubscribe_v and_o that_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o date_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n date_v in_o march_n 1580._o and_o of_o the_o band_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o we_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o underwritten_a protest_v that_o after_o long_a and_o due_a examination_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n be_v now_o thorough_o resolve_v in_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n and_o constant_o affirm_v before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o this_o only_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n and_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o more_o particular_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v open_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o realm_n both_o in_o burgh_n and_o land_n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o willing_o agree_v in_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o point_n as_o unto_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n and_o verity_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o write_a word_n and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o particular_a head_n even_o as_o they_o be_v now_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirke_n of_o scotland_n but_o in_o special_a we_o detest_v and_o refuse_v the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n upon_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kirk_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n all_o his_o tyrannous_a law_n make_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n against_o our_o christian_a liberty_n his_o erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o write_a word_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n the_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a evangel_n his_o corrupt_a doctrine_n concern_v original_a sin_n our_o natural_a
and_o hope_n for_o so_o much_o as_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o grant_v all_o these_o make_v we_o confident_o to_o expect_v from_o his_o majesty_n royal_a and_o compassioned_a disposition_n towards_o this_o his_o native_a kingdom_n that_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n shall_v have_v be_v indict_v as_o the_o ordinary_a and_o most_o proper_a remedy_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o do_v constrain_v we_o to_o renew_v our_o petition_n earnest_o entreat_v that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n will_v be_v please_v to_o represent_v unto_o his_o majesty_n the_o condition_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n cry_v in_o a_o extreme_a exigencie_n for_o present_a help_n with_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n law_n require_v by_o we_o and_o present_v to_o he_o in_o some_o particular_a article_n which_o his_o grace_n promise_v to_o recommend_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n for_o obtain_v the_o same_o especial_o the_o first_o article_n that_o there_o may_v be_v indict_v a_o full_a and_o free_a general_n assembly_n without_o prelimitation_n either_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o question_n or_o doubt_v about_o one_o of_o these_o or_o such_o like_a particular_n that_o the_o determination_n thereof_o may_v be_v remit_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o as_o the_o only_a proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n and_o now_o after_o so_o many_o supplication_n complaint_n article_n and_o information_n after_o our_o necessary_a protestation_n express_v the_o humble_a thankfulness_n and_o continue_a desire_n of_o our_o heart_n after_o so_o long_a expectation_n and_o so_o much_o deal_v have_v with_o open_a ear_n and_o attentive_a mind_n hear_v his_o majesty_n proclamation_n it_o be_v our_o desire_n purpose_n and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o proceed_v that_o we_o may_v upon_o the_o one_o part_n still_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n for_o the_o least_o blink_v of_o his_o majesty_n countenance_n and_o the_o small_a crumb_n of_o comfort_n that_o fall_v unto_o we_o from_o his_o majesty_n royal_a hand_n beseech_v the_o lord_n yet_o further_o to_o enlarge_v his_o majesty_n heart_n for_o our_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o rejoice_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o his_o majesty_n never_o die_v fame_n and_o glory_n that_o his_o wise_a government_n and_o zeal_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n may_v be_v a_o measure_n and_o pattern_n of_o desire_n to_o all_o generation_n hereafter_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v wish_v for_o a_o religious_a and_o righteous_a king_n and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n that_o christ_n our_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o king_n through_o our_o neglect_n or_o lukewarmnesse_n may_v want_v no_o part_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o that_o in_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v more_o dear_a unto_o we_o than_o our_o life_n we_o deceive_v not_o ourselves_o with_o that_o which_o can_v satisfy_v and_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n or_o remove_v our_o fear_n doubt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n this_o have_v make_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o perceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n do_v ascribe_v all_o the_o late_a distraction_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o commonwealth_n to_o our_o conceive_a fear_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o and_o not_o to_o the_o innovation_n themselves_o with_o which_o we_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o especial_o of_o late_a heavy_o press_v and_o grieve_v as_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v rather_o in_o apprehension_n and_o fancy_n then_o in_o reality_n and_o substance_n that_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n be_v not_o so_o far_o discharge_v by_o this_o proclamation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o precede_a proclamation_n for_o this_o proclamation_n only_o discharge_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o rescind_v the_o act_n make_v for_o establish_v their_o practice_n but_o do_v not_o rescind_v the_o former_a proclamation_n namely_o that_o of_o the_o 19_o of_o february_n at_o stirling_n and_o that_o of_o the_o four_o of_o july_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o give_v a_o high_a approbation_n to_o these_o book_n as_o fit_a mean_n to_o maintain_v religion_n and_o to_o beat_v down_o all_o superstition_n and_o withal_o declare_v his_o majesty_n purpose_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o kirk_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o thus_o both_o our_o fear_n that_o they_o may_v be_v introduce_v hereafter_o must_v still_o remain_v and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o such_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o majesty_n judgement_n be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudge_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o as_o wise_o consider_v and_o compare_v the_o precede_a proclamation_n with_o this_o which_o we_o now_o hear_v although_o other_o who_o looking_z upon_o one_o step_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o whole_a progress_n run_v on_o rash_o and_o neither_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v do_v nor_o with_o who_o they_o be_v deal_v may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v qui_fw-la pauca_fw-la videt_fw-la citò_fw-la judicat_fw-la a_o short_a sight_n make_v a_o sudden_a judgement_n that_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o his_o majesty_n neither_o intend_v to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n or_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o withal_o this_o be_v interpose_v that_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o practice_n only_o grant_v and_o discharge_v give_v that_o no_o person_n be_v urge_v with_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o his_o majesty_n intention_n for_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n appoint_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o while_o the_o proclamation_n ordain_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o judicatories_n competent_a and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o unlimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n likewise_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o minister_n at_o their_o entry_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o both_o these_o article_n the_o bishop_n be_v mean_v who_o be_v only_o thereby_o for_o the_o present_a curb_v against_o their_o exorbitancy_n and_o enormity_n in_o exerce_v their_o office_n but_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v thereby_o not_o only_o presuppose_v as_o unquestionable_a but_o also_o so_o strong_o establish_v that_o his_o majesty_n declare_v for_o the_o present_a his_o intention_n to_o admit_v no_o innovation_n therein_o which_o be_v more_o evident_a by_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o parliament_n warn_v all_o prelate_n to_o be_v present_a as_o have_v voice_n and_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o by_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n warn_v all_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n for_o so_o be_v their_o divers_a degree_n and_o office_n ecclesiastical_a here_o design_v and_o suppose_v to_o be_v present_a as_o have_v place_n and_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o caveat_n act_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o our_o declinator_fw-la and_o thus_o a_o three_o and_o great_a limitation_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o proclamation_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o many_o real_a limitation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o very_a point_n which_o have_v wrought_v so_o much_o woe_n and_o disturbance_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o wherein_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n can_v neither_o satisfy_v our_o grievance_n and_o complant_v nor_o remove_v our_o fear_n and_o doubt_n nor_o can_v without_o protestation_n be_v admit_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n who_o earnest_o desire_v that_o truth_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o to_o keep_v silence_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kirk_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o preach_v prayer_n or_o in_o propose_v and_o voyce_v in_o a_o lwfull_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n esai_n 62.6_o you_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n remembrancer_n keep_v not_o silence_n and_o give_v he_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o establish_v and_o till_o he_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n 1._o king_n 18.21_o like_o the_o halt_n of_o the_o
people_n between_o two_o opinion_n and_o their_o not_o answer_v a_o word_n when_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o you_o and_o again_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o mat._n 15.18_o rom._n 1.18_o revel_v 2.14.20_o and_o 3.15_o and_o therefore_o to_o keep_v silence_n or_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o corruption_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n sacrament_n worship_n or_o discipline_n in_o a_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n convene_v for_o that_o end_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o deny_v his_o spirit_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o wrath_n against_o our_o proceed_n and_o may_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o prejudice_n for_o collusion_n and_o for_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n 2._o this_o predetermination_n be_v against_o our_o supplication_n and_o protestation_n wherein_o we_o have_v show_v ourselves_o so_o earnest_a for_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n contrary_a to_o every_o limitation_n of_o this_o kind_n so_o far_o prejudging_a the_o liberty_n thereof_o be_v against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n registrate_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1567._o declare_v that_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v for_o good_a policy_n and_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o kirk_n and_o for_o to_o change_v such_o thing_n as_o man_n have_v devise_v when_o they_o rather_o foster_v superstition_n then_o edify_v the_o church_fw-mi use_v the_o same_o and_o be_v against_o our_o late_a confession_n wherein_o we_o have_v promise_v to_o forbear_v all_o novation_n till_o they_o be_v try_v which_o oblige_v we_o to_o forbear_v now_o and_o to_o try_v they_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o labour_n to_o recover_v the_o former_a purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o this_o limitation_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a our_o liberty_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v the_o principal_a of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n serve_v to_o that_o end_n 3._o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n which_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n be_v convene_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o whole_a collective_a body_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi whatsoever_o may_v conduce_v for_o these_o good_a end_n in_o wisdom_n and_o modesty_n shall_v be_v propon_v examine_v and_o determine_v without_o prelimitation_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o as_o far_o as_o the_o assembly_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o in_o the_o member_n to_o be_v use_v the_o necessary_a end_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o supreme_a law_n which_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v as_o far_o hinder_v and_o pre-judged_n this_o limitation_n be_v against_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi which_o book_n 2._o chap._n 7._o declare_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o her_o liberty_n that_o the_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o abrogate_v and_o abolish_v all_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a matter_n that_o be_v find_v noisome_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o time_n or_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o people_n and_o against_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n like_a as_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n 1610._o declare_v for_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v yearly_o general_a assembly_n and_o what_o order_n can_v be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o assembly_n indict_v after_o so_o long_a intermission_n and_o so_o many_o gross_a corruption_n be_v limit_v and_o that_o more_o than_o ever_o any_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v when_o it_o be_v yearly_o observe_v 5._o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o parl._n 11._o act_n 40._o k._n james_n 6._o anent_o the_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a form_n of_o all_o parliament_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v or_o command_v to_o be_v do_v which_o may_v direct_o or_o indirect_o prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o free_a voice_n or_o reason_v of_o the_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v it_o be_v also_o appoint_v in_o parl._n 6._o act_n 92._o k._n james_n 6._o that_o the_o lord_n of_o counsel_n and_o session_n proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v in_o the_o contrary_a and_o general_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a in_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o k._n james_n 6._o parl._n 1_o k._n charles_n for_o if_o it_o be_v careful_o provide_v by_o diverse_a act_n of_o parliament_n especial_o parl._n 12._o act_n 148._o k._n james_n 6._o that_o there_o be_v no_o forstalling_a or_o regrate_v of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o this_o natural_a life_n what_o shall_v be_v think_v of_o this_o spiritual_a for_o stall_n and_o regrate_v which_o tend_v to_o the_o famish_v or_o poison_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o generation_n afterward_o 6._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o protestation_n proceed_n and_o complaint_n against_o the_o late_a innovation_n and_o it_o may_v be_v account_v a_o innovation_n and_o usurpation_n as_o gross_a &_o dangerous_a 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action_n approve_v ourselves_o your_o majesty_n most_o loyal_a subject_n and_o humble_a servant_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la traquaire_n roxburgh_n marre_n murray_n lithgow_n perth_n wigtoun_n kingorne_n tullibardin_n haddington_n galloway_n annandaile_n lauderdail_n kinnoul_n dumfreis_n southesk_n angus_n elphinstoun_n naper_n dalyell_n hay_o w._n elphinstoun_n ja._n carmichael_n hamiltoun_n blackhall_n from_o glasgow_n novem._n 28._o 1638._o to_o this_o letter_n the_o lord_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o set_v his_o hand_n next_o morning_n the_o proclamation_n be_v sign_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n but_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o sign_n it_o as_o before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o letter_n the_o proclamation_n here_o follow_v charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n herald_n pursuivant_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsameikle_n as_o out_o of_o the_o royal_a and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o our_o ancient_a and_o native_a kingdom_n have_v take_v to_o our_o serious_a consideration_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v have_v give_v contentment_n to_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o to_o this_o end_n have_v discharge_v by_o our_o proclamation_n the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n free_v and_o liberate_a all_o man_n from_o the_o practise_n of_o the_o five_o article_n make_v all_o our_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o for_o the_o free_a entry_n of_o minister_n that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administrate_n unto_o they_o than_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o 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1597._o and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o saint_n andrews_n 24._o april_n 1582._o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n not_o to_o proceed_v against_o master_n robert_n montgomrie_n the_o assembly_n do_v write_v to_o his_o majesty_n that_o this_o discharge_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o see_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a charge_n the_o assembly_n do_v proceed_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o say_a master_n robert_n further_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 27._o of_o june_n 1582._o sess._n 7._o among_o the_o grievance_n present_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o king_n the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o majesty_n by_o device_n of_o some_o counsellor_n be_v move_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o proper_o belong_v to_o christ_n as_o only_a king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o kirk_n the_o ministry_n and_o execution_n whereof_o be_v only_o give_v to_o such_o as_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o in_o his_o majesty_n person_n some_o man_n press_v to_o erect_v a_o babble_n popedom_n as_o though_o his_o majesty_n can_v not_o be_v full_a king_n and_o head_n of_o this_o common_a wealth_n unless_o alswell_o the_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a sword_n be_v put_v in_o his_o majesty_n hand_n unless_o christ_n be_v rest_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o two_o jurisdiction_n confound_v which_o god_n have_v divide_v which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o wrack_n and_o overthrow_v of_o all_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o octob._n 1582._o sess._n 15._o summon_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n against_o the_o king_n advocate_n for_o draw_v up_o the_o king_n proclamation_n of_o that_o strain_n 7._o the_o foresay_a command_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n because_o as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v every_o matter_n for_o its_o own_o judicatorie_a and_o to_o all_o judicatories_n their_o own_o freedom_n so_o much_o more_o do_v this_o liberty_n belong_v to_o the_o national_a assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a judicatorie_a ecclesiastic_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o only_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o so_o near_o concern_v god_n honour_n and_o worship_n immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o purge_v away_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n who_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n be_v confirm_v parl._n 12._o king_n james_n 6._o and_o parl._n 1_o king_n charles_n likeas_n by_o the_o 12._o par._n 114._o act_n k._n james_n 6._o ann_n 1592._o the_o liberty_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n especial_o in_o her_o presbytery_n and_o assembly_n be_v full_o and_o firm_o ratify_v with_o declaration_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a over_o all_o estate_n and_o person_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n especial_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o full_a power_n even_o to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n 8._o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o session_n by_o act_n 92._o parl._n 6._o king_n james_n 6._o be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v in_o all_o civil_a cause_n intend_v or_o depend_v before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v intend_v and_o to_o cause_n execute_v their_o decree_n notwithstanding_o any_o private_a writing_n charge_n or_o command_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o council_n in_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o the_o 47._o act_n 11._o parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n and_o supersederee_n purchase_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v discharge_v as_o contempt_n do_v to_o the_o law_n as_o great_a hurt_n to_o the_o have_v and_o contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a of_o the_o law_n and_o not_o admissible_o by_o any_o judge_n nor_o effectual_a to_o the_o purchaser_n any_o way_n and_o ordain_v all_o judge_n within_o this_o realm_n to_o proceed_v and_o do_v justice_n siclike_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o the_o say_a supersederee_n and_o licence_n never_o have_v be_v purchase_v nor_o produce_v like_o as_o by_o the_o 106._o act_n parl._n king_n james_n 6._o all_o licence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o act_n against_o papist_n and_o other_o adversary_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v discharge_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n according_a to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a judicatory_n notwithstanding_o of_o privy_a warrant_n or_o prohibition_n contrary_a to_o law_n which_o common_o be_v impetrate_v from_o his_o majesty_n upon_o misinformation_n to_o proceed_v and_o minister_v justice_n 9_o to_o discharge_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n stop_v the_o execution_n thereof_o protect_v and_o defend_v such_o as_o be_v delinquent_n and_o under_o the_o kirk_n censure_n do_v direct_o repugn_v to_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n wherein_o cap._n 19_o the_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v upright_o ministration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v for_o establish_v good_a order_n and_o repress_v of_o vice_n and_o so_o no_o more_o can_v be_v impede_v nor_o just_o take_v from_o the_o kirk_n then_o any_o of_o she_o other_o two_o mark_n viz._n the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o oath_n at_o the_o king_n coronation_n he_o swear_v to_o maintain_v this_o confession_n and_o these_o three_o mark_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o particular_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresaid_n crime_n 10._o in_o the_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n swear_v 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o renew_v by_o the_o great_a and_o kingdom_n best_a part_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o explication_n renew_v also_o at_o his_o majesty_n command_n by_o his_o council_n all_o be_v bind_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o power_n so_o that_o see_v this_o general_a assembly_n have_v proceed_v in_o their_o constitution_n act_n and_o whole_a proceed_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1580._o and_o 1590._o contain_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n which_o in_o both_o these_o year_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v registrate_n and_o swear_v to_o by_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o clear_o distinguish_v in_o the_o 1._o c._n l._n 2._o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n may_v no_o way_n stop_v or_o impede_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o in_o the_o 7._o c._n the_o eldership_n and_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n upon_o all_o transgressor_n and_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o c._n the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a
all_o former_a protestation_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o commons_o respectiuè_v for_o the_o time_n so_o we_o may_v have_v his_o majesty_n royal_a approbation_n to_o this_o present_a assembly_n whole_a act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o all_o our_o proceed_n and_o behaviour_n in_o this_o business_n which_o we_o assure_o expect_v from_o his_o majesty_n imbred_a piety_n justice_n and_o bounty_n notwithstanding_o the_o sinistrous_a untrue_a information_n whisper_v in_o his_o royal_a year_n in_o the_o contrary_n upon_o all_o which_o premise_n and_o protestation_n aforesaid_a which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a make_v by_o we_o at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n last_o but_o so_o far_o differ_v as_o be_v necessary_a for_o answer_v to_o the_o new_a addition_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n and_o clear_v we_o of_o the_o aspersion_n wherewith_o we_o be_v change_v therein_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v have_v protest_v for_o this_o liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o surprisal_n one_o certain_a number_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o rank_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n foresay_a ask_v instrument_n this_o be_v do_v in_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n upon_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o 18._o day_n of_o december_n finis_fw-la revise_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o i_o master_n archibald_n jhonston_n clerk_n thereto_o at_o edinburgh_n 8._o jan._n 1639._o not_o long_o after_o this_o our_o proclamation_n and_o their_o protestation_n our_o commissioner_n see_v all_o thing_n tend_v to_o a_o present_a rupture_n begin_v his_o journey_n according_a to_o the_o leave_n which_o we_o have_v grant_v he_o for_o his_o return_n after_o which_o time_n and_o ever_o since_o they_o have_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n by_o threaten_n make_v the_o act_n of_o their_o unlawful_a assembly_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o many_o place_n have_v persuade_v the_o reception_n of_o they_o by_o force_n and_o arm_n have_v levy_v soldier_n and_o impose_v tax_n upon_o our_o subject_n for_o payment_n of_o they_o have_v require_v of_o our_o judge_n or_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n to_o approve_v their_o act_n though_o none_o of_o they_o consent_v to_o it_o have_v threaten_v and_o menace_v they_o for_o refuse_v of_o it_o have_v raise_v divers_a fortification_n in_o our_o kingdom_n have_v block_v up_o our_o castle_n and_o fort_n and_o now_o at_o last_o forcible_o take_v our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n have_v at_o home_o get_v their_o preacher_n most_o seditious_o and_o rebellious_o to_o teach_v our_o people_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o carry_a arm_n against_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o perjury_n and_o damnation_n have_v scatter_v abroad_o especial_o here_o in_o england_n divers_z infamous_a libel_n justify_v their_o own_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a course_n incite_v our_o people_n here_o to_o attempt_v the_o like_a rebellion_n and_o to_o deface_v our_o ecclesiastical_a government_n when_o the_o contriver_n of_o that_o wicked_a covenant_n first_o frame_v and_o devise_v it_o and_o persuade_v other_o who_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o their_o piety_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o we_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o they_o do_v ever_o make_v the_o seduce_a people_n acquaint_v with_o their_o intention_n of_o abolish_n episcopal_a government_n &_o introduce_v of_o lay-elder_n which_o be_v the_o only_a two_o thing_n they_o make_v the_o seduce_a people_n believe_v they_o now_o stand_v upon_o and_o we_o do_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n find_v in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v hold_v it_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o subject_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o we_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n because_o we_o will_v not_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o abolish_v some_o thing_n which_o stand_v full_o establish_v by_o our_o law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o to_o introduce_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v interdict_v and_o prohibit_v by_o the_o same_o but_o much_o more_o have_v we_o reason_n to_o think_v our_o subject_n do_v they_o no_o whit_n believe_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v relieve_v all_o their_o grievance_n just_a or_o pretend_a as_o now_o we_o have_v do_v they_o shall_v yet_o be_v force_v to_o act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o carry_v of_o arm_n against_o we_o as_o now_o they_o be_v but_o such_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o head_n of_o all_o rebellion_n to_o engage_v their_o follower_n by_o degree_n to_o conceal_v from_o they_o their_o main_a and_o wicked_a end_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o discover_v will_v be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a until_o they_o have_v go_v on_o so_o far_o in_o follow_v their_o leader_n as_o afterward_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v by_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n leave_v and_o so_o nothing_o but_o danger_n if_o they_o shall_v offer_v to_o retreat_v the_o very_a same_o course_n have_v be_v hold_v in_o this_o rebellion_n for_o seduce_v of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n the_o specious_a pretence_n use_v by_o the_o contriver_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o people_n be_v religion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o be_v a_o rebellion_n ground_v upon_o the_o discontent_n of_o some_o few_o and_o the_o very_a mean_n whereby_o they_o have_v foment_v their_o factious_a way_n and_o keep_v up_o in_o our_o people_n a_o belief_n that_o they_o intend_v only_a religion_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o have_v be_v usual_o practise_v by_o other_o discontent_a mutineer_n but_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o principal_a mean_n use_v to_o foment_n this_o rebellion_n by_o the_o head_n of_o it_o have_v be_v these_o three_o first_o the_o seditious_a prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o some_o preacher_n suborn_v by_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n who_o make_v the_o people_n still_o believe_v that_o all_o they_o say_v be_v gospel_n and_o they_o cry_v up_o in_o their_o pulpit_n that_o covenant_n and_o most_o bitter_o exclaim_v against_o all_o opposer_n of_o it_o with_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o reproachful_a term_n they_o can_v devise_v wrought_v the_o people_n to_o a_o incredible_a good_a opinion_n of_o all_o that_o favour_v the_o covenant_n and_o a_o bad_a one_o of_o all_o those_o who_o oppose_v it_o so_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o their_o pulpit_n as_o can_v be_v relate_v without_o both_o shame_n and_o horror_n one_o of_o they_o upon_o our_o commissioner_n come_v home_o pray_v god_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o crafty_a composition_n another_o refuse_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n for_o sir_n william_n nesbett_n late_a provost_n of_o edinburgh_n when_o he_o be_v lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n only_o because_o he_o have_v not_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n another_o pray_v god_n to_o scatter_v they_o all_o in_o israel_n and_o to_o divide_v they_o in_o jacob_n who_o have_v counsel_v we_o to_o require_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o authority_n many_o minister_n will_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o communion_n those_o who_o have_v not_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n but_o in_o their_o exhortation_n before_o it_o bar_v they_o in_o express_a term_n with_o adulterer_n slanderer_n and_o blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n other_o will_v not_o suffer_v child_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o covenant_n though_o they_o be_v their_o own_o parish_n church_n but_o carry_v they_o sometime_o many_o mile_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o covenanting-minister_n one_o preach_v that_o all_o the_o non-subscribers_a of_o the_o covenant_n be_v atheist_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n and_o all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n be_v such_o for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v subscribe_v it_o another_o preach_v that_o as_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n never_o be_v divert_v from_o his_o people_n until_o the_o seven_o son_n of_o saul_n be_v hang_v up_o before_o the_o lord_n in_o gibeon_n so_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n will_v never_o depart_v from_o that_o kingdom_n till_o the_o twice_o seven_o prelate_n which_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v hang_v up_o before_o the_o lord_n there_o which_o be_v extreme_a foul_a and_o barbarous_a another_o preach_v that_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v against_o they_o all_o another_o deliver_v these_o word_n in_o his_o sermon_n let_v we_o never_o give_v over_o till_o we_o have_v the_o king_n in_o our_o power_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v see_v how_o good_a subject_n we_o be_v another_o in_o his_o sermon_n deliver_v this_o that_o the_o bloody_a and_o