of_o sectary_n in_o england_n be_v remonstrate_v by_o we_o to_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n it_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o who_o now_o be_v most_o active_a and_o forward_a for_o a_o engagement_n that_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n be_v in_o no_o such_o danger_n from_o the_o sectary_n in_o england_n and_o the_o army_n there_o as_o may_v be_v any_o cause_n of_o not_o disband_v the_o army_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o be_v this_o candid_a or_o fair_a deal_n to_o extenuat_fw-la or_o elevat_fw-la danger_n from_o sectary_n so_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v man_n present_a business_n or_o if_o the_o design_n at_o that_o time_n be_v to_o disband_v that_o army_n as_o to_o make_v up_o another_o of_o their_o own_o model_n why_o be_v this_o somuch_o disclaim_v when_o mention_v among_o our_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n in_o our_o romonstrance_n octob._n 13_o however_o it_o seem_v the_o thing_n then_o suspect_v be_v now_o begin_v to_o be_v act_v and_o it_o be_v too_o aparent_a that_o our_o former_a fear_n be_v not_o without_o some_o real_a ground_n as_o to_o any_o calumny_n or_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o our_o proceed_n by_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v person_n as_o our_o conscience_n before_o god_n so_o the_o very_a course_n of_o our_o proceed_n before_o man_n do_v clear_o wipe_v they_o off_o and_o because_o we_o have_v here_o only_o summary_o point_v at_o thing_n we_o shall_v for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o all_o refer_v to_o the_o several_a paper_n themselves_o herewithal_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o may_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n into_o the_o particular_n all_o that_o do_v ingenious_o seek_v after_o satisfaction_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o particular_a paper_n that_o we_o have_v not_o meddle_v with_o civil_a business_n but_o only_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o mere_o concern_v the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n so_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o well-affected_n in_o the_o land_n whether_o they_o will_v give_v more_o credit_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o profession_n and_o information_n of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o work_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n or_o of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v constant_a and_o real_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o this_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n we_o trust_v god_n will_v discover_v more_o and_o more_o the_o mystery_n of_o malignancy_n now_o so_o strong_o work_v manifest_a the_o innocency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n deliver_v his_o people_n out_o of_o the_o present_a snare_n and_o guide_v they_o in_o a_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n which_o afterward_o shall_v be_v no_o grief_n of_o heart_n but_o matter_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o a._n ker_n the_o parliament_n answer_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o of_o march_n 9_o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n produce_v by_o mr._n robert_n dowglas_n accompany_v with_o divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n and_o rule_v elder_n read_v in_o audience_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n acknowledge_v and_o take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v this_o counsel_n or_o advise_v to_o the_o parliament_n and_o remit_v the_o same_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o several_a body_n but_o the_o parliament_n desire_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n which_o they_o will_v do_v with_o all_o possible_a speed_n that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n will_v take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o same_o and_o declare_v that_o as_o they_o conceive_v this_o offer_n of_o council_n from_o the_o church_n to_o the_o parliament_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o parliamentary_a power_n and_o liberty_n so_o by_o this_o delay_n or_o answer_v they_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o way_n to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o privilege_n due_a to_o the_o church_n or_o commission_n thereof_o their_o intention_n be_v mere_o for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o they_o extractum_fw-la alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n answer_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o parliament_n paper_n of_o the_o 9_o of_o march_n edinburgh_n 10._o martii_fw-la 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v this_o day_n receive_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n register_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n concern_v their_o declaration_n present_v to_o their_o honour_n yesterday_o do_v humble_o return_v this_o answer_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n that_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v take_v well_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o correspondence_n in_o communicate_v our_o counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o that_o they_o profess_v their_o intention_n for_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o their_o lordship_n and_o we_o without_o entrench_v any_o way_n upon_o he_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o be_v necessitate_v humble_o to_o represent_v to_o their_o honour_n that_o their_o desire_n to_o we_o to_o take_v no_o course_n for_o publish_v or_o divulge_v the_o say_a declaration_n till_o the_o return_n of_o their_o answer_n be_v such_o that_o this_o kirk_n have_v not_o be_v former_o acquaint_v with_o the_o like_a neither_o can_v we_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o trust_n put_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o delay_n to_o emit_v and_o publish_v this_o declaration_n unless_o we_o have_v assurance_n which_o we_o have_v not_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o danger_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o delay_n otherwise_o we_o come_v under_o great_a guiltiness_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o give_v timous_a and_o due_a warning_n not_o only_o to_o their_o honour_n but_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o god_n require_v of_o watchman_n in_o time_n of_o evident_a danger_n which_o make_v we_o as_o before_o in_o like_a case_n we_o have_v do_v to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o print_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n before_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o honour_n desire_n for_o not_o publish_v it_o thus_o have_v exoner_v our_o own_o conscience_n we_o humble_o desire_v their_o honour_n to_o rest_v confident_a that_o as_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o keep_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o give_v to_o their_o honour_n any_o cause_n of_o offence_n a._n ker_n the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n upon_o the_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o march_v concern_v berwick_n and_o carlisle_n whereas_o we_o have_v earnest_o desire_v and_o press_v that_o no_o power_n he_o grant_v to_o any_o committee_n to_o do_v act_n or_o order_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v engage_v this_o kingdom_n in_o a_o war_n before_o the_o parliament_n resolve_v on_o a_o war_n and_o state_n the_o cause_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o it_o be_v in_o our_o judgement_n neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n and_o tenor_n of_o commission_n from_o shire_n and_o burgh_n nor_o to_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1640._o against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n it_o be_v also_o of_o dangerous_a preparative_n and_o much_o derogatory_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n we_o do_v therefore_o dissent_v from_o the_o grant_n of_o any_o such_o power_n and_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v include_v in_o any_o such_o vote_n or_o resolution_n but_o may_v be_v free_a before_o god_n and_o man_n of_o all_o the_o guiltiness_n prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_n that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o the_o cause_n covenant_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n to_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o the_o union_n betwext_v the_o kingdom_n edinburgh_n 22._o martii_fw-la 1648._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n whereas_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o some_o of_o your_o lordship_n which_o do_v go_v on_o towards_o a_o agreement_n till_o it_o be_v obstruct_v by_o a_o vote_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o have_v already_o show_v by_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 17._o and_o
20._o the_o reason_n of_o our_o not_o proceed_v in_o that_o conference_n and_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o we_o we_o do_v now_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o own_o exoneration_n for_o prevent_v of_o mistake_n and_o for_o a_o clear_a understanding_n between_o your_o lordship_n and_o we_o represent_v these_o our_o humble_a desire_n which_o we_o recommend_v to_o your_o lordship_n serious_a thought_n i._o that_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o undertake_v a_o war_n may_v be_v clear_v to_o be_v so_o just_a as_o that_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o engagement_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v act_v in_o reference_n to_o a_o war_n before_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o war_n and_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v agree_v upon_o ii_o that_o as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o the_o prevalent_a party_n of_o sectary_n be_v evident_a so_o we_o desire_v and_o hope_n that_o according_a to_o the_o treaty_n it_o may_v be_v condescend_v upon_o and_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n what_o be_v those_o breach_n of_o peace_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n and_o that_o reparation_n thereof_o may_v be_v seek_v iii_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o quarrel_n or_o ground_n of_o the_o war_n as_o may_v break_v the_o union_n between_o the_o kingdom_n or_o may_v discourage_v or_o disoblige_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o england_n who_o continue_v firm_a in_o adhere_v to_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n iv_o that_o if_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a or_o malignant_a party_n shall_v again_o rise_v in_o arm_n this_o nation_n and_o their_o army_n may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o join_v or_o associate_a with_o they_o that_o one_o the_o contrary_a they_o may_v oppose_v they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v they_o as_o enemy_n to_o this_o cause_n and_o covenant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o v._o see_v your_o lordship_n undertake_v shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o religion_n we_o desire_v that_o his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_v concern_v religion_n as_o they_o have_v be_v by_o the_o church_n so_o may_v be_v by_o the_o parliament_n deelare_v unsatisfactory_a whereby_o your_o lordship_n may_v give_v further_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o your_o intention_n for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o religion_n vi_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v be_v please_v not_o to_o fix_v or_o settle_v upon_o any_o such_o state_n of_o a_o question_n as_o do_v not_o contain_v security_n to_o be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o solemn_a oath_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v that_o he_o shall_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o act_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n and_o full_o establish_v presbyterian_a government_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v never_o make_v opposition_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o endeavour_v any_o change_n thereof_o and_o that_o this_o security_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n before_o his_o restitution_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n which_o desire_n we_o propone_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o because_o we_o can_v see_v how_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v and_o we_o trust_v shall_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o nation_n can_v be_v otherwise_o secure_v but_o that_o without_o this_o security_n it_o shall_v be_v leave_v in_o very_o great_a hazard_n vii_o that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n of_o secure_v religion_n which_o be_v profess_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o engagement_n and_o for_o secure_v all_o other_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o person_n only_o may_v be_v entrust_v by_o your_o lordship_n to_o be_v of_o your_o committee_n and_o army_n as_o have_v give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o exception_n or_o jealousy_n that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o more_o confident_o encourage_v our_o flock_n and_o congregation_n to_o follow_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v entrust_v by_o your_o lordship_n viii_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o engagement_n without_o a_o solemn_a oath_n wherein_o the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o cause_n be_v the_o same_o all_o which_o desire_v be_v due_o ponder_v by_o your_o lordship_n in_o a_o equal_a balance_n will_v we_o trust_v be_v find_v just_a and_o necessary_a and_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o satisfaction_n from_o your_o lordship_n therein_o may_v be_v a_o happy_a and_o effectual_a mean_n for_o facilitate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o for_o unite_n this_o nation_n in_o a_o unanimous_a undertake_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n a._n ker_n edinb_n 27._o march_v 1648._o answer_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n represent_v by_o they_o to_o the_o parliament_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n now_o convene_v in_o this_o first_o session_n of_o the_o second_o triennial_n parliament_n have_v consider_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n represent_v to_o they_o they_o after_o full_a debate_n and_o consideration_n concern_v the_o same_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o desire_n 1._o declare_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o undertake_v of_o war_n shall_v be_v clear_v to_o be_v so_o just_a as_o that_o all_o who_o be_v well_o affect_v may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o engagement_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o nothing_o be_v act_v in_o reference_n to_o a_o war_n during_o the_o conference_n and_o until_o the_o same_o be_v report_v to_o the_o parliament_n 2._o item_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n think_v fit_a that_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n be_v represent_v and_o the_o seek_n of_o reparation_n and_o the_o best_a time_n and_o manner_n thereof_o consider_v and_o appoint_v the_o committee_n of_o twenty_o four_o or_o such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v to_o do_v the_o same_o 3._o item_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o three_o desire_n the_o say_v estate_n of_o parliament_n declare_v that_o this_o kingdom_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v war_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o any_o engagement_n they_o shall_v enter_v into_o shall_v be_v for_o strengthen_v the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n and_o for_o encourage_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o well-affected_a in_o england_n 4._o item_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o four_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n agree_v to_o the_o substance_n and_o matter_n of_o this_o four_o desire_n and_o remit_v to_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o conference_n for_o state_v the_o question_n to_o explain_v the_o same_o 5._o item_n to_o the_o fist_n desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o desire_n declare_v that_o upon_o the_o agreement_n on_o the_o hail_o matter_n and_o state_n of_o the_o question_n they_o will_v declare_v his_o majesty_n concession_n concern_v religion_n not_o to_o be_v satisfactory_a 6._o item_n to_o the_o sixth_o desire_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o answer_n to_o this_o declare_v that_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v and_o they_o trust_v ever_o shall_v be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o undertake_n of_o this_o kingdom_n so_o they_o will_v be_v careful_a that_o the_o present_a question_n to_o be_v state_v shall_v contain_v security_n and_o assurance_n to_o be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n be_v his_o solemn_a oath_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v that_o he_o shall_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n give_v his_o royal_a consent_n to_o pass_v act_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n establish_v presbyterian_a government_n the_o directory_n of_o worship_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v never_o make_v any_o opposition_n to_o any_o of_o these_o nor_o endeavour_v any_o change_n thereof_o and_o as_o to_o that_o clause_n viz._n that_o this_o security_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n before_o his_o restiution_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n remit_v this_o to_o these_o on_o the_o
we_o to_o supplicate_v their_o lordship_n concern_v such_o thing_n next_o we_o say_v that_o in_o all_o the_o three_o instance_n which_o be_v give_v our_o supplication_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o avert_v what_o we_o just_o conceive_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n we_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v have_v the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n may_v supplicate_v against_o danger_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_n within_o the_o first_o table_n but_o not_o against_o danger_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_n within_o the_o second_o table_n or_o that_o they_o may_v supplicate_v against_o danger_n of_o religion_n arise_v from_o other_o man_n but_o not_o against_o danger_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o his_o majesty_n be_v any_o way_n concern_v or_o which_o flow_n from_o a_o bad_a choice_n of_o the_o instrument_n and_o manager_n of_o public_a resolution_n the_o episcopal_a disease_n of_o meddle_v with_o civil_a affair_n we_o trust_v through_o god_n mercy_n neither_o have_v nor_o shall_v have_v any_o place_n among_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o by_o their_o nationall_n covenant_n abjure_v the_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n of_o kirk-man_n only_o we_o shall_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v other_o episcopal_a disease_n and_o distemper_n beside_o this_o as_o namely_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n the_o force_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n people_n and_o persecute_v such_o who_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n obey_v wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o all_o the_o episcopal_a evil_n and_o disorder_n be_v careful_o avoid_v and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v the_o ensue_a general_n assembly_n will_v do_v what_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o villify_n and_o contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n if_o it_o be_v find_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v vilify_v so_o we_o humble_o conceive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v unmindful_a to_o prevent_v the_o villify_n and_o contemn_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o own_o commissioner_n the_o follow_a clause_n in_o the_o letter_n put_v over_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n any_o of_o the_o ministry_n who_o shall_v offer_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o disobey_v or_o deny_v to_o give_v civil_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n it_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o the_o second_o and_o three_o act_n of_o king_n james_n 6._o his_o 8._o parliament_n in_o anno_fw-la 1584._o that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n where_o first_o we_o shall_v desire_v that_o two_o know_a distinction_n which_o in_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o letter_n seem_v either_o to_o be_v confound_v or_o forget_v may_v be_v remember_v civil_a obedience_n to_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v either_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o right_a in_o the_o former_a case_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n a_o sin_n not_o to_o obey_v again_o the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n be_v one_o thing_n a_o act_n of_o parliament_n another_o thing_n we_o do_v still_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n when_o we_o obey_v not_o this_o or_o that_o act._n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o treason_n of_o impugn_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n it_o can_v be_v no_o treason_n to_o obey_v god_n father_n than_o man_n neither_o do_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o and_o such_o as_o be_v active_a for_o the_o covenant_n at_o that_o time_n commit_v any_o treason_n when_o they_o impugn_a episcopacy_n and_o perth_n article_n although_o ratify_v and_o strengthen_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o stand_a law_n then_o unrepealed_a as_o to_o the_o two_o act_n cite_v in_o the_o letter_n if_o the_o order_n of_o the_o print_a act_n be_v follow_v the_o three_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o what_o it_o be_v cite_v for_o neither_o know_v we_o for_o what_o use_v it_o can_v be_v cite_v and_o apply_v except_o to_o the_o abridge_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n for_o it_o discharge_v all_o judicatories_n and_o judgement_n convention_n and_o assembly_n ecclesiastical_a without_o his_o majesty_n special_a licence_n and_o commandment_n which_o how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o find_v divine_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o to_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v more_o manifest_a then_o to_o need_v that_o we_o shall_v insist_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o the_o order_n of_o the_o unprint_v act_n be_v follow_v the_o second_o of_o these_o act_n do_v not_o mention_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n but_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o council_n however_o we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n a_o parliament_n which_o reintroduce_v episcopacy_n and_o so_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n swear_v three_o year_n before_o for_o captain_n james_n stewart_n then_o earl_n of_o arran_n and_o chancellor_n and_o the_o few_o prelate_n of_o that_o time_n contrive_v and_o procure_v such_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o may_v serve_v their_o end_n the_o same_o act_n be_v allege_v and_o urge_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n in_o anno_fw-la 1638._o for_o episcopacy_n whereunto_o this_o answer_n be_v make_v at_o that_o time_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1584._o be_v of_o several_a nature_n but_o they_o be_v protest_v against_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n when_o they_o be_v proclaim_v and_o as_o they_o be_v make_v in_o that_o time_n which_o be_v call_v the_o hour_n of_o darkness_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi tyranize_v over_o by_o the_o earl_n of_o arran_n so_o be_v they_o repeal_v 1542._o cap._n 114._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v that_o after_o the_o make_n of_o those_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o be_v so_o general_o dislike_v by_o all_o good_a man_n that_o the_o chief_a courtier_n of_o that_o time_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o employ_v master_n patrick_n adamson_n a_o chief_a deviser_n of_o these_o act_n to_o make_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o in_o his_o majesty_n name_n which_o he_o according_o perform_v concern_v which_o declaration_n the_o say_a master_n patrick_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n do_v afterward_o in_o his_o renunciation_n make_v this_o confession_n as_o where_o i_o be_o burden_a to_o be_v the_o setter_n forth_o of_o a_o book_n call_v the_o king_n declaration_n wherein_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v condemn_v and_o traduce_v i_o protest_v before_o god_n that_o so_o i_o be_v command_v to_o write_v the_o same_o by_o the_o chancellor_n for_o the_o time_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o secretary_n another_o great_a courtier_n who_o himself_o pen_v the_o second_o act_n of_o parliament_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o judicatory_a to_o be_v absolute_a in_o the_o king_n power_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o subject_a to_o reclaim_v from_o the_o same_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o act_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v treason_n beside_o that_o declaration_n his_o majesty_n himself_o have_v receive_v a_o supplication_n from_o divers_a well-affected_a minister_n with_o their_o animadversion_n upon_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n do_v pen_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n another_o declaration_n of_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o by_o both_o those_o declaration_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o say_v act_n be_v intend_v for_o innovate_a and_o change_v the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi for_o set_v up_o bishop_n and_o for_o suppress_v the_o best_a minister_n and_o according_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o afterward_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o charge_n against_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v banish_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o here_o to_o insert_v that_o part_n of_o the_o minister_n animadversion_n give_v in_o to_o his_o majesty_n at_o that_o time_n which_o concern_v the_o second_o act_n of_o that_o parliament_n the_o word_n be_v these_o as_o concern_v the_o second_o act_n the_o narration_n thereof_o appear_v to_o be_v slanderous_a against_o some_o of_o the_o ministry_n which_o we_o will_v wish_v to_o be_v reform_v or_o otherwise_o conceive_v except_o the_o truth_n thereof_o be_v verify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o act_n itself_o it_o attribute_v to_o your_o majesty_n a_o sovereign_a power_n of_o judgement_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o person_n of_o your_o subject_n but_o also_o in_o all_o matter_n wherein_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v apprehend_v summon_v or_o charge_v etc
reason_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n and_o final_o we_o expect_v that_o your_o lordship_n will_v do_v nothing_o that_o may_v strengthen_v the_o popish_a prelatical_a or_o malignant_a party_n who_o be_v wait_v for_o their_o day_n or_o that_o may_v discourage_v or_o weaken_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o england_n or_o render_v your_o way_n suspicion_n unto_o they_o but_o that_o your_o lordship_n will_v employ_v all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o your_o hand_n for_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n many_o of_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o as_o glorious_a a_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o any_o age_n have_v see_v and_o all_o of_o your_o have_v be_v witness_n thereto_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v proceed_v from_o you_o for_o weaken_v or_o defeat_v thereof_o as_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o high_a provocation_n against_o the_o lord_n so_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v trouble_n to_o your_o soul_n in_o your_o latter_a end_n and_o meet_v you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o account_n and_o if_o your_o lordship_n shall_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o this_o our_o humble_a supplication_n we_o take_v god_n to_o record_v that_o we_o have_v exonour_v ourselves_o as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o we_o and_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o trust_n we_o discharge_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n thereof_o be_v free_a of_o all_o that_o guilt_n that_o shall_v follow_v upon_o any_o undertake_n or_o resolution_n tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o union_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o we_o desire_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o better_a thing_n of_o your_o lordship_n and_o that_o you_o will_v give_v we_o such_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o bear_v real_a testimony_n of_o your_o lordship_n that_o you_o intend_v the_o settle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v contribute_v for_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o same_o a._n ker._n the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n against_o their_o lordship_n proceed_v to_o a_o determination_n in_o the_o declaration_n concern_v the_o breach_n and_o demand_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o the_o draught_n of_o a_o declaratian_a have_v now_o be_v read_v concern_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o demand_n to_o be_v make_v for_o remedy_n and_o reparation_n thereof_o the_o danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o security_n to_o be_v have_v for_o establish_v the_o same_o upon_o which_o ground_n a_o war_n be_v principal_o found_v and_o whereas_o we_o have_v earnest_o desire_v and_o insist_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o proceed_n to_o any_o determination_n concern_v the_o say_a declaration_n before_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v first_o consult_v therein_o we_o do_v hereby_o enter_v our_o dissent_n from_o proceed_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o matter_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi as_o a_o preparative_n of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o religion_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o know_a law_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v include_v in_o any_o such_o vote_n or_o resolution_n but_o may_v be_v free_a of_o all_o the_o guiltiness_n confusion_n distraction_n and_o evil_a whatsoever_o that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o to_o religion_n the_o king_n this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a protestation_n that_o the_o parliament_n ought_v to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o paper_n already_o present_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o advise_v with_o they_o concern_v the_o draught_n of_o the_o declaration_n before_o they_o approve_v the_o same_o for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o declaration_n be_v concern_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o demand_n to_o be_v make_v for_o remedy_n and_o reparation_n thereof_o the_o danger_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o security_n to_o be_v have_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o same_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v to_o be_v consult_v therein_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n chief_o a_o war_n be_v found_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o kirke_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v the_o ground_n be_v take_v principal_o from_o the_o interest_n of_o covenant_n and_o religion_n 2._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi be_v the_o competent_a and_o proper_a judge_n against_o all_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o when_o there_o be_v great_a controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n betwixt_o his_o majesty_n and_o this_o kingdom_n that_o which_o be_v earnest_o seek_v for_o as_o the_o proper_a and_o only_a mean_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n touch_v matter_n of_o religion_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o solemn_a agreement_n be_v that_o all_o question_n about_o religion_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a be_v determine_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi as_o matter_n civil_a by_o the_o parliament_n which_o express_a word_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 4_o and_o 38_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1640_o and_o by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v particular_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o antecedent_n judgement_n be_v the_o church_fw-mi and_o the_o consequent_a judgement_n or_o civil_a sanction_n be_v the_o state_n as_o in_o the_o king_n oath_n of_o coronation_n and_o the_o first_o act_n 1592._o anent_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi insert_v in_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o repeat_v in_o the_o act_n rescissory_a 1640._o which_o evince_v that_o the_o parliament_n shall_v communicate_v the_o declaration_n to_o the_o church_fw-mi before_o they_o resolve_v upon_o it_o among_o themselves_o 3._o all_o our_o supplication_n remonstrance_n declaration_n protestation_n act_n of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o our_o defensive_a arm_n in_o anno_fw-la 1639_o and_o 1640_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o innovation_n then_o urge_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n service_n book_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o evil_a matter_n therein_o contain_v but_o also_o against_o the_o dangerous_a manner_n of_o introduce_v the_o same_o without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 4._o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v first_o draw_v by_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o their_o interest_n interpretation_n thereof_o especial_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v religion_n be_v never_o hitherto_o deny_v but_o by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirke_n be_v always_o consult_v anent_o the_o danger_n thereunto_o and_o the_o duty_n ground_v thereupon_o and_o touch_v the_o demand_n and_o security_n for_o religion_n before_o any_o expedition_n or_o declaration_n for_o war_n offensive_a or_o defensive_a 5._o the_o parliament_n assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o sole_a judge_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n demand_n for_o reparation_n the_o danger_n to_o duty_n for_o and_o security_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a preparative_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o subsequent_a parliament_n may_v according_a to_o this_o precedent_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi impose_v upon_o they_o new_a confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n government_n and_o so_o change_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o fundamental_o of_o our_o religion_n likewise_o this_o preparative_n in_o a_o parliament_n of_o scotland_n will_v confirm_v such_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n who_o maintain_v the_o errastian_n tenet_n wherefore_o if_o extirpation_n of_o errastianisme_n be_v intend_v in_o england_n as_o be_v profess_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v practise_v at_o home_n 6._o even_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n will_v not_o engage_v in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n until_o they_o have_v first_o advise_v it_o with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n albeit_o that_o assembly_n have_v no_o jurisdiction_n how_o much_o more_o
shall_v we_o be_v caution_n of_o engage_v in_o such_o a_o business_n where_o there_o be_v a_o constitute_v settle_a church_n without_o their_o advice_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a breach_n both_o of_o our_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o determine_v or_o approve_v of_o a_o business_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o their_o commissioner_n see_v by_o both_o covenant_n we_o be_v plain_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi which_o yet_o can_v be_v preserve_v but_o overthrow_v by_o such_o a_o parliamentary_a determination_n and_o declaration_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o religion_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi neither_o can_v we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o undertake_n if_o in_o this_o cause_n wherein_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v we_o shall_v engage_v without_o the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi who_o god_n have_v use_v as_o main_a instrument_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n edinb_n 20._o april_n 1648._o answer_n of_o the_o parliament_n to_o the_o desire_v give_v in_o to_o they_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o to_o the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o they_o upon_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o day_n of_o this_o month_n the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n have_v again_o take_v to_o their_o consideration_n the_o desire_n give_v in_o to_o they_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o have_v also_o consider_v the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n upon_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o day_n of_o this_o month_n do_v conceive_v that_o the_o declaration_n of_o parliament_n be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o eight_o desire_n as_o also_o to_o the_o other_o two_o paper_n in_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v concident_fw-la with_o these_o desire_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o particular_n of_o their_o two_o last_o paper_n concern_v the_o way_n and_o time_n of_o send_v proposition_n to_o the_o king_n 1._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o parliament_n conceive_v the_o same_o way_n be_v now_o take_v that_o have_v be_v former_o and_o in_o regard_n the_o parliament_n of_o england_n have_v lay_v aside_o these_o proposition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o joint_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v our_o first_o application_n to_o they_o who_o must_v first_o agree_v and_o condescend_v thereunto_o before_o his_o majesty_n assent_n can_v be_v demand_v and_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n that_o we_o real_o intend_v to_o insist_v for_o satisfaction_n from_o his_o majesty_n in_o that_o that_o concern_v religion_n before_o all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o his_o majesty_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o freedom_n honour_n and_o safety_n as_o his_o concession_n may_v be_v effectual_a and_o as_o to_o that_o prejudice_n allege_v in_o the_o preparative_n of_o take_v resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi 2._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o as_o we_o have_v never_o hitherto_o take_v any_o resolution_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n without_o advice_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o since_o what_o be_v now_o declare_v by_o the_o parliament_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o new_a ground_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o in_o our_o demand_n concern_v religion_n as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v be_v desire_v so_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v prejudice_v the_o just_a interest_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o for_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o declaration_n which_o contain_v the_o ground_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n on_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o do_v cross_v the_o demand_n concern_v religion_n or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o security_n thereof_o and_o far_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v agree_v unto_o the_o declaration_n it_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n before_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n that_o the_o parliament_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o hear_v and_o consider_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi extract_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o parliament_n by_o sir_n alex_n gibson_n of_o dury_n knight_n clerk_z of_o his_o majesty_n register_n council_n and_o roll_n etc._n etc._n alex._n gibson_n cler._n regist_n edinb_n 25._o april_n 1648._o the_o humble_a return_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o honourable_a and_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n to_o our_o 8_o desire_n and_o to_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o of_o this_o month._n whereas_o your_o lordship_n do_v communicate_v unto_o we_o your_o large_a declaration_n contain_v principal_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n concern_v danger_n and_o duty_n relate_v to_o religion_n we_o wish_v your_o lordship_n have_v be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o liberty_n and_o due_a interest_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n &_o their_o commissioner_n as_o to_o have_v communicate_v to_o we_o a_o business_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n before_o not_o after_o your_o lordship_n resolution_n take_v therein_o and_o that_o your_o lordship_n have_v not_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o so_o many_o &_o so_o considerable_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v give_v most_o real_a and_o constant_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o this_o cause_n to_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o your_o lordship_n proceed_v to_o determine_v a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o consultation_n with_o we_o and_o our_o consent_n have_v therein_o for_o our_o part_n the_o trust_v commit_v to_o we_o be_v so_o precious_a that_o we_o may_v not_o hold_v our_o peace_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o must_v free_o profess_v and_o declare_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o this_o act_n be_v real_o a_o take_n from_o we_o to_o yourselves_o the_o antecedent_n judgement_n and_o determination_n of_o danger_n sand_n duty_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n in_o this_o present_a juncture_n of_o affair_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v so_o far_o prejudice_v as_o can_v not_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o expect_v after_o so_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n we_o therefore_o protest_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n solemn_a covenant_n former_a law_n and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o this_o act_n of_o your_o lordship_n be_v no_o preparative_n for_o the_o future_a final_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v yet_o free_a unto_o we_o according_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o place_n and_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n to_o give_v our_o judgement_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a way_n of_o the_o material_n of_o the_o say_a declaration_n so_o far_o as_o religion_n be_v therein_o concern_v as_o free_o as_o if_o your_o lordship_n have_v take_v no_o resolution_n thereupon_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v and_o desire_v your_o lordship_n to_o remember_v what_o we_o do_v former_o profess_v in_o our_o late_a petition_n that_o we_o never_o be_v nor_o now_o be_v averse_a from_o any_o engagement_n be_v first_o satisfy_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o undertake_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o manage_v the_o same_o we_o proceed_v to_o make_v our_o humble_a return_n to_o your_o lordship_n answer_n of_o the_o 20_o of_o this_o month_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n and_o our_o paper_n of_o the_o 13_o and_o 18_o of_o the_o same_o month_n whereas_o your_o lordship_n conceive_v that_o your_o declaration_n communicate_v unto_o we_o be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n we_o must_v clear_o profess_v to_o your_o lordship_n that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o declaration_n as_o a_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o eight_o desire_n but_o that_o we_o find_v diverse_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o we_o humble_o conceive_v to_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o our_o desire_n and_o of_o very_o
joint_a way_n of_o application_n to_o the_o king_n by_o both_o kingdom_n once_o begin_v have_v be_v continue_v and_o do_v conceive_v very_o much_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o divide_a way_n only_o we_o offer_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n further_a consideration_n whether_o this_o breach_n be_v not_o at_o least_o disputable_a there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o in_o that_o article_n of_o proposal_n proposition_n or_o bill_n but_o only_o of_o cessation_n pacification_n and_o agreement_n for_o peace_n so_o that_o it_o may_v just_o be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o send_n of_o those_o proposal_n and_o bill_n to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v in_o it_o that_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n of_o a_o breach_n of_o treaty_n between_o the_o kingdom_n as_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o treaty_n for_o either_o kingdom_n single_o and_o divide_o to_o send_v proposition_n to_o his_o majesty_n we_o 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of_o peace_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o war_n and_o that_o reparation_n thereof_o may_v be_v seek_v but_o as_o we_o see_v no_o breach_n of_o peace_n instance_a in_o the_o declaration_n and_o as_o the_o three_o breach_n of_o treaty_n insist_v upon_o by_o your_o lordship_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o least_o debatable_a so_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o any_o resolution_n of_o parliament_n that_o such_o breach_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v condescend_v upon_o by_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v and_o send_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n as_o we_o expect_v and_o they_o have_v desire_v by_o their_o commissioner_n here_o only_o we_o hear_v of_o three_o desire_n to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n for_o religion_n his_o majesty_n and_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o these_o kingdom_n we_o conceive_v its_o the_o best_a and_o most_o justificable_a way_n of_o proceed_v that_o public_a as_o well_o as_o private_a injury_n be_v declare_v and_o make_v know_v to_o those_o who_o it_o concern_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n therein_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o fear_v your_o lordship_n will_v hardly_o avoid_v a_o nationall_n quarrel_n against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n if_o the_o three_o instance_n before_o mention_v be_v insist_v upon_o as_o breach_n of_o treaty_n to_o infer_v a_o war_n because_o when_o the_o house_n be_v most_o free_a and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o over-awing_a influence_n of_o the_o sectary_n party_n even_o than_o they_o do_v not_o suppress_v the_o irishes_n in_o this_o kingdom_n they_o do_v not_o enforce_v the_o covenant_n on_o all_o their_o officer_n much_o less_o on_o all_o english_a subject_n neither_o will_v they_o then_o admit_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o treaty_n not_o to_o send_v proposition_n of_o bill_n to_o the_o king_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o all_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v it_o be_v far_o from_o our_o meaning_n to_o assume_v any_o judgement_n of_o the_o treaty_n between_o the_o kingdom_n only_o because_o your_o lordship_n have_v remit_v we_o to_o the_o declaration_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o conscience_n as_o in_o other_o particular_n so_o in_o this_o of_o the_o breach_n we_o have_v humble_o represent_v to_o your_o lordship_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o satisfy_v in_o our_o conscience_n to_o consent_v and_o concur_v for_o our_o part_n upon_o such_o ground_n and_o withal_o see_v it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o desire_n as_o messenger_n of_o peace_n but_o your_o lordship_n profess_a resolution_n in_o this_o declaration_n that_o you_o will_v assay_v all_o brotherly_a and_o amicable_a way_n for_o repair_a difference_n and_o make_v up_o breach_n we_o recommend_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n serious_a thought_n whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o that_o brotherly_a way_n of_o proceed_v between_o two_o kingdom_n in_o covenant_n together_o to_o desire_v a_o treaty_n with_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o breach_n and_o demand_n mention_v in_o this_o your_o declaration_n especial_o see_v the_o way_n of_o treaty_n be_v the_o way_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o 1640._o before_o the_o kingdom_n be_v join_v in_o covenant_n how_o much_o more_o now_o be_v so_o conjoin_v be_v all_o possible_a and_o lawful_a way_n to_o be_v try_v for_o prevent_v the_o effusion_n of_o more_o blood_n in_o your_o lordship_n first_o demand_v which_o concern_v religion_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o can_v in_o our_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v as_o namely_o 1._o because_o the_o first_o two_o particular_n therein_o contain_v viz._n concern_v the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o practise_v of_o the_o directory_n of_o worship_n be_v press_v only_o upon_o subject_n which_o may_v be_v interpret_v as_o tend_v to_o exempt_v the_o king_n majesty_n not_o only_o from_o take_v the_o covenant_n which_o yet_o be_v laudable_o desire_v in_o the_o proposition_n of_o both_o kingd_a but_o from_o have_v the_o directory_n of_o worship_n practise_v in_o his_o family_n which_o be_v a_o liberty_n that_o his_o majesty_n reserve_v to_o himself_o in_o his_o late_a concession_n send_v to_o we_o and_o in_o diverse_a message_n before_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n at_o westm_n 2._o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o this_o demand_n of_o any_o application_n to_o be_v make_v at_o or_o about_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o king_n for_o obtain_v assurance_n from_o his_o majesty_n for_o his_o royal_a consent_n but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v express_v ourselves_o more_o full_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o lordship_n paper_n of_o the_o twenty_o of_o this_o month_n 3._o although_o this_o be_v the_o second_o time_n your_o lordship_n cite_v in_o this_o declaration_n a_o passage_n of_o the_o joint_a declaration_n of_o both_o kingdom_n by_o which_o all_o that_o will_v not_o take_v the_o covenant_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v public_a enemy_n 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the_o trust_n of_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n determine_v judge_n and_o declare_v by_o a_o antecedent_n judgement_n matter_n so_o high_o concern_v religion_n as_o these_o contain_v in_o the_o parliament_n late_a declaration_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o only_o dangerous_a expression_n concern_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o we_o have_v particular_o instance_a in_o our_o late_a declaration_n but_o likewise_o in_o the_o close_a a_o strange_a and_o new_a sense_n put_v upon_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n without_o so_o much_o as_o first_o consult_v we_o concern_v such_o a_o sense_n thereof_o which_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v if_o they_o have_v consult_v we_o therein_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o which_o the_o declaration_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o from_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o we_o have_v promise_v a_o speedy_a return_n thereto_o 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and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n and_o the_o like_a be_v contain_v in_o and_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o clear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n and_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o point_n of_o conscience_n a_o subject_n of_o ministerial_a doctrine_n and_o in_o difficult_a case_n a_o subject_n of_o cognizance_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v that_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n in_o the_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n do_v long_o since_o determine_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o king_n and_o subject_n the_o like_a whereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o other_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v be_v there_o any_o other_o authority_n in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o that_o of_o the_o parliament_n and_o what_o flow_v from_o they_o that_o can_v pretend_v authoritative_a power_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o instrument_n and_o manager_n of_o their_o public_a resolution_n we_o humble_o ask_v be_v there_o any_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n within_o this_o kingdom_n that_o have_v pretend_v or_o do_v pretend_v to_o such_o a_o power_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n a_o authoritative_a power_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o instrument_n to_o be_v entrust_v in_o committee_n of_o parliament_n &_o army_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o we_o but_o unto_o the_o parliament_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v very_o competent_a for_o we_o among_o other_o thing_n requisite_a for_o the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o represent_v to_o the_o parliament_n the_o qualification_n which_o we_o judge_v from_o god_n word_n to_o be_v necessary_a in_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o manage_n of_o so_o great_a affair_n and_o so_o high_o concern_v our_o religion_n and_o conscience_n which_o we_o have_v have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o insist_v upon_o for_o our_o own_o and_o other_o satisfaction_n we_o be_v desire_v to_o join_v and_o concur_v in_o the_o business_n suppose_v a_o minister_n preach_v before_o the_o election_n of_o magistrate_n which_o be_v usual_a and_o show_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o qualification_n requisite_a in_o magistrate_n and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v choose_v but_o such_o as_o be_v so_o and_o so_o qualify_v who_o will_v challenge_v such_o a_o minister_n of_o assume_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o choose_v magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o choose_n of_o particular_a magistrate_n in_o city_n and_o borough_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v sinful_a and_o blame-worthy_a how_o much_o more_o the_o commit_n of_o so_o great_a a_o public_a trust_n in_o committee_n and_o army_n to_o divers_a not_o qualify_v with_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o the_o three_o instance_n which_o ask_v be_v it_o a_o subject_n for_o the_o dispute_n of_o church_n judicatories_n whether_o his_o majesty_n have_v a_o negative_a voice_n in_o parliament_n or_o not_o we_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n hold_v forth_o any_o light_n to_o we_o what_o power_n be_v due_a and_o what_o be_v not_o due_a to_o king_n it_o well_o agree_v with_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o communicate_v such_o light_n to_o other_o as_o we_o see_v need_n we_o know_v no_o church_n judicatory_a that_o have_v dispute_v whether_o his_o majesty_n have_v a_o negative_a voice_n in_o parliament_n but_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o supplicate_v the_o parliament_n that_o they_o may_v not_o interest_n themselves_o in_o any_o quarrel_n for_o his_o majesty_n negative_a voice_n because_o of_o the_o great_a danger_n which_o may_v thereby_o come_v to_o religion_n not_o only_o by_o future_a disappointment_n of_o the_o so_o much_o desire_v settlement_n of_o church_n affair_n but_o by_o quarrel_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n itself_o and_o the_o begin_v reformation_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v purchase_v with_o so_o much_o pain_n hazard_n loss_n and_o suffering_n and_o now_o we_o shall_v take_v all_o these_o three_o instance_n joint_o and_o make_v this_o further_a answer_n to_o they_o all_o first_o although_o the_o point_n have_v be_v mere_o civil_a yet_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o sound_v and_o orthodox_n as_o the_o act_n more_o particular_o bear_v we_o be_v allow_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o parliament_n by_o way_n of_o humble_a supplication_n even_o in_o civil_a matter_n the_o parliament_n also_o have_v in_o their_o declaration_n express_v their_o desire_n and_o resolution_n that_o the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v have_v upon_o the_o matter_n allow_v
etc._n which_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o strange_a the_o like_a whereof_o we_o bear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n and_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o although_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o majesty_n and_o civil_a judge_n when_o they_o offend_v against_o your_o law_n yet_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o concern_v conscience_n no_o christian_a prince_n can_v just_o claim_v nor_o ever_o claim_v to_o himself_o such_o power_n to_o judge_v see_v the_o prince_n in_o this_o behalf_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o jesus_n christ_n only_o the_o head_n who_o only_o have_v power_n to_o give_v law_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o say_v the_o godly_a ambrose_n imperator_fw-la bone_fw-la intra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la supra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la est_fw-la and_o to_o confound_v the_o jurisdiction_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v that_o thing_n wherein_o man_n of_o all_o good_a judgement_n have_v just_o find_v foult_v with_o in_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n which_o claim_v to_o himself_o the_o power_n of_o both_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fault_n to_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o claim_v and_o usurp_v and_o especial_o to_o judge_v upon_o doctrine_n error_n and_o heresy_n he_o not_o be_v place_v in_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n the_o warrant_n hereof_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v likewise_o to_o bring_v forth_o hereunto_o we_o shall_v add_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o recantation_n of_o mr._n patrick_n adamson_n subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n before_o famous_a witness_n and_o exhibit_v to_o the_o synod_n of_o fyffe_n the_o passage_n be_v this_o there_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o second_o act_n of_o parliament_n divers_a other_o false_a intention_n for_o to_o defame_v the_o ministry_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o church_fw-mi of_o god_n in_o hatred_n and_o envy_n with_o their_o prince_n and_o nobility_n burden_v and_o accuse_v the_o minister_n false_o of_o sedition_n and_o other_o crime_n whereof_o they_o be_v innocent_a as_o likewise_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o declaration_n thereof_o that_o sovereign_n and_o supreme_a power_n pertain_v to_o the_o king_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v condemn_v not_o to_o be_v contain_v among_o christian_a act_n where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extol_v above_o all_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v bring_v under_o subjection_n to_o the_o same_o the_o word_n of_o the_o second_o print_v act_n cite_v or_o the_o three_o unprint_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o letter_n we_o find_v to_o be_v thus_o that_o none_o of_o his_o liege_n nor_o subject_n presume_v or_o take_v upon_o band_n to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_v three_o estate_n or_o to_o seek_v or_o procure_v the_o innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n these_o word_n we_o humble_o conceive_v as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o parliament_n make_v of_o the_o three_o estate_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n constitute_v not_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o their_o particular_a act_n so_o if_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o press_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o act_n before_o declare_v they_o will_v conclude_v under_o treason_n all_o who_o impugn_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n abbot_n and_o pryor_n as_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o letter_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v but_o little_a have_v already_o in_o other_o paper_n express_v ourselves_o full_o concern_v the_o unsatisfactorine_n of_o their_o lordship_n declaration_n and_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o present_a engagement_n which_o although_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o same_o cause_n for_o which_o this_o kingdom_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o kirk_n desire_n for_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o well-affected_n who_o be_v most_o zealous_a in_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v general_o against_o this_o engagement_n that_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dis-affected_n to_o the_o cause_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v against_o the_o former_a expedition_n that_o the_o public_a affair_n be_v entrust_v into_o many_o new_a hand_n such_o as_o we_o can_v be_v confident_a of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v quick_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o huge_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v and_o that_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o principle_n which_o make_v we_o active_a in_o further_a the_o former_a expedition_n hinder_v we_o from_o further_a this_n a._n ker._n edinb_n 10._o junii_fw-la 1648._o the_o humble_a advice_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n while_o we_o be_v about_o prepare_v of_o our_o thought_n concern_v the_o unsatisfactorinesse_n of_o a_o paper_n communicate_v unto_o we_o from_o your_o lordship_n upon_o wednesday_n be_v a_o draught_n of_o a_o answer_n from_o the_o parliament_n ot_fw-mi the_o several_a petition_n of_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o shire_n tender_v to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o motion_n make_v unto_o we_o from_o your_o lordship_n by_o the_o lord_n ley_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o armstoun_n to_o wave_v a_o particular_a return_n unto_o that_o paper_n see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o sense_n or_o mind_n of_o the_o parliament_n in_o respect_n that_o before_o the_o parliament_n have_v take_v it_o into_o debate_n or_o consideration_n they_o do_v think_v fit_a to_o communicate_v it_o to_o this_o commission_n and_o withal_o to_o desire_v that_o the_o commissioner_n will_v be_v please_v to_o tender_v unto_o the_o parliament_n their_o advice_n concern_v the_o security_n of_o religion_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o several_a petition_n present_v to_o the_o parliament_n of_o late_a from_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o shire_n unto_o which_o motion_n we_o make_v this_o humble_a return_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o motion_n we_o be_v resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o to_o make_v no_o representation_n of_o our_o thought_n thereupon_o if_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o make_v no_o further_o use_v thereof_o as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o motion_n call_v for_o our_o advice_n concern_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o petition_n present_v from_o several_a shire_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n unto_o the_o parliament_n although_o we_o humble_o conceive_v your_o honour_n may_v clear_o perceive_v what_o be_v our_o judgement_n by_o our_o paper_n present_v to_o your_o lordship_n from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o be_v require_v we_o shall_v again_o faithful_o and_o free_o tender_v this_o our_o humble_a advice_n we_o call_v to_o record_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n that_o our_o not_o concur_v with_o your_o lordship_n proceed_n hitherto_o have_v not_o flow_v from_o want_n of_o zeal_n against_o sectary_n for_o the_o suppression_n of_o who_o and_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o hazard_v all_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n nor_o from_o any_o remissness_n in_o that_o which_o concern_v his_o majesty_n true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o monarchical_a government_n in_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n nor_o from_o any_o want_n of_o tenderness_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n nor_o from_o want_n of_o sympathy_n with_o our_o afflict_a and_o oppress_v brethren_n in_o england_n nor_o from_o partial_a or_o sinistrous_a respect_n to_o any_o party_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o within_o the_o kingdom_n but_o from_o mien_n tenderness_n in_o point_n of_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o kingdom_n and_o from_o the_o unsatisfactorinesse_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o your_o lordship_n declaration_n as_o have_v be_v express_v more_o at_o lengthen_v our_o representation_n notwithstanding_o your_o lordship_n to_o our_o very_a great_a grief_n have_v proceed_v to_o a_o levy_n whereby_o heavy_a burden_n and_o pressure_n have_v be_v lay_v upon_o many_o faithful_a covenanter_n most_o forward_o in_o all_o former_a expedition_n and_o averse_a from_o this_o only_o for_o want_v of_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o necessity_n and_o lawfullnesse_n thereof_o promise_v in_o your_o lordship_n late_a declaration_n but_o not_o as_o yet_o perform_v it_o be_v therefore_o our_o humble_a advice_n that_o the_o abovementioned_a petition_n be_v so_o just_a
in_o themselves_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a as_o they_o ought_v in_o equity_n to_o have_v be_v grant_v so_o they_o ought_v yet_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o secure_n of_o religion_n stay_v the_o present_a levy_n and_o according_a to_o our_o former_a desire_n by_o essay_v treaty_n with_o england_n application_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o all_o other_o fair_a and_o amicable_a way_n for_o remove_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o kingdom_n before_o send_v any_o force_n to_o england_n or_o any_o other_o way_n of_o engagement_n in_o war._n and_o lest_o the_o take_n of_o berwick_n and_o carlisle_n which_o be_v so_o scandalous_a to_o this_o nation_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o england_n as_o a_o breach_n of_o union_n on_o your_o part_n that_o your_o lordship_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o neither_o the_o parliament_n or_o any_o of_o your_o number_n have_v have_v any_o accession_n to_o the_o surprisal_n or_o supply_v of_o these_o town_n nor_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o correspondence_n or_o compliance_n with_o those_o who_o have_v be_v actor_n therein_o we_o do_v also_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o petitioner_n that_o his_o majesty_n late_a concession_n and_o offer_n concern_v religion_n may_v by_o your_o lordship_n direct_o and_o positive_o be_v declare_v unsatisfactory_a to_o this_o present_a parliament_n that_o although_o we_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o have_v have_v or_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o decline_v the_o restore_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o same_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o by_o the_o agreement_n of_o both_o kingdom_n when_o he_o be_v take_v away_o by_o a_o party_n of_o the_o army_n under_o sir_n t._n fairfax_n that_o both_o kingdom_n may_v free_o make_v their_o application_n to_o he_o yet_o your_o lordship_n will_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o engagement_n for_o restore_v his_o majesty_n to_o one_o of_o his_o house_n with_o honour_n freedom_n and_o safety_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o no_o less_o than_o the_o restitution_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n for_o the_o reason_n hold_v forth_o in_o our_o late_a representation_n never_o yet_o answer_v before_o security_n and_o assurance_n be_v have_v from_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o solemn_a oath_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_v that_o he_o shall_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o act_n of_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n and_o full_o establish_v presbyterian_a government_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o that_o his_o majesty_n shall_v never_o make_v opposition_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o endeavour_v any_o change_n thereof_o that_o your_o lordship_n will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o mean_v to_o be_v far_o from_o intere_v yourselves_o in_o any_o quarrel_n for_o his_o maj._n that_o may_v put_v into_o his_o majesty_n hand_n such_o power_n as_o may_v not_o only_o bring_v the_o bygon_a proceed_n of_o both_o kingd_a in_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o question_n but_o also_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v make_v void_a all_o the_o authority_n of_o parl._n though_o proceed_v never_o so_o right_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o a_o clear_a and_o direct_a course_n be_v lay_v down_o and_o declare_v not_o only_o not_o to_o associate_v nor_o join_v in_o counsel_n or_o force_n with_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a or_o malignant_a party_n but_o also_o to_o oppose_v and_o effectual_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v all_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v already_o rise_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o rise_v in_o arm_n upon_o whatsoever_o pretence_n as_o enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o carry_v on_o the_o engagement_n which_o may_v break_v the_o union_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o may_v discourage_v or_o disoblige_a the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o england_n because_o it_o be_v our_o grief_n and_o the_o grief_n of_o all_o the_o well-affected_a that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v of_o constant_a and_o approve_a integrity_n in_o the_o cause_n and_o have_v be_v very_o instrumental_a under_o god_n for_o our_o deliverance_n shall_v be_v force_v for_o want_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o leave_v the_o service_n and_o that_o other_o who_o have_v not_o give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o against_o who_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o exception_n and_o jealousy_n so_o that_o we_o can_v exhort_v our_o flock_n to_o be_v confident_a of_o their_o fidelity_n yea_o and_o divers_a that_o have_v be_v in_o real_a opposition_n to_o the_o cause_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o manage_n of_o your_o lordship_n public_a resolution_n that_o therefore_o your_o lordship_n will_v be_v please_v in_o your_o wisdom_n to_o provide_v a_o timous_a remedy_n herein_o that_o there_o be_v no_o engagement_n without_o a_o solemn_a oath_n wherein_o the_o kirk_n may_v have_v the_o same_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o cause_n be_v the_o same_o as_o we_o do_v humble_o insist_v with_o your_o lordship_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o former_a desire_n express_v in_o our_o former_a paper_n so_o it_o be_v our_o humble_a petition_n to_o your_o lordship_n that_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o your_o lordship_n and_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o your_o order_n contrary_a to_o some_o of_o these_o desire_n some_o effectual_a remedy_n may_v be_v find_v out_o by_o your_o lordship_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o help_n thereof_o that_o all_o who_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o levy_n through_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n have_v suffer_v any_o way_n may_v be_v repair_v all_o unusual_a and_o grievous_a course_n impoverish_v good_a people_n and_o utter_o disable_n they_o to_o subsist_v may_v be_v hereafter_o avoid_v and_o the_o intolerable_a insolency_n profaneness_n blasphemy_n and_o manifold_a outrage_n that_o of_o late_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o soldier_n may_v be_v severe_o punish_v and_o repress_v that_o no_o ordinance_n nor_o order_n may_v issue_v from_o your_o lord_n hip_n in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o of_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n all_o which_o they_o have_v from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o his_o church_fw-mi and_o which_o your_o lordship_n be_v oblige_v by_o solemn_a oath_n in_o our_o covenant_n to_o maintain_v and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v our_o grief_n that_o whilst_o your_o lordship_n have_v be_v seek_v our_o advice_n you_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v grievous_a act_n as_o we_o be_v inform_v so_o we_o desire_v your_o lordship_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v wary_a of_o make_v or_o maintain_v such_o act_n and_o namely_o that_o you_o put_v not_o the_o power_n of_o arbitrary_a government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o entrust_v by_o your_o lordship_n nor_o ordain_v any_o oath_n to_o be_v impose_v or_o exact_v that_o may_v be_v snare_n to_o man_n conscience_n all_o which_o we_o serious_o recommend_v to_o your_o lordship_n as_o you_o desire_v not_o to_o provoke_v against_o yourselves_o and_o your_o posterity_n the_o wrath_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o a_o break_a covenant_n upon_o the_o parliament_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n but_o if_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o hearken_v to_o our_o humble_a advice_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o well-affected_a in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n by_o grant_v their_o just_a desire_n your_o honour_n shall_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v bless_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o you_o you_o shall_v bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o this_o distress_a and_o distract_a kingdom_n endear_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o well-affected_a disappoint_v the_o design_n of_o the_o disaffect_v and_o your_o name_n shall_v be_v a_o praise_n unto_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n and_o we_o shall_v pour_v out_o supplication_n before_o he_o who_o sit_v and_o judge_v among_o god_n to_o endue_v your_o lordship_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o name_n that_o your_o resolution_n may_v be_v right_o order_v and_o tend_v to_o his_o glory_n the_o security_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n a._n ker_n