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baptise_v of_o bell_n conjure_v of_o spirit_n cross_v sane_v
to_o who_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o perform_v ministerial_a duty_n be_v diligent_a preacher_n themselves_o they_o be_v not_o as_o the_o prelate_n be_v idle_a dron_n nor_o non-residenrs_a nor_o yet_o of_o a_o strange_a language_n to_o the_o people_n as_o wallace_n through_o his_o ignorance_n of_o the_o irish_a tongue_n and_o almost_o of_o all_o other_o except_o his_o mother_n must_v be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o his_o diocy_n of_o the_o western-isle_n neither_o do_v they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o secular_a affair_n and_o office_n than_o which_o what_o be_v there_o more_o absurd_a in_o reason_n and_o repugnant_a to_o scriptural_a precept_n and_o example_n for_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18_o ver_fw-la 38._o and_o how_o can_v his_o officer_n be_v of_o it_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n luc._n 12_o 14._o and_o speak_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o civil_a authority_n and_o dominion_n say_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o mat._n 20_o ver_fw-la 25._o luc._n 22_o ver_fw-la 25_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o ministerial_a weapon_n be_v not_o carnal_a 2_o cor._n 10_o ver_fw-la 4_o and_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v not_o entangle_v themselves_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n 2_o tim._n 2_o ver_fw-la 4_o that_o the_o ministerial_a call_n be_v so_o weighty_a that_o the_o best_a qualify_v and_o most_o diligent_a be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2_o ver_fw-la 16._o how_o then_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o civil_a affair_n too_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v waâ—_n upon_o it_o rom._n 12_o ver_fw-la 7_o and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 4_o ver_fw-la 15._o and_o not_o wait_v as_o the_o prelate_n do_v upon_o court_n parliament_n council_n convention_n of_o estate_n etc._n etc._n as_o member_n thereof_o nor_o exerce_fw-la the_o office_n of_o provost_n justice_n of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n 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of_o good_a man_n meek_a and_o gentle_a as_o the_o scripture_n require_v that_o many_o be_v novice_n ignorant_a profane_a light_n give_v to_o wine_n false_a covetous_a contentious_a proud_a passionat_n and_o self_n will_v and_o so_o far_o from_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n or_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o in_o word_n conversation_n charity_n spirit_n faith_n and_o purity_n that_o they_o neither_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o nor_o rule_v their_o own_o family_n well_o i_o remember_v that_o one_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o commit_v the_o flock_n to_o vicar-curats_n as_o all_o be_v who_o serve_v under_o prelacy_n say_v adibunt_fw-la per_fw-la vicarios_fw-la in_o paradisum_fw-la in_fw-la persona_fw-la in_o inferos_fw-la they_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n by_o their_o depute_n but_o to_o hell_n in_o person_n these_o man_n if_o i_o may_v borrow_v a_o allusion_n from_o the_o duty_n and_o commendation_n of_o faithful_a and_o approven_v minister_n have_v take_v forth_o the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a and_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o cause_v man_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o unclean_a and_o the_o clean_a but_o mark_v how_o and_o for_o what_o end_n be_v it_o not_o by_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a who_o they_o have_v select_v and_o set_v up_o as_o the_o only_a object_n of_o all_o their_o malice_n and_o persecution_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o they_o have_v take_v into_o their_o bosom_n as_o their_o only_a familiar_n and_o confident_n the_o one_o they_o thirst_n with_o the_o side_n and_o shoulder_n the_o other_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v to_o turn_v from_o his_o evil_a way_n by_o promise_v he_o life_n but_o if_o any_o desire_n more_o particular_a information_n about_o they_o among_o other_o place_n to_o that_o purpose_n let_v they_o read_v and_o consider_v jer._n 23.9_o to_o 33._o and_o 5.31_o ezek._n 34.1_o to_o 11._o and_o 22.25.26.28_o zeph._n 3.4_o mal._n 2.8.9_o mat._n 23._o and_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o water_n they_o shall_v see_v their_o call_n quality_n doctrine_n conversation_n work_n and_o influence_n among_o the_o people_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o together_o with_o their_o righteous_a doom_n and_o reward_n he_o have_v already_o make_v contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o the_o people_n those_o who_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n of_o levy_n and_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n have_v make_v many_o to_o stumble_v thereat_o and_o will_v he_o not_o cause_n to_o cease_v from_o feed_v of_o the_o flock_n those_o who_o feed_v themselves_o eat_v the_o fat_a and_o cloth_n with_o the_o wool_n but_o do_v not_o for_o indeed_o they_o can_v strengthen_v the_o deseasâ—d_n heall_a the_o sick_a bind_v up_o that_o which_o iâ—_n break_v bring_v back_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o nor_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v they_o have_v not_o only_o turn_v his_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o a_o den_n of_o 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now_o sorrowful_a for_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n that_o he_o will_v search_v for_o the_o flock_n seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v bring_v back_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v &_o strengthen_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o pastor_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n who_o under_o and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n david_n shall_v feed_v they_o in_o a_o good_a pasture_n with_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o all_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o curse_n upon_o they_o who_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n neither_o be_v they_o who_o plead_v a_o indifferency_n of_o form_n of_o government_n more_o scriptural_a or_o rational_a than_o the_o former_a for_o it_o seem_v equal_o absurd_a &_o incosinstant_a with_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o j._n christ_n who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o who_o appoint_v he_o with_o the_o lord_n way_n of_o deal_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n whereunto_o he_o prescribe_v a_o specifical_a and_o fix_a form_n of_o government_n and_o with_o the_o perfection_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o all_o church_n assembly_n officer_n power_n act_n and_o who_o shall_v exerce_fw-la the_o same_o &_o every_o other_o thing_n necessary_o belong_v thereunto_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o teach_v and_o be_v not_o common_a to_o it_o with_o civil_a government_n and_o order_n be_v clear_o hold_v forth_o express_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n in_o special_a or_o general_n direction_n and_o warrantable_a example_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o many_o debat_n extant_a thereanent_a to_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o alterable_a according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o the_o various_a and_o mutable_a humour_n
anoint_v conjure_v hallow_v of_o god_n good_a creature_n with_o the_o superstitious_a opinion_n join_v therewith_o his_o worldly_a monarchy_n and_o wicked_a hierarchy_n his_o three_o solemn_a vow_n with_o all_o his_o shaveling_n of_o sundry_a sort_n his_o erroneous_a and_o bloody_a decree_n make_v at_o trent_n with_o all_o the_o subscriber_n and_o approver_n of_o that_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a band_n conjure_v against_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o final_o we_o detest_v all_o his_o vain_a allegory_n rite_n sign_n and_o tradition_n bring_v in_o the_o kirk_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o true_a reform_a kirk_n to_o the_o which_o we_o join_v ourselves_o willing_o in_o doctrine_n faith_n religion_n discipline_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n our_o head_n promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n under_o the_o pain_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o danger_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n fearful_a judgement_n and_o see_v that_o many_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n to_o promise_v swear_v subscribe_v and_o for_o a_o time_n use_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o kirk_n deceitful_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n mind_v thereby_o first_o under_o the_o external_a cloak_n of_o religion_n to_o corrupt_v and_o subvert_v secret_o god_n true_a religion_n within_o the_o kirk_n and_o afterward_o when_o time_n may_v serve_v to_o become_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o same_o under_o vain_a hope_n of_o the_o pope_n dispensation_n devise_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o his_o great_a confusion_n and_o their_o double_a condemnation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n we_o therefore_o willing_a to_o take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o of_o such_o double_a deal_n with_o god_n and_o his_o kirk_n protest_v and_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n for_o witness_n that_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n do_v full_o agree_v with_o this_o our_o confession_n promise_v oath_n and_o subscription_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o move_v for_o any_o worldly_a respect_n but_o be_v persuade_v only_o in_o our_o conscience_n through_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n print_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o he_o in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o because_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o quietness_n and_o stability_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o kirk_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o safety_n &_o good_a behaviour_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n as_o upon_o a_o 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act_n constitution_n canon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a with_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o practic_a penalty_n whatsoever_o make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o or_o of_o the_o true_a kirk-discipline_n jurisdiction_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o or_o in_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n or_o of_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n as_o act._n 3._o act._n 13._o parl._n 1_o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o of_o king_n james_n the_o six_o that_o papistry_n and_o superstition_n may_v be_v utter_o suppress_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n repeat_v in_o the_o 5._o act._n parl._n 20._o k_o james_n 6._o and_o to_o that_o end_n they_o ordain_v all_o papist_n and_o priest_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o manifold_a civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n as_o adversary_n to_o god_n true_a religion_n preach_v and_o by_o law_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n act._n 24._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o as_o common_a enemy_n to_o all_o christian_a government_n act._n 18._o parl._n 16._o k._n james_n 6._o as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n act._n 47._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o as_o idolater_n act._n 104._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o but_o also_o in_o particular_a by_o and_o atcour_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n do_v abolish_v and_o condemn_v the_o pope_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o this_o land_n and_o ordain_v the_o maintainer_n thereof_o to_o be_v punish_v act_n 2._o parl._n 1_o act_n 51._o part._n 3._o act_n 106._o parl._n 7._o act_n 114._o parl._n 12._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v the_o pope_n erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o any_o other_o erroneous_a doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n public_o preach_v and_o by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o realm_n and_o ordain_v the_o spreader_n and_o maker_n of_o book_n or_o libel_n or_o letter_n or_o writ_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o be_v punish_v act_n 46._o parl._n 3_o act_n 106._o parl._n 7._o act_n 24._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v all_o baptism_n conform_v to_o the_o pope_n kirk_n and_o the_o idolarry_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o ordain_v all_o sayer_n wilful_a hearer_n and_o concealer_n of_o the_o mass_n the_o maintainer_n and_o resetter_n of_o the_o priest_n jesuit_n traffique_a papist_n to_o be_v punish_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o restriction_n act_n 5._o parl._n 1_o act._n 120._o parl._n 12._o act._n 164._o parl._n 13._o act._n 193._o parl._n 14._o act._n 1._o parl._n 19_o act._n 5._o parl._n 20._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v all_o erroneous_a book_n and_o writ_n contain_v erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v or_o contain_v superstitious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n papistical_a whereby_o the_o people_n be_v great_o abuse_v and_o ordain_v the_o home-bringer_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v act_n 25._o parl._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o do_v condemn_v the_o monument_n and_o dregs_o of_o bygone_a idolatry_n as_o go_v to_o the_o cross_n observe_v the_o festival_n day_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o other_o superstitious_a and_o papistical_a rite_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n contempt_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o foster_a of_o great_a error_n among_o the_o people_n and_o ordain_v the_o user_n of_o they_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o second_o fault_n as_o idolater_n act_n 104._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o like_a as_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v conceive_v for_o maintenance_n of_o god_n true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o purity_n thereof_o in_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n &_o freedom_n thereof_o in_o her_o national_a synodal_n assembly_n presbytery_n session_n policy_n discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o as_o that_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v profess_v exercise_v preach_v and_o confess_v according_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o realm_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o 99_o act._n parl._n 7._o act._n 23._o parl._n 11._o act._n 114._o parl._n 12._o act._n 160._o parl._n 13._o of_o king_n james_n 6._o ratify_v by_o the_o 4._o act._n of_o king_n charles_n so_o that_o the_o 6._o act._n parl._n 1._o and_o 68_o act._n parl._n 6._o of_o king_n james_n 6._o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1579._o declare_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v raise_v up_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n that_o profess_a christ_n as_o he_o be_v then_o offer_v in_o the_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v public_o administrat_fw-la according_a
own_v it_o and_o stand_v to_o it_o but_o do_v account_v themselves_o so_o much_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o their_o own_o preservation_n and_o esteem_v the_o same_o so_o much_o the_o more_o endear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o seâ—ing_v forth_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n and_o the_o propagation_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o seem_v so_o necessary_o to_o depend_v thereon_o which_o endeavour_n they_o do_v also_o further_o extend_v in_o the_o bowel_n and_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a affection_n in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o defence_n &_o assistence_n to_o all_o his_o member_n and_o in_o effect_n if_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o when_o god_n call_v they_o to_o suffering_n they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o death_n that_o they_o may_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n so_o when_o they_o attain_v to_o any_o probability_n of_o act_v they_o think_v themselves_o indispensible_o oblige_v upon_o their_o uttermost_a hazard_n to_o defend_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o to_o suppress_v all_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n contrary_a thereto_o although_o the_o motive_n of_o self-defence_n have_v not_o be_v conjoin_v and_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o convocation_n and_o combination_n though_o not_o only_o without_o but_o even_o against_o authority_n yet_o be_v in_o order_n to_o such_o necessary_a and_o just_a end_n do_v suffirient_o warrant_v they_o before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n from_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o law_n or_o act_n then_o stand_v against_o the_o same_o wherewith_o they_o may_v have_v be_v charge_v for_o verification_n hereof_o though_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n yet_o let_v the_o instance_n of_o their_o first_o appearance_n be_v observe_v wherein_o both_o the_o motive_n actor_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n do_v more_o clear_o and_o beyond_o all_o cavillation_n hold_v out_o that_o only_o the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o constant_o suffer_v do_v stir_v they_o up_o from_o the_o pure_a and_o vive_a sense_n of_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o certain_a privilege_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o to_o own_o and_o set_v themselves_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o true_a minister_n thereof_o the_o passage_n be_v thus_o in_o or_o about_o the_o year_n 1555_o the_o queen_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n perceave_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o fear_v some_o inward_a distraction_n during_o the_o war_n then_o with_o england_n if_o she_o shall_v fall_v upon_o a_o more_o rigorous_a and_o general_a course_n do_v cause_v all_o the_o preacher_n to_o be_v summon_v whereupon_o the_o body_n and_o generality_n of_o the_o whole_a protestant_n resolve_v to_o keep_v the_o diet_n but_o the_o bishop_n apprehend_v the_o hazard_n do_v procure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v command_v instant_o to_o the_o border_n nevertheless_o god_n have_v so_o provide_v that_o upon_o the_o same_o day_n the_o west-land_n quarter_n return_v from_o it_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o faithful_a man_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o understand_v the_o matter_n they_o repair_v to_o the_o queen_n and_o plain_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o prelate_n do_v charge_v they_o with_o the_o cruel_a device_n intend_v and_o certify_v she_o '_o of_o their_o resolution_n both_o to_o oppose_v it_o and_o defend_v their_o brethren_n to_o their_o uttermost_a and_o cease_v not_o until_o that_o she_o be_v move_v to_o discharge_v the_o citation_n thereafter_o in_o the_o year_n 1557._o they_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o constant_a mutual_a defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o minister_n and_o themselves_o against_o all_o their_o adversary_n in_o these_o word_n we_o perceive_v how_o satan_n in_o his_o member_n the_o antichrist_n of_o our_o time_n cruel_o do_v rage_n seek_v to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o congregation_n aught_o according_a to_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o strive_v in_o our_o master_n cause_n even_o unto_o the_o death_n be_v certain_a of_o the_o victory_n in_o he_o the_o which_o our_o duty_n be_v well_o consider_v we_o do_v promise_n before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o congregation_n that_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n shall_v with_o all_o diligence_n continual_o apply_v our_o whole_a power_n substance_n and_o our_o very_a life_n to_o maintain_v set_v forward_o and_o establish_v the_o most_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o congregation_n and_o shall_v labour_v according_a to_o our_o power_n to_o have_v faithful_a minister_n true_o and_o pure_o to_o minister_v christ_n gospel_n and_o sacrament_n to_o his_o people_n we_o shall_v maintain_v they_o nourish_v they_o and_o defend_v they_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o our_o whole_a power_n and_o wage_n of_o our_o life_n against_o satan_n and_o all_o wicked_a power_n that_o do_v intend_v tyranny_n or_o trouble_n against_o the_o foresay_a congregation_n unto_o the_o which_o holy_a word_n and_o congregation_n we_o de_fw-fr join_v we_o and_o so_o do_v forsake_v and_o renounce_v the_o congregation_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o the_o superstitious_a abomination_n and_o idolatry_n thereof_o and_o moreover_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o manifest_a enemy_n thereto_o by_o this_o our_o faithful_a promise_n before_o god_n testify_v to_o this_o congregation_n by_o our_o subscription_n at_o these_o present_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o three_o day_n of_o december_n anno_fw-la 1557._o god_n call_v to_o witness_n like_o as_o in_o the_o year_n 1559._o be_v again_o necessitate_v to_o assemble_v for_o and_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o themselves_o at_o perth_n they_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v the_o same_o engagement_n according_a to_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o servant_n in_o these_o word_n at_o perth_n the_o last_o day_n of_o may_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1559._o year_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o west_n country_n with_o the_o congregation_n of_o fife_n perth_n dundie_n angus_n mern_n and_o monross_n be_v convene_v in_o the_o town_n of_o perth_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n understand_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o same_o then_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a amity_n unity_n and_o fellowship_n together_o according_a as_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n be_v confederate_a and_o become_v bind_v and_o oblige_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o concur_v &_o assist_v together_o in_o do_v all_o thing_n require_v of_o god_n in_o his_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o at_o their_o whole_a power_n to_o destroy_v and_o put_v away_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v dishonour_n to_o his_o name_n so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v true_o and_o pure_o worship_v and_o in_o case_n that_o any_o trouble_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o say_a congregation_n or_o any_o part_n or_o member_n thereof_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v concur_v assist_v and_o conveen_v together_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n or_o person_n trouble_v and_o shall_v not_o spare_v labour_n good_n substance_n body_n and_o life_n in_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o against_o whatsoever_o person_n shall_v intend_v the_o say_a trouble_n for_o cause_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n depend_v thereupon_o or_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n under_o pretence_n thereof_o although_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v colour_v with_o any_o other_o outward_a cause_n and_o again_o in_o the_o month_n of_o august_n the_o same_o year_n after_o have_v sustain_v and_o valiant_o resist_v a_o second_o assault_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a prelate_n and_o of_o their_o other_o violent_a adversary_n by_o a_o three_o band_n &_o oath_n they_o add_v a_o further_a caution_n to_o their_o former_a engagement_n to_o the_o effect_n that_o in_o so_o just_a and_o holy_a a_o cause_n they_o may_v never_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n be_v thereafter_o faint_v or_o divide_v and_o last_o in_o april_n anno_fw-la 15â—0_n they_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o four_o bond_n in_o these_o word_n we_o who_o name_n be_v underwritten_a have_v promise_v and_o oblige_v ourselves_o faithful_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v promise_n that_o we_o together_o in_o general_n and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o special_a by_o himself_o with_o our_o body_n good_n and_o friend_n and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v shall_v set_v forward_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n my_o have_v free_a passage_n within_o this_o realm_n with_o
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and_o interest_n be_v therein_o indispensible_o concern_v see_v it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o the_o iniquity_n and_o calamity_n of_o these_o time_n that_o the_o poor_a nation_n and_o its_o great_a concernment_n be_v by_o they_o so_o base_o abandon_v but_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o though_o our_o adversary_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o disastrous_a event_n that_o late_o have_v happen_v do_v now_o boast_v of_o a_o most_o special_a providence_n and_o foresight_n in_o all_o these_o oppression_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o just_a and_o rational_a on_o their_o part_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o oppression_n do_v even_o make_v a_o wise_a man_n mad_a so_o to_o see_v a_o free_a nation_n by_o the_o perfidy_n and_o insolent_a domineer_a of_o a_o few_o upstart_a prelate_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o slavish_a favourite_n reduce_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o most_o insupportable_a and_o unnatural_a conquest_n both_o be_v be_v and_o ever_o 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increase_v to_o a_o great_a height_n than_o ever_o it_o attain_v at_o any_o time_n in_o this_o land_n since_o the_o reformation_n &_o that_o though_o it_o have_v &_o do_v appear_v in_o that_o dare_a confidence_n as_o in_o its_o avow_a idolatrous_a mass_n and_o seminary_a priest_n among_o we_o to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v these_o ancient_a and_o stand_a law_n whereby_o such_o thing_n be_v often_o and_o severe_o prohibit_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n never_o one_o have_v be_v public_o question_v and_o charge_v upon_o that_o account_n the_o thing_n most_o to_o be_v notice_v be_v that_o the_o only_a grievance_n and_o eyesore_n of_o prelate_n be_v conscience_n and_o any_o measure_n of_o tenderness_n therein_o thence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o peaceable_a forbearance_n in_o not_o bear_v curate_n and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v persecute_v with_o all_o rigour_n whereas_o adultery_n blasphemy_n swear_v and_o drunkenness_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v punish_v or_o restrain_v that_o the_o committer_n thereof_o be_v now_o only_o the_o person_n most_o in_o fashion_n and_o favour_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v know_v and_o can_v be_v instance_a that_o person_n convene_v and_o question_v as_o disaffect_v have_v either_o upon_o the_o discovery_n or_o information_n of_o their_o profanity_n and_o dissoluteness_n be_v instant_o and_o free_o dismiss_v oh_o that_o man_n and_o christian_n do_v so_o little_o remember_v our_o lord_n own_o rule_n to_o judge_v and_o discern_v false_a prophet_n by_o their_o fruit_n whereby_o he_o have_v express_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o blind_v and_o bewitch_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o satan_n in_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n endeavour_v under_o a_o mere_a shadow_n and_o pretence_n of_o formality_n to_o root_v out_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n and_o to_o reduce_v this_o poor_a church_n
yoke_n of_o prelacy_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v &_o which_o be_v destructive_a to_o all_o our_o true_a interest_n religious_a and_o civil_a as_o you_o will_v not_o involve_v yourselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n and_o plague_n of_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o your_o own_o name_n person_n estate_n family_n and_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n and_o as_o you_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o good_a of_o god_n choose_v and_o of_o our_o joy_n when_o you_o come_v so_o near_a eternity_n as_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o as_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o take_v our_o life_n in_o our_o hand_n so_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o lay_v they_o down_o in_o this_o cause_n and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n because_o of_o his_o cross_n so_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o offend_v in_o christ_n nor_o discourage_v because_o of_o we_o for_o we_o bear_v you_o record_v that_o we_o will_v not_o exchange_v lot_n with_o our_o adversary_n nor_o redeem_v our_o life_n liberty_n and_o fortune_n at_o the_o price_n of_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o further_o we_o be_v assure_v though_o this_o be_v the_o daâ—_n of_o iacob_n trouble_n that_o yet_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v accomplish_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o own_o and_o fill_v up_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o adversary_n he_o will_v awake_v for_o judgement_n plead_v his_o own_o cause_n avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n make_v inquiry_n for_o blood_n vindicate_v his_o people_n break_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o to_o he_o belong_v judgement_n and_o vengeance_n and_o though_o our_o eye_n shall_v not_o see_v it_o yet_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v arise_v with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n &_o that_o he_o will_v revive_v his_o work_n repair_v the_o breach_n build_v the_o old_a waste_n and_o 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same_o chamber_n with_o thomas_n paterson_n merchant_n in_o glasgow_n who_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n indict_v but_o die_v of_o his_o wound_n before_o sentence_n do_v communicate_v the_o same_o to_o his_o friend_n with_o his_o assent_n thereunto_o man_n and_o brethren_n be_v condemn_v by_o our_o ruler_n as_o traitor_n lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o many_o to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o the_o unworthy_a of_o all_o man_n worthy_a to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n single_o to_o mind_v his_o glory_n and_o who_o also_o make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n though_o by_o man_n superscribe_v with_o treason_n our_o sweet_a consolation_n and_o his_o own_o joy_n our_o strength_n 2._o we_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o same_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v now_o ready_a to_o 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of_o all_o people_n and_o person_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o oppress_a kirk_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o our_o noble_a ancestor_n take_v the_o sword_n of_o necessary_a self-defence_n from_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o these_o wicked_a &_o violent_a man_n until_o we_o may_v make_v our_o heavy_a grievance_n know_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o obtain_v from_o his_o justice_n a_o satisfy_a remedy_n we_o will_v not_o now_o mention_v our_o particular_a suffering_n nor_o the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o poor_a waste_a galloway_n which_o though_o very_o heavy_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v all_o to_o light_v for_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v we_o willing_a to_o reflect_v upon_o these_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a law_n and_o edict_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v warrant_v only_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v righteous_a who_o law_n and_o judgement_n be_v superior_a and_o above_o all_o the_o law_n and_o action_n of_o man_n and_o 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