our_o commissioner_n they_o expect_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o desire_n for_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v as_o well_o as_o any_o judge_n or_o advocate_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o no_o commissioner_n either_o can_v award_v or_o ever_o have_v award_v any_o such_o process_n as_o they_o require_v and_o therefore_o they_o move_v our_o commissioner_n once_o again_o that_o he_o will_v require_v our_o judge_n or_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n to_o grant_v out_o such_o process_n with_o which_o request_n when_o our_o commissioner_n make_v our_o judge_n acquaint_v they_o return_v he_o that_o answer_n which_o the_o covenanter_n know_v very_o well_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o make_v viz._n that_o they_o can_v grant_v out_o no_o process_n for_o the_o compeerance_n of_o any_o person_n before_o they_o but_o those_o who_o be_v implead_v and_o who_o cause_n be_v triable_a before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o commissioner_n find_v by_o inquiry_n and_o the_o covenanter_n know_v it_o perfect_o well_o that_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o process_n or_o cytation_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v to_o pass_v it_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o office_n be_v during_o life_n if_o he_o be_v not_o legal_o remove_v &_o usual_o too_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o be_v moderator_n at_o the_o last_o general_n assembly_n both_o which_o be_v then_o live_v and_o be_v so_o still_o the_o name_n of_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v master_n james_n sandeland_n a_o advocate_n and_o commissary_n of_o aberdene_n and_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n be_v the_o now_o archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n but_o they_o who_o have_v all_o this_o while_n go_v on_o in_o disorderly_a illegal_a and_o unjustifiable_a way_n belike_o think_v it_o a_o incongruitie_n to_o keep_v the_o beat_a path_n and_o tract_n of_o justice_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o fall_v and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o way_n so_o unlike_a justice_n so_o repugnant_a to_o religion_n and_o common_a honesty_n as_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o they_o hit_v upon_o it_o have_v neither_o law_n nor_o practice_n for_o it_o which_o be_v this_o they_o cause_v to_o be_v draw_v up_o a_o most_o false_a odious_a and_o scandalous_a libel_n against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n with_o a_o petition_n annex_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n wherein_o they_o desire_v the_o libel_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o the_o copy_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v exhibit_v by_o they_o to_o the_o say_a presbytery_n and_o afterward_o public_o read_v in_o all_o the_o pulpit_n thereof_o here_o follow_v which_o out_o of_o our_o love_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o wish_v may_v never_o come_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o any_o pagan_a and_o out_o of_o our_o love_n to_o the_o religion_n reform_v we_o wish_v may_v never_o come_v to_o the_o notice_n of_o any_o papist_n but_o it_o can_v be_v conceal_v the_o bill_n or_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o covenanter_n which_o be_v not_o commissionary_n to_o the_o assembly_n against_o the_o pretend_a archbishop_n and_o bishop_n within_o this_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o a_o act_n of_o reference_n of_o the_o bill_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n as_o it_o be_v full_o read_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n before_o noon_n in_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n according_a to_o the_o act._n nobleman_n unto_o your_o wisdom_n humble_o show_v and_o complain_v we_o john_n earl_n of_o sutherland_n john_n earl_n of_o athol_n william_n earl_n of_o dalhousie_n mungo_n viscount_n of_o stormouth_n hugh_n lord_n montgomerie_n david_n lord_n elcho_n george_n lord_n forester_n arthur_n lord_n forbesse_n john_n master_n of_o berridale_a robert_n lord_n boyd_n david_n lord_n balcarras_n john_n lord_n melvill_n baron_n and_o gentleman_n craggemillar_n lugtoun_n buchanan_n young_a dury_n balgonny_o balbirny_n master_n william_n hamilton_n thomas_n cragge_n of_o ricarton_n john_n cowper_n of_o gogar_n john_n hamilton_n of_o boghall_n david_n inglis_n of_o ingliston_n john_n dundas_n of_o newliston_n sir_n william_n cockburne_n of_o langton_n patrick_n cockburne_n of_o clerkinton_n john_n leslie_n of_o newton_n colonel_n alexander_n leslie_n david_n barclay_n of_o onwerme_n sir_n michael_n arnot_n of_o arnot_n sir_n michael_n balfoure_n of_o deanemill_n john_n aiton_n of_o aiton_n david_n beaton_n of_o balfoure_n john_n lundie_n of_o lundie_n walter_n murray_n of_o liviston_n sir_n john_n preston_n of_o ardrie_n walter_n cornwall_n of_o bonhard_n william_n scot_n of_o ardrosse_n robert_n forbosse_n of_o ricesse_n sir_n andrew_n murray_n of_o balvarde_a george_n dundasse_n of_o dudistone_n sir_n william_n murray_n of_o blebo_n master_n robert_n preston_n william_n dicksone_n minister_n master_n william_n scot_n minister_n at_o cowper_n master_n george_n hammiltoun_n at_o nuburne_n master_n walter_n grog_n at_o balmerino_n master_n john_n machgil_n parson_n of_o fliske_n master_n andrew_n blackhat_o at_o aberlady_n burgess_n and_o commons_o george_n bruce_n of_o carnock_n george_n potterfield_n a_o burgess_n of_o glasgow_n john_n smith_n john_n mill_n laurence_n henryson_n richard_n maxwell_n burgess_n of_o edinburgh_n we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o name_n and_o behalf_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o within_o this_o realm_n of_o scotland_n subscriber_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o who_o will_v assist_v and_o insist_v in_o this_o complaint_n with_o we_o as_o faithful_a christian_n as_o loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o this_o church_n and_o commonweal_n have_v interest_n to_o pursue_v this_o popular_a action_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o a_o eminent_a degree_n by_o which_o pursuit_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v christ_n kingdom_n advance_v that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o her_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n and_o free_v from_o manifold_a scandal_n from_o the_o corrupter_n of_o doctrine_n with_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n of_o the_o sacrament_n with_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o of_o the_o discipline_n with_o tyranny_n and_o from_o the_o overthrower_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n by_o their_o usurpation_n and_o lie_n their_o violent_a humour_n and_o falsehood_n for_o their_o own_o worldly_a end_n may_v be_v try_v and_o censure_v according_o and_o so_o this_o church_n and_o state_n make_v free_a from_o the_o present_a division_n and_o combustion_n and_o restore_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n both_o with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o and_o that_o his_o majesty_n religious_a disposition_n and_o honour_n may_v be_v clear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v fraudulent_o abuse_v his_o majesty_n name_n and_o authority_n by_o their_o trust_n and_o credit_n with_o his_o majesty_n we_o most_o earnest_o make_v request_n that_o whereas_o by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o by_o his_o majesty_n last_o proclamation_n all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a of_o whatsoever_o title_n or_o degree_n if_o they_o have_v exercise_v a_o unlimited_a or_o unwarrantable_a power_n they_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n or_o to_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o whereas_o master_n david_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n thomas_n sydserfe_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o galloway_n master_n walter_n whitefoord_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o brichen_n master_n james_n wedderburne_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dumblane_n master_n james_n fairley_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o argyle_n master_n john_n spotswood_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n have_v their_o residence_n or_o dwell_a place_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n patrick_n lyndsey_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n master_n alexander_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunkell_n master_n adam_n bannatine_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o aberdene_n master_n john_n gutherie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o murray_n master_n john_n maxwel_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o rosse_n master_n george_n greme_a pretend_v bishop_n of_o orkney_n master_n john_n abernethie_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o caithnesse_n master_n neil_n campbel_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o unlimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o caution_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o mountrose_n anno_fw-la 1600._o for_o bound_v of_o the_o minister_n vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o conclude_v to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o
januarie_n 28._o 1580._o and_o sign_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n to_o be_v renew_v and_o to_o that_o effect_n have_v give_v order_n to_o our_o commissioner_n with_o advice_n of_o our_o council_n to_o set_v down_o and_o settle_v some_o solid_a course_n whereby_o the_o same_o may_v be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o council_n judge_n magistrate_n of_o burroughes_n and_o all_o other_o our_o people_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o ourself_o we_o declare_v that_o as_o we_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v satisfy_v in_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o the_o reform_a religion_n now_o establish_v and_o against_o the_o roman_a so_o we_o purpose_v by_o god_n grace_n both_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o full_a strength_n and_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n what_o we_o have_v think_v further_a fit_v to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o time_n concern_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o our_o subject_n petition_n you_o shall_v receive_v our_o full_a pleasure_n therein_o from_o our_o commissioner_n and_o that_o this_o our_o declaration_n concern_v ourself_o and_o our_o pious_a intention_n for_o settle_v the_o reform_a religion_n within_o that_o our_o kingdom_n may_v appear_v to_o posterity_n our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o these_o present_n be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o council_n oatland_n septem_fw-la 9_o 1638._o this_o our_o letter_n be_v receive_v by_o our_o council_n with_o all_o submissive_a joyful_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n our_o commissioner_n make_v they_o further_o acquaint_v with_o the_o particular_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o the_o appease_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o same_o be_v fill_v with_o excessive_a joy_n as_o make_v full_a account_n that_o now_o malice_n itself_o can_v not_o find_v the_o least_o pretence_n of_o keep_v our_o people_n from_o be_v satisfy_v all_o thing_n which_o ever_o yet_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o trouble_v they_o have_v desire_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o some_o of_o our_o counsellor_n who_o be_v not_o only_o covenanter_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o their_o covenant_n have_v make_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a covenant_a lord_n acquaint_v with_o the_o unexpected_a excess_n of_o our_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n these_o lord_n make_v full_a account_n that_o their_o reign_n be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o expiration_n if_o the_o people_n shall_v understand_v our_o grace_n and_o favour_n bestir_v themselves_o with_o might_n and_o main_a to_o disperse_v rumour_n among_o they_o that_o the_o news_n bring_v home_o by_o our_o commissioner_n import_v our_o answer_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o liberty_n that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a covenant_n to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o we_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o if_o they_o now_o do_v not_o resist_v all_o they_o have_v do_v be_v quite_o undo_v and_o lose_v after_o which_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o come_v down_o first_o to_o our_o commissioner_n and_o then_o to_o our_o council_n request_v they_o or_o indeed_o rather_o require_v they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n nor_o require_v it_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o other_o by_o any_o authority_n from_o we_o threaten_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v repent_v it_o and_o that_o a_o present_a rupture_n will_v follow_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n hear_v they_o twice_o full_o but_o find_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o our_o people_n as_o see_v it_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n in_o these_o lord_n to_o have_v it_o conceal_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o resolve_v and_o impart_v unto_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n their_o resolution_n that_o they_o will_v publish_v it_o that_o day_n be_v saturday_n the_o lord_n covenanter_n do_v then_o seem_v to_o abate_v something_o of_o their_o request_n or_o rather_o demand_n and_o desire_v our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o delay_v the_o publish_n of_o our_o declaration_n only_o until_o the_o monday_n follow_v before_o which_o time_n if_o they_o can_v not_o show_v good_a reason_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o it_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o publication_n thereof_o which_o motion_n of_o they_o want_v not_o second_v from_o some_o of_o our_o council_n there_o present_a who_o be_v indeed_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o but_o our_o commissioner_n and_o counsellor_n well_o and_o wise_o foresee_v that_o this_o delay_n be_v desire_v first_o that_o these_o lord_n covenanter_n may_v have_v time_n to_o pen_n and_o prepare_v a_o protestation_n against_o this_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n with_o the_o content_n whereof_o some_o of_o our_o councillor_n hearty_a covenanter_n have_v make_v they_o acquaint_v which_o protestation_n can_v not_o be_v provide_v nor_o pen_v in_o the_o space_n of_o so_o few_o hour_n second_o that_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o next_o day_n be_v sunday_n their_o minister_n in_o all_o the_o pulpit_n of_o edinburgh_n by_o their_o subornation_n shall_v so_o conjure_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o people_n against_o our_o gracious_a declaration_n as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o and_o ready_o lay_v again_o three_o that_o they_o may_v have_v time_n to_o dispatch_v messenger_n &_o post_n abroad_o with_o copy_n of_o their_o protestation_n in_o all_o burrough_n where_o our_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v before_o or_o as_o soon_o as_o our_o declaration_n can_v be_v send_v to_o those_o place_n for_o these_o important_a consideration_n our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n do_v declare_v unto_o these_o lord_n after_o full_a hear_n of_o they_o that_o consider_v the_o invaliditie_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a our_o gracious_a declaration_n shall_v be_v publish_v that_o day_n at_o the_o cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o so_o according_o our_a declaration_n that_o day_n be_v proclaim_v as_o here_o it_o follow_v charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n messenger_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n which_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonweal_n of_o this_o our_o kingdom_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o conceive_a fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n to_o free_a all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o any_o intention_n in_o we_o to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o religion_n or_o law_n and_o to_o satisfy_v not_o only_o their_o desire_n but_o even_o their_o doubt_n we_o have_v discharge_v and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o by_o these_o present_n annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v or_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v and_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v breed_v great_a distraction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n we_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o our_o consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n do_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_n article_n but_o also_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o discharge_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o do_v hereby_o free_a all_o our_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o government_n disperse_v and_o surmise_a throughout_o this_o our_o kingdom_n that_o some_o of_o our_o subject_n have_v exercise_v such_o illimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n and_o have_v hold_v themselves_o exime_v from_o censure_n and_o punishment_n to_o which_o other_o our_o subject_n be_v liable_a we_o do_v by_o these_o present_v declare_v that_o
this_o to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n of_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o rather_o a_o powerful_a and_o principal_a motive_n with_o speed_n to_o convene_v the_o same_o as_o the_o proper_a judicatorie_a wherein_o to_o determine_v such_o dangerous_a and_o universal_a difference_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o hear_v that_o any_o minister_n be_v depose_v but_o only_o suspend_v during_o this_o interim_n till_o a_o general_n assembly_n for_o their_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o flagitious_a life_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o try_v offensive_a to_o god_n disgraceful_a to_o religion_n and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o people_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o place_n till_o they_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v and_o concern_v moderator_n none_o of_o they_o as_o we_o understand_v be_v depose_v but_o some_o only_o change_v which_o be_v very_o ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n the_o four_o concern_v the_o repair_n of_o parishioner_n to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v cognosce_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n be_v subject_a since_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v in_o the_o minister_n no_o less_o then_o in_o the_o parishioner_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v no_o redress_n there_o to_o assent_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v disorder_n to_o be_v multiply_v both_o in_o presbytery_n and_o particular_a parish_n to_o the_o six_o that_o minister_n wait_v upon_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o place_n where_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n we_o answer_v that_o none_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n assembly_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o allow_v by_o commission_n to_o have_v voice_n or_o otherwise_o have_v such_o interest_n as_o they_o can_v justify_v to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v to_o the_o seven_o concern_v the_o appoint_v of_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n only_o constant_a moderator_n who_o have_v cease_v long_o since_o be_v find_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1606._o which_o yet_o be_v never_o repute_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o lawful_a national_a assembly_n to_o be_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o both_o the_o moderator_n who_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a member_n need_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o choose_a commissioner_n repair_v to_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n itself_o can_v judge_v best_a of_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o ought_v to_o consist_v to_o the_o nine_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v with_o the_o choose_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n and_o no_o minister_n without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n we_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n discipline_n none_o but_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o choose_v commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n and_o that_o no_o minister_n or_o elder_n shall_v have_v voice_n in_o election_n but_o in_o his_o own_o presbytery_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o particular_n be_v concern_v civil_a matter_n as_o the_o five_o concern_v the_o pay_n of_o rent_n and_o stipend_n to_o minister_n and_o bishop_n concern_v which_o we_o can_v say_v no_o further_o but_o that_o the_o law_n be_v patent_n for_o they_o as_o for_o his_o majesty_n other_o subject_n and_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v delay_v upon_o any_o complaint_n in_o that_o kind_n the_o eight_o require_v that_o bishop_n and_o minister_n be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n we_o think_v so_o reasonable_a that_o we_o will_v promise_v every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o part_n they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o violence_n from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v hinder_v other_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v and_o if_o any_o trouble_v they_o otherwise_o or_o make_v they_o any_o kind_n of_o molestation_n in_o that_o attendance_n but_o by_o order_n of_o law_n the_o party_n be_v just_o punishable_a according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o other_o subject_n be_v to_o the_o ten_o concern_v the_o dissolve_v of_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n and_o the_o peaceablenesse_n of_o the_o country_n these_o meeting_n be_v keep_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o consult_v about_o lawful_a remedy_n against_o such_o press_a grievance_n as_o threaten_v the_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n can_v be_v dissolve_v till_o the_o evil_n be_v remove_v and_o true_a we_o trust_v that_o nothing_o in_o these_o our_o meeting_n have_v escape_v we_o which_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o small_a appearance_n of_o undutifulnesse_n or_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n but_o although_o our_o adversary_n have_v herein_o calumniate_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v always_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o beseem_v his_o majesty_n most_o humble_a and_o loyal_a subject_n petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o a_o legal_a redress_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n to_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o covenant_n the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n have_v many_o time_n and_o most_o instant_o press_v we_o with_o that_o point_n we_o do_v first_o by_o child_n invincible_a argument_n make_v manifest_a that_o we_o can_v not_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o without_o do_v wrong_n to_o this_o national_n church_n and_o all_o posterity_n rescind_n or_o alter_v the_o same_o and_o thereafter_o do_v at_o large_a clear_v the_o same_o of_o all_o unlawful_a combination_n against_o authority_n by_o our_o last_o supplication_n and_o declaration_n which_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n any_o accept_v as_o the_o most_o ready_a and_o powerful_a of_o all_o other_o mean_n which_o can_v come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o give_v his_o majesty_n satisfaction_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n be_v a_o act_n so_o evident_o tend_v to_o the_o god_n glory_n of_o god_n the_o king_n honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v already_o prove_v so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o inward_a of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v our_o ardent_a and_o constant_a desire_n and_o ready_a wish_n that_o both_o his_o majesty_n and_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o comfort_n like_a as_o we_o find_v ourselves_o bind_v by_o conscience_n and_o by_o the_o covenant_n itself_o to_o persuade_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n his_o majesty_n honour_n and_o the_o quietness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v modest_o use_v by_o we_o without_o press_v or_o threaten_v of_o the_o mean_a we_o hope_v shall_v never_o give_v his_o majesty_n the_o least_o cause_n of_o discontent_n see_v therefore_o according_a to_o our_o power_n and_o interest_n we_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o remove_v all_o hindrance_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n worthy_a our_o profession_n and_o covenant_n do_v aim_n at_o nothing_o but_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o consumption_n or_o combustion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v desperate_o disease_v except_o remedy_v some_o way_n be_v speedy_o provide_v and_o we_o delight_v to_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v legal_a and_o have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o without_o further_a delay_n for_o prevent_v of_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n than_o we_o can_v express_v our_o just_a desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v so_o shall_v we_o be_v encourage_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n still_o to_o pray_v for_o his_o majesty_n all_o increase_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n upon_o their_o refusal_n he_o send_v for_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o his_o resolution_n for_o a_o new_a journey_n that_o he_o find_v their_o way_n such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o grant_v they_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v that_o to_o be_v a_o free_a one_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v bring_v in_o every_o man_n to_o have_v a_o voice_n who_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o if_o they_o will_v let_v he_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v sit_v there_o and_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v there_o he_o will_v give_v his_o best_a concurrence_n if_o he_o find_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n and_o
will_v expect_v his_o return_n and_o our_o answer_n by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v do_v both_o these_o holy_a man_n resolve_v to_o expect_v that_o time_n before_o any_o election_n shall_v be_v actual_o make_v but_o give_v order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o next_o day_n after_o before_o it_o can_v be_v know_v in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whether_o he_o be_v return_v or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o by_o any_o person_n of_o the_o kingdom_n what_o answer_v he_o have_v return_v from_o we_o the_o insinceritie_n of_o which_o proceed_n condemn_v by_o many_o covenant_a minister_n at_o their_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o a_o most_o desperate_a equivocation_n we_o be_v confident_a every_o man_n will_v detest_v especial_o in_o those_o man_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sincere_a professor_n of_o these_o time_n beside_o our_o commissioner_n find_v that_o these_o man_n who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v he_o speak_v of_o any_o precedent_a conference_n of_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o direction_n to_o be_v agree_v upon_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o it_o but_o cry_v out_o against_o they_o as_o unsufferable_a prelimitation_n and_o prejudging_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o absence_n at_o their_o table_n agreee_v upon_o certain_a direction_n comprehend_v in_o eight_o article_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o command_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n thereof_o in_o their_o election_n the_o true_a copy_n whereof_o here_o follow_v a_o direction_n for_o presbytery_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o act_n make_v at_o dundie_n the_o seven_o of_o march_n 1597._o concern_v the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o follow_v because_o there_o have_v be_v no_o order_n hitherto_o anent_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n to_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n therefore_o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o in_o all_o time_n come_v three_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o grave_a of_o the_o brethren_n shall_v be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n at_o the_o most_o as_o commissioner_n to_o every_o assembly_n and_o that_o none_o presume_v to_o come_v without_o commission_n and_o likewise_o that_o one_o be_v direct_v from_o every_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n and_o one_o out_o of_o every_o burgh_n except_o edinburgh_n which_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o direct_v two_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o every_o presbytery_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commissioner_n the_o tenor_n thereof_o follow_v t.t._n the_o day_n of_o the_o which_o day_n after_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o have_v diligent_o consider_v the_o manifold_a corruption_n innovation_n and_o disorder_n disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n within_o this_o realm_n which_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v especial_o through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o necessary_a remedy_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o well_o ordinary_a as_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la enjoy_v by_o this_o church_n for_o many_o year_n and_o ratify_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o expect_v short_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n do_v by_o these_o present_v nominate_v and_o appoint_v minister_n of_o as_o also_o in_o name_n of_o the_o burrowes_n conjunct_o and_o several_o our_o lawful_a commissioner_n give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o our_o full_a power_n commission_n and_o express_v charge_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n at_o the_o day_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o sit_v in_o any_o safe_a and_o commodious_a place_n within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o there_o with_o the_o rest_n who_o shall_v be_v authorise_v with_o lawful_a commission_n in_o our_o name_n to_o propone_v treat_v reason_n vote_n and_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o sundry_a general_n assembly_n and_o receive_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n competent_a to_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n as_o they_o will_v answer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n thereupon_o and_o to_o report_v to_o we_o their_o diligence_n therein_o in_o testification_n of_o this_o our_o commission_n and_o charge_n we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n and_o which_o they_o have_v accept_v with_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o every_o church_n session_n send_v one_o of_o the_o most_o qualify_a elder_n unto_o the_o presbytery_n the_o day_n of_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o those_o elder_n present_a in_o the_o presbytery_n there_o may_v be_v choose_v both_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o minister_n and_o also_o some_o well_o affect_v and_o qualify_v nobleman_n or_o special_a gentleman_n be_v a_o elder_a of_o some_o particular_a church_n session_n within_o that_o presbytery_n in_o name_n of_o the_o baron_n for_o this_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o presbytery_n otherwise_o call_v eldership_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n practise_v for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n the_o twelve_o of_o king_n james_n the_o 6._o and_o never_o since_o alter_v nor_o rescind_v neither_o can_v be_v with_o reason_n alter_v see_v that_o same_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o general_n assembly_n and_o of_o the_o inferior_a and_o church_n session_n as_o be_v at_o more_o length_n clear_v by_o some_o reason_n that_o such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a in_o doctrine_n or_o scandalous_a in_o life_n be_v present_o process_v that_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n that_o all_o the_o best_a affect_v both_o minister_n and_o elder_n protest_v and_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o to_o send_v to_o every_o presbytery_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o print_a reason_n for_o a_o assembly_n that_o moderator_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n except_o they_o be_v choose_v that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n appoint_v to_o convene_v solemn_o after_o the_o twenty_o of_o september_n either_o upon_o the_o 21.22.23.24_o or_o 25._o for_o choose_v of_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o to_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o first_o of_o october_n or_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v that_o with_o common_a consent_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o king_n last_o answer_n and_o advise_v upon_o the_o next_o lawful_a remedy_n in_o their_o extreme_a necessity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o in_o the_o fast_a to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o sixteen_o day_n of_o september_n the_o second_o day_n precede_v their_o election_n they_o may_v crave_v god_n direction_n therein_o to_o these_o eight_o article_n they_o join_v by_o way_n of_o information_n a_o very_a impertinent_a long_a and_o tedious_a discourse_n of_o rule_v elder_n too_o long_o and_o too_o simple_a to_o be_v here_o insert_v which_o be_v add_v no_o doubt_n only_o to_o persuade_v the_o minister_n to_o admit_v layman_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o their_o presbytery_n at_o the_o election_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n or_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o persuade_v the_o layman_n to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n and_o give_v their_o voice_n in_o these_o election_n whether_o the_o minister_n will_v or_o no_o as_o shall_v appear_v afterward_o both_o by_o that_o intrusion_n which_o these_o lay_v elder_n use_v in_o many_o presbytery_n where_o the_o minister_n refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o and_o by_o some_o of_o the_o table_n more_o private_a instruction_n by_o which_o they_o be_v order_v so_o to_o do_v now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o conference_n which_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v for_o debate_v of_o what_o member_n the_o assembly_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v discuss_v there_o with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n exclaim_v against_o by_o they_o can_v in_o any_o construction_n or_o sense_n be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n either_o in_o the_o member_n matter_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o
your_o lordsh_fw-mi mean_n for_o name_v none_o i_o know_v not_o to_o who_o i_o shall_v take_v myself_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v what_o violence_n and_o threaten_n you_o mean_v if_o you_o mean_v his_o majesty_n commissioner_n appoint_v by_o the_o king_n they_o require_v his_o subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o old_a confession_n and_o covenant_n by_o his_o authority_n now_o renew_v and_o remonstrate_v unto_o they_o the_o danger_n they_o incur_v by_o law_n in_o not_o obey_v his_o majesty_n commandment_n i_o hope_v that_o can_v be_v call_v violence_n but_o duty_n the_o omission_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o and_o violence_n offer_v to_o his_o majesty_n sacred_a authority_n if_o other_o violence_n and_o threaten_n they_o have_v use_v as_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi seem_v to_o intimate_v for_o their_o obedience_n to_o his_o majesty_n just_a authority_n i_o be_o sure_a your_o lordsh_fw-mi will_n not_o call_v violence_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o shall_v whensoever_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi shall_v make_v know_v the_o delinquent_n but_o alas_o my_o lord_n tell_v i_o now_o in_o good_a earnest_n whether_o you_o have_v hear_v they_o have_v use_v such_o violence_n in_o persuade_v this_o covenant_n as_o have_v be_v use_v by_o your_o adherent_n in_o enforce_v of_o you_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n servant_n his_o holy_a minister_n be_v shed_v which_o blood_n i_o be_o afraid_a keep_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n still_o hang_v over_o this_o land_n have_v man_n be_v beat_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o live_n and_o maintenance_n revile_v and_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o a_o thousand_o more_o outrage_n act_v upon_o they_o for_o not_o subscribe_v this_o covenant_n have_v none_o who_o have_v subscribe_v your_o covenant_n do_v it_o with_o blind_a and_o doubt_a mind_n if_o they_o have_v i_o beseech_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi not_o to_o call_v his_o majesty_n counsellor_n legal_a proceed_n irreligious_a and_o unjust_a until_o you_o have_v prove_v the_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o your_o own_o adherent_n for_o the_o other_o of_o your_o undertake_n and_o promise_v for_o your_o part_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v trouble_v till_o the_o assembly_n and_o expect_v the_o like_a from_o we_o true_o i_o be_o glad_a i_o have_v it_o under_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi hand_n for_o i_o think_v there_o be_v few_o hour_n of_o any_o one_o day_n since_o the_o indict_v of_o the_o assembly_n that_o from_o all_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n i_o be_o not_o vex_v with_o complaint_n of_o new_a processing_n of_o minister_n new_a withhold_a of_o minister_n stipend_n unprocess_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o minister_n of_o your_o own_o covenant_n that_o they_o be_v threaten_v and_o that_o sharp_o and_o bitter_o for_o their_o declare_v of_o their_o grief_n in_o be_v bar_v of_o their_o freedom_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o own_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o lay_v voice_n and_o menace_v because_o of_o their_o protest_v against_o the_o same_o the_o complaint_n of_o minister_n non-covenanters_n and_o lay-elder_n non-covenanters_n choose_v by_o their_o session_n to_o assist_v at_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n but_o turn_v back_o for_o not_o have_v subscribe_v your_o covenant_n and_o revile_v with_o bitter_a word_n for_o be_v so_o pert_a as_o to_o come_v thither_o be_v this_o the_o performance_n of_o promise_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v trouble_v till_o the_o assembly_n these_o be_v indeed_o preparation_n very_o unfit_a to_o precede_v this_o assembly_n they_o be_v so_o unpeaceable_a and_o like_a to_o take_v up_o much_o time_n in_o discuss_v at_o that_o great_a meet_v the_o illegality_n of_o these_o election_n my_o lord_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o see_v any_o wrong_n offer_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n in_o urge_v his_o majesty_n authority_n punish_v when_o i_o shall_v know_v the_o offence_n and_o the_o offender_n as_o i_o be_o hearty_o grieve_v at_o the_o proceed_n of_o your_o associate_n here_o i_o be_o sure_a his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v be_v rather_o backward_o then_o forward_o but_o so_o have_v not_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi adherent_n be_v for_o they_o have_v in_o very_o many_o place_n proclaim_v your_o protestation_n where_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n have_v not_o be_v proclaim_v i_o hope_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi will_n pardon_v my_o unusual_a prolixity_n for_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o much_o trouble_v to_o see_v his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n lead_v into_o such_o misconstruction_n of_o his_o pious_a and_o religious_a intention_n towards_o they_o this_o my_o letter_n i_o pray_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi to_o communicate_v to_o the_o other_o noble_a lord_n who_o subscribe_v that_o to_o i_o to_o yourself_o and_o they_o i_o pray_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi commend_v the_o true_a respect_n of_o your_o lordsh_n for_o the_o earl_n of_o cassills_n this_o letter_n it_o seem_v give_v they_o no_o satisfaction_n for_o they_o still_o continue_v their_o report_n beside_o they_o have_v the_o boldness_n by_o another_o letter_n from_o the_o same_o table_n send_v likewise_o to_o our_o commissioner_n be_v then_o at_o hamilton_n to_o expostulate_v with_o he_o that_o one_o of_o our_o ship_n at_o sea_n have_v search_v a_o scottish_a merchant_n ship_n for_o ammunition_n when_o as_o they_o themselves_o before_o have_v search_v a_o merchant_n ship_n for_o some_o ammunition_n which_o we_o have_v send_v for_o scotland_n and_o will_v have_v seize_v upon_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v prevent_v and_o immediate_o after_o a_o little_a english_a vessel_n carry_v beer_n to_o some_o part_n of_o that_o kingdom_n be_v likewise_o stay_v and_o search_v by_o they_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n they_o quarrel_n with_o our_o commissioner_n for_o hinder_v the_o bring_n of_o horse_n from_o england_n thither_o which_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o do_v without_o a_o special_a licence_n from_o the_o master_n of_o our_o horse_n the_o copy_n of_o their_o letter_n fill_v with_o their_o ordinary_a pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o commissioner_n answer_v unto_o it_o be_v these_o please_v your_o grace_n after_o your_o part_n from_o we_o we_o have_v knowledge_n from_o john_n wilson_n skipper_n and_o sundry_a of_o his_o passenger_n new_o arrive_v that_o be_v at_o sea_n on_o his_o way_n from_o holland_n hither_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n small_a ship_n of_o eight_o piece_n come_v aboard_o and_o search_v he_o for_o arm_n and_o ammunition_n declare_v they_o do_v the_o same_o by_o his_o majesty_n warrant_n we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o value_v the_o hazard_n of_o any_o prejudice_n as_o we_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v to_o find_v any_o such_o note_n of_o his_o majesty_n displeasure_n difference_v we_o from_o his_o other_o subject_n when_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o lord_n that_o search_v they_o do_v hear_v witness_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o majesty_n especial_o to_o have_v find_v it_o now_o when_o we_o be_v make_v so_o secure_a both_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v from_o his_o majesty_n favour_n by_o your_o mediation_n these_o ordinary_a and_o public_a remedy_n that_o can_v full_o settle_v this_o church_n and_o state_n and_o by_o assurance_n from_o your_o grace_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o such_o hard_a deal_n during_o the_o time_n of_o your_o employment_n among_o the_o subject_n here_o who_o trust_v in_o your_o care_n to_o prevent_v speedy_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o as_o you_o do_v in_o that_o other_o late_o particular_a anent_o the_o arrest_n of_o our_o horse_n in_o england_n we_o think_v this_o advertisement_n sufficient_a to_o your_o grace_n who_o be_v wound_v through_o our_o side_n if_o we_o suffer_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o time_n be_v so_o far_o interest_v to_o vindicate_v we_o from_o such_o prejudice_n who_o do_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v edinb_n the_o 28._o septemb_n 1638._o your_o grace_n humble_a servant_n rothees_n montrose_n home_n weymse_n lindesay_n boyd_n londone_v balmerino_n dalhousie_n forrester_n elcho_n craustoune_n baltarre_n burgh_o lothiane_fw-la my_o lord_n i_o have_v receive_v a_o letter_n this_o day_n sign_v by_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi and_o sundry_a other_o nobleman_n make_v mention_n that_o one_o john_n wilson_n skipper_n be_v on_o his_o way_n from_o holland_n hither_o be_v search_v by_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n small_a ship_n this_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o unaccustomed_a thing_n for_o common_o the_o captain_n of_o his_o majesty_n ship_n during_o the_o time_n of_o be_v at_o sea_n do_v take_v notice_n what_o the_o loading_n of_o all_o such_o ship_n be_v as_o they_o meet_v with_o who_o trade_n in_o the_o channel_n it_o be_v a_o prerogative_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o imperall_a crown_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o lord_n can_v think_v but_o if_o
his_o majesty_n have_v be_v desirous_a to_o have_v make_v stop_n of_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n into_o this_o kingdom_n this_o time_n past_a but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o he_o to_o have_v effect_v but_o so_o little_a have_v he_o regard_v this_o as_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n if_o his_o majesty_n shall_v give_v direction_n to_o cause_n examine_v for_o what_o end_n so_o great_a store_n of_o ammunition_n be_v import_v into_o this_o kingdom_n and_o a_o little_a more_o narrow_o to_o look_v into_o our_o action_n when_o by_z i_o know_v not_o who_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o notice_n take_v of_o such_o ammunition_n as_o his_o majesty_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o send_v hither_o for_o notwithstanding_o that_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi say_v we_o be_v make_v secure_a by_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_n from_o his_o majesty_n these_o remedy_n that_o can_v full_o settle_v this_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o i_o may_v say_v course_n be_v take_v to_o put_v fear_n in_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n mind_n by_o persuade_v of_o they_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v intend_v this_o do_v too_o too_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o watch_n and_o guard_v his_o majesty_n castle_n and_o many_o other_o course_n but_o of_o this_o i_o will_v write_v nothing_o my_o intention_n be_v only_o to_o return_v answer_n of_o what_o be_v write_v to_o i_o and_o therefore_o for_o your_o lordsh_fw-mi satisfaction_n i_o shall_v acquaint_v his_o majesty_n with_o the_o content_n of_o your_o letter_n who_o will_v no_o doubt_n give_v such_o direction_n therein_o as_o his_o good_a subject_n will_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n whereas_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o you_o have_v be_v assure_v by_o i_o that_o you_o shall_v receive_v no_o such_o hard_a deal_n during_o the_o time_n of_o my_o employment_n let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v this_o aright_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o none_o for_o neither_o be_v that_o ship_n stay_v from_o proceed_v in_o their_o intend_a voyage_n nor_o any_o thing_n take_v from_o they_o nor_o need_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi to_o doubt_v that_o his_o majesty_n will_v do_v any_o thing_n except_o our_o own_o indiscretion_n provoke_v he_o that_o may_v make_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n and_o his_o other_o subject_n be_v confident_a my_o lord_n that_o my_o endeavour_n have_v and_o do_v tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o the_o preserve_n from_o ruin_n this_o poor_a distract_a kingdom_n and_o that_o i_o have_v and_o shall_v labour_v to_o prevent_v all_o such_o accident_n as_o may_v breed_v the_o least_o stop_n or_o hindrance_n of_o this_o wish_a event_n which_o i_o hope_v and_o be_o confident_a that_o your_o lordsh_n and_o all_o those_o noble_a lord_n who_o have_v sign_v this_o letter_n to_o i_o will_v take_v the_o same_o to_o heart_n and_o then_o certain_o you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o move_v with_o such_o light_n and_o sleight_n report_v nor_o will_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi think_v that_o either_o you_o or_o i_o can_v be_v wound_v by_o the_o order_n and_o command_v of_o so_o pious_a merciful_a and_o so_o clement_a a_o prince_n as_o be_v our_o dread_a sovereign_n who_o have_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o goodness_n as_o we_o must_v of_o all_o man_n live_v prove_v the_o worst_a if_o we_o be_v not_o thankful_a to_o god_n and_o he_o for_o it_o this_o my_o letter_n your_o lordsh_fw-mi will_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v to_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v write_v to_o i_o and_o esteem_v of_o i_o as_o hammilt_n 24._o sept._n 1638._o for_o the_o earl_n of_o rothees_n your_o lordship_n humble_a servant_n hammiltoun_n with_o his_o answer_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v that_o to_o answer_v this_o affront_n as_o they_o do_v interpret_v it_o for_o search_v a_o ship_n of_o that_o kingdom_n at_o sea_n they_o resolve_v to_o put_v a_o great_a affront_n upon_o we_o by_o increase_v their_o guard_n about_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o fife_n they_o give_v order_n for_o a_o communion_n throughout_o their_o church_n at_o which_o they_o make_v every_o one_o to_o swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o subscribe_v our_o confession_n and_o covenant_n nor_o any_o other_o but_o their_o own_o which_o they_o swear_v again_o the_o novo_fw-la especial_o to_o stand_v to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v mutual_a defence_n against_o all_o person_n whosoever_o they_o give_v general_a order_n for_o the_o fast_a to_o be_v keep_v on_o the_o four_o of_o november_n be_v sunday_n neglect_v the_o day_n design_v in_o our_o proclamation_n which_o be_v the_o wednesday_n follow_v and_o the_o seven_o of_o that_o month_n our_o commissioner_n see_v these_o contempt_n daily_o to_o increase_v and_o hear_v that_o they_o have_v appoint_v the_o communion_n to_o be_v celebrate_v at_o edinburgh_n send_v for_o the_o provost_n and_o magistrate_n and_o inquire_v of_o they_o these_o particular_n first_o whether_o at_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v the_o two_o next_o sunday_n follow_v it_o be_v intend_v that_o the_o like_a oath_n shall_v be_v take_v with_o they_o as_o have_v be_v take_v in_o fife_n second_o whether_o they_o intend_v to_o keep_v the_o fastday_n design_v by_o we_o in_o our_o proclamation_n and_o according_a as_o they_o have_v late_o since_o be_v require_v to_o do_v by_o a_o order_n send_v from_o our_o council_n to_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n three_o what_o order_n they_o have_v take_v with_o those_o who_o have_v the_o day_n before_o revile_v and_o abuse_v doctor_n eliot_n while_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o pulpit_n that_o he_o have_v send_v for_o they_o because_o he_o have_v find_v those_o few_o minister_n by_o who_o they_o be_v rule_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n and_o despiser_n of_o authority_n to_o the_o last_o they_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o see_v they_o punish_v which_o they_o never_o do_v for_o the_o first_o they_o think_v it_o most_o unreasonable_a that_o any_o oath_n shall_v be_v minister_v as_o it_o be_v in_o fyfe_n for_o the_o second_o they_o think_v it_o most_o reasonable_a that_o our_o fastday_n shall_v be_v keep_v but_o before_o they_o can_v give_v a_o full_a answer_n they_o must_v first_o confer_v with_o their_o minister_n at_o their_o meeting_n with_o who_o they_o find_v that_o the_o minister_n have_v intend_v that_o barbarous_a oath_n at_o the_o communion_n and_o not_o to_o keep_v our_o fastday_n more_o than_o other_o church_n in_o the_o country_n have_v do_v yet_o the_o magistrate_n do_v with_o much_o persuasion_n over-rule_v they_o in_o both_o our_o commissioner_n do_v resolve_v with_o great_a solemnity_n attend_v with_o all_o our_o council_n and_o judge_n to_o keep_v that_o fast_a in_o the_o great_a church_n of_o edinburgh_n on_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o we_o and_o give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o magistrate_n who_o return_v he_o thanks_o and_o assurance_n of_o welcome_a but_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o discharge_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o that_o church_n from_o preach_v there_o that_o day_n only_o because_o they_o be_v non-covenanters_a and_o have_v appoint_v their_o place_n to_o be_v supply_v with_o the_o two_o only_o covenant_v minister_n of_o their_o town_n he_o send_v for_o the_o magistrate_n again_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o come_v to_o their_o church_n and_o countenance_n so_o great_a a_o disorder_n as_o the_o displace_n of_o the_o two_o preacher_n of_o that_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v faithful_a subject_n to_o we_o nor_o dare_v hear_v these_o two_o preacher_n design_v by_o they_o who_o in_o their_o pulpit_n do_v ordinary_o inveigh_v against_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n unless_o therefore_o he_o may_v either_o nominate_v the_o preacher_n or_o hear_v the_o ordinary_a preacher_n of_o that_o church_n he_o must_v not_o come_v thither_o the_o magistrate_n do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v with_o their_o minister_n the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v content_v with_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v but_o the_o other_o be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o he_o will_v no_o way_n hearken_v to_o it_o and_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_a with_o the_o people_n the_o magistrate_n dare_v not_o offend_v and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n with_o our_o council_n and_o judge_n be_v necessitate_v to_o keep_v our_o fast_a at_o another_o church_n hard_o by_o our_o palace_n now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v afraid_a that_o any_o show_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o
confirmation_n of_o this_o vote_n as_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o substantial_a point_n of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v never_o yet_o repeal_v by_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n that_o the_o minister_n shall_v swear_v upon_o his_o admission_n to_o the_o office_n of_o commissionarie_n to_o subscribe_v and_o fulfil_v the_o caution_n agree_v upon_o under_o the_o penalty_n express_v therein_o otherwise_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n sometime_o minister_v of_o brichen_n now_o pretend_v bishop_n of_o this_o diocese_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o pretend_a moderator_n of_o this_o presbytery_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n the_o pretend_a bishop_n and_o archbishop_n of_o this_o church_n respectiuè_fw-fr have_v take_v upon_o they_o without_o crave_v or_o obtain_v commission_n from_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o that_o assembly_n at_o mountrose_n the_o office_n and_o power_n to_o vote_n in_o parliament_n without_o swear_v at_o his_o or_o their_o entrance_n to_o subscribe_v and_o fulfil_v those_o caution_n which_o be_v set_v down_o under_o penalty_n in_o the_o first_o caution_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o he_o presume_v not_o to_o propound_v in_o parliament_n in_o council_n or_o convention_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o express_a warrant_n or_o direction_n from_o the_o church_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o deposition_n from_o his_o office_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v neither_o give_v consent_n unto_o nor_o keep_v silence_n from_o any_o thing_n amid_o these_o meeting_n that_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o say_a pain_n but_o the_o forename_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_v above_o name_v have_v presume_v have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o direction_n from_o the_o church_n to_o propound_v in_o parliament_n and_o to_o consent_v to_o several_a act_n which_o have_v pass_v in_o parliament_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o namely_o to_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n anno_fw-la 1606._o the_o act_n concern_v the_o chapter_n of_o saint_n andrew_n anno_fw-la 1607._o to_o the_o act_n of_o commissariot_n and_o jurisdiction_n give_v to_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n anno_fw-la 1609._o to_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n anno_fw-la 1610._o with_o a_o explanation_n contrary_a to_o the_o meaning_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a conclusion_n anno_fw-la 1612._o to_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o to_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o chapiter_n anno_fw-la 1617._o to_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n anno_fw-la 1621._o to_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o apparel_n of_o churchman_n and_o to_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n concern_v religion_n in_o which_o all_o the_o former_a act_n be_v include_v ann._n 1633._o and_o to_o many_o other_o several_a act_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o propound_v and_o give_v consent_n to_o several_a act_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v against_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o for_o ratification_n of_o several_a act_n and_o sentence_n give_v out_o by_o they_o and_o their_o colleague_n in_o that_o unwarrantable_a judicatorie_a for_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v he_o propound_v and_o consent_n unto_o the_o act_v make_v in_o the_o privy_a council_n for_o press_v and_o bring_v in_o of_o the_o service_n book_n which_o will_v have_v tread_v under_o the_o frame_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n in_o this_o kingdom_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prevent_v it_o and_o further_o in_o the_o last_o convention_n of_o the_o state_n hold_v in_o the_o year_n 1625._o and_o 1629._o he_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v silence_n but_o propound_v and_o give_v consent_n to_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o he_o do_v oppose_v himself_o to_o the_o just_a desire_n and_o grievance_n which_o be_v present_v in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o of_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v bind_v upon_o each_o general_a assembly_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o commission_n since_o the_o assembly_n go_v before_o and_o shall_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o without_o further_a appeal_v and_o shall_v sue_v for_o and_o obtain_v ratification_n of_o his_o carriage_n from_o the_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o infamy_n and_o excommunication_n but_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_v abovenamed_a have_v never_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o he_o or_o their_o commission_n nor_o seek_v nor_o have_v obtain_v ratification_n of_o he_o or_o their_o do_n from_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o three_o caution_n that_o he_o shall_v content_v himself_o with_o that_o portion_n of_o the_o benefice_n which_o shall_v be_v assign_v to_o he_o from_o his_o majesty_n for_o his_o livelihood_n not_o hurt_v or_o prejudging_a the_o rest_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o any_o minister_n whatsoever_o plant_v or_o to_o be_v plant_v within_o his_o benefice_n and_o that_o this_o clause_n be_v to_o be_v insert_v in_o his_o provision_n beside_o when_o bishop_n be_v charge_v in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o octob._n ann._n 1578._o to_o quit_v the_o corruption_n of_o that_o state_n there_o be_v number_v among_o the_o corruption_n that_o they_o receive_v for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o riot_n the_o emolument_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v sustain_v many_o pastor_n the_o school_n and_o the_o poor_a but_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v take_v provision_n for_o their_o benefice_n and_o the_o foresay_a clause_n be_v not_o insert_v and_o he_o and_o they_o have_v prejudge_v minister_n school_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o take_v and_o enjoy_v plurality_n of_o benefice_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o four_o caution_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o dilapidate_v nor_o make_v a_o disposition_n of_o his_o benefice_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o for_o the_o great_a warrant_n of_o this_o that_o he_o shall_v interdict_v himself_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n not_o to_o dilapidate_v nor_o to_o give_v consent_n to_o the_o dilapidation_n of_o his_o benefice_n make_v by_o other_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v content_v that_o a_o inhibition_n shall_v be_v raise_v upon_o he_o to_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v set_v and_o take_v settle_v patronage_n whereas_o in_o the_o five_o caution_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o attend_v his_o particular_a congregation_n faithful_o in_o all_o the_o point_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o his_o own_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n as_o another_o minister_n that_o bear_v no_o commission_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o divers_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o presbytery_n non_fw-fr resident_n be_v punishable_a by_o deprivation_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v be_v nonresident_a from_o his_o and_o their_o charge_n for_o many_o year_n nor_o have_v they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n by_o preach_v administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n visit_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n but_o they_o have_v desert_v their_o charge_n by_o the_o space_n now_o of_o many_o year_n neither_o have_v they_o in_o this_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n that_o whereas_o in_o the_o six_o caution_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n collation_n of_o benefice_n visitation_n and_o all_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n he_o shall_v neither_o usurp_v nor_o acclaim_v to_o himself_o a_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n further_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o deprivation_n and_o in_o case_n he_o do_v usurp_v upon_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o the_o synodall_n presbytery_n or_o general_a assembly_n do_v oppose_v or_o make_v impediment_n unto_o he_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v in_o that_o case_n shall_v be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_a without_o a_o declaratour_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v usurp_v a_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n collation_n
aberdene_n the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n in_o glasgow_n the_o bishop_n of_o murray_n in_o elgin_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o say_a act_n which_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v that_o the_o synodall_n assembly_n shall_v appoint_v certain_a brethren_n of_o their_o presbytery_n to_o give_v they_o public_a admonition_n out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o if_o they_o disobey_v to_o compeer_n before_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n 20._o octob._n to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o to_o this_o act_n the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n that_o then_o be_v agree_v submit_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o it_o be_v also_o condemn_v by_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n anno_fw-la 1581._o which_o do_v ratify_v the_o former_a act_n of_o dundee_n and_o ordain_v the_o book_n of_o policy_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o several_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v registrate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o enjoin_v the_o general_a confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o his_o majesty_n liege_n yet_o have_v the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v not_o only_o encroach_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o have_v also_o take_v consecration_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o against_o the_o act_n of_o it_o claim_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o due_a to_o he_o by_o that_o unwarrantable_a office_n beside_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n bring_v in_o the_o service_n book_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o will_v have_v change_v and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o discipline_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prevent_v they_o the_o particular_n we_o shall_v present_v to_o your_o wisdom_n though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n how_o he_o and_o they_o have_v abuse_v his_o majesty_n authority_n against_o his_o royal_a intention_n and_o declaration_n they_o have_v move_v discontent_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o his_o subject_n by_o scandalous_a lie_n betwixt_o subject_n and_o subject_a for_o which_o thing_n complaint_n have_v be_v give_v in_o to_o the_o council_n which_o we_o hold_v hear_v to_o be_v repeat_v as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o complaint_n and_o to_o be_v try_v by_o your_o wisdom_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n beside_o all_o these_o fault_n the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_v in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v slander_v constant_o as_o guilty_a of_o excessive_a drink_n whore_v play_v at_o card_n and_o dice_n swear_v profane_a speak_v excessive_a game_n profane_v of_o the_o sabbath_n contempt_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o private_a familie-exercise_n mock_v of_o the_o power_n of_o preach_v prayer_n and_o spiritual_a conference_n and_o sincere_a professor_n beside_o with_o bribery_n simony_n sell_v of_o commissariot_n place_n lies_z perjury_n dishonest_a deal_n in_o civil_a bargain_n abuse_v of_o their_o vassal_n and_o of_o adultery_n and_o incest_n with_o many_o other_o offence_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v the_o particular_n in_o our_o particular_a accusation_n whereas_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o ordinary_a judicatorie_a of_o this_o church_n for_o try_v of_o these_o offence_n and_o have_v the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o cytation_n of_o the_o party_n and_o offender_n with_o the_o reference_n to_o their_o complaint_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n therefore_o we_o most_o earnest_o and_o humble_o beseech_v your_o godly_a wisdom_n as_o you_o tender_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n the_o removal_n of_o scandal_n and_o punishment_n of_o vice_n that_o you_o will_v take_v into_o your_o consideration_n and_o trial_n the_o foresay_a many_o and_o heinous_a offence_n with_o the_o particular_a reservation_n and_o qualification_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v present_v to_o your_o wisdom_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v convenient_a and_o that_o you_o will_v either_o take_v order_n with_o it_o yourselves_o and_o censure_v the_o offender_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n and_o foresay_a canon_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o else_o make_v a_o reference_n of_o they_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o novemb_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o delinquent_n that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o ordain_v the_o publish_n hereof_o to_o be_v make_v by_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o pulpit_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n before_o noon_n with_o a_o public_a admonition_n to_o the_o offender_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o censure_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o book_n and_o scroll_n of_o subscription_n and_o oath_n require_v from_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o they_o or_o their_o clerk_n have_v or_o have_v fraudulent_o convey_v away_o together_o with_o this_o certification_n that_o if_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lyndsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o say_v book_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o and_o to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o complaint_n general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o condign_a censure_n of_o these_o offender_n for_o their_o contempt_n and_o contumacy_n here_o we_o humble_o beseech_v your_o wisdom_n answer_n the_o act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n 24._o octob._n 1638._o year_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o complaint_n upon_o the_o say_a day_n we_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n after_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o bill_n and_o complaint_n present_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o laird_n of_o buchanan_n the_o laird_n of_o dury_n the_o young_a the_o laird_n of_o carlourie_a john_n smith_n late_a bailife_n of_o edinburgh_n john_n hammiltoun_n and_o richard_n maxwel_n in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n and_o commons_o subscriber_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n against_o the_o pretend_a archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o after_o we_o have_v read_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o same_o we_o according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o complainer_n do_v and_o do_v refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o november_n and_o we_o ordain_v the_o publish_n of_o this_o complaint_n and_o of_o our_o reference_n of_o it_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v full_o read_v by_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o the_o next_o sabbath_n before_o noon_n out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n with_o a_o public_a warning_n and_o cytation_n to_o the_o offendant_n complain_v upon_o by_o name_n master_n john_n spotswood_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n master_n patrick_n lyndsey_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n master_n thomas_n sydserfe_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o galloway_n master_n david_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n alexander_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunkeld_n master_n adam_n bannatine_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o aberdene_n master_n john_n gutherie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o murray_n master_n john_n maxwel_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o rosse_n master_n george_n greme_a pretend_v bishop_n of_o orknay_n master_n john_n abernethie_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o caithnes_n master_n walter_n whitefoord_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o brichen_n master_n james_n wedderburne_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunblane_n master_n james_n fayrley_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o argyle_n master_n nail_n campbel_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o the_o isle_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o this_o complaint_n in_o general_a and_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n of_o it_o to_o undergo_v the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o the_o book_n and_o scroll_n of_o the_o subscription_n and_o oath_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n the_o book_n of_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n
proceed_v which_o how_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o majesty_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o that_o judgement_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v and_o do_v call_v god_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v if_o these_o be_v fit_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n intend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n giving_z and_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a direct_v commissioner_n in_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o this_o meeting_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o say_v presbytery_n have_v the_o authority_n to_o direct_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n yet_o have_v they_o now_o lose_v and_o fall_v from_o all_o such_o right_a if_o any_o they_o have_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v depose_v the_o moderatour_n who_o be_v lawful_o appoint_v to_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o synod_n and_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o place_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o and_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o ordain_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderatour_n at_o these_o meeting_n and_o in_o their_o absence_n the_o minister_n who_o the_o bishop_n shall_v appoint_v at_o the_o synod_n so_o these_o meeting_n have_v disclaim_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n depose_v their_o lawful_a moderatour_n and_o choose_v other_o without_o authority_n can_v be_v esteem_v lawful_a convocation_n that_o can_v have_v lawful_a power_n of_o send_v out_o commissioner_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o do_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o commission_n flow_v from_o such_o meeting_n further_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v associate_v to_o themselves_o a_o laic_a roll_a elder_a as_o they_o call_v he_o out_o of_o every_o session_n and_o parish_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o parish_n or_o a_o man_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o bound_n do_v over-rule_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n both_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o their_o number_n be_v more_o than_o the_o minister_n whereof_o some_o be_v ordinary_o absent_a and_o five_o or_o six_o or_o so_o many_o of_o they_o put_v in_o list_n and_o remove_v there_o remain_v but_o a_o few_o minister_n to_o voice_n to_o the_o election_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o clergy_n be_v choose_v by_o lay-man_n contrary_a to_o all_o order_n decency_n and_o custom_n observe_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n no_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v the_o presbytery_n former_o never_a associate_a to_o themselves_o lay-elder_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o only_o for_o their_o assistance_n in_o discipline_n and_o correction_n of_o manner_n call_v for_o they_o at_o such_o occasion_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o godly_a concurrence_n declare_v otherwise_o their_o meeting_n not_o necessary_a and_o provide_v express_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v equal_a but_o few_o in_o number_n then_o the_o pastor_n as_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n april_n 24._o 1582._o where_o master_n andrew_n melvill_n be_v moderator_n do_v appear_v like_a as_o these_o forty_o year_n by_o go_v and_o upward_o long_o before_o the_o re-establish_a of_o bishop_n these_o lay-elder_n have_v not_o be_v call_v at_o all_o to_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o presbytery_n have_v authority_n to_o send_v these_o lay_n commissioner_n it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o those_o lay-elder_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o choose_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n authorise_v presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n nor_o have_v lay_v elder_n sit_v ordinary_o in_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o occasion_n these_o forty_o year_n and_o upward_o nor_o ever_o have_v any_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n for_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o consequent_o those_o choose_v by_o they_o to_o this_o assembly_n have_v no_o lawful_a power_n nor_o authority_n beside_o the_o person_n ecclesiastical_a pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n have_v so_o behave_v themselves_o that_o just_o they_o may_v be_v think_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n to_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n 1._o for_o that_o by_o their_o seditious_a and_o rail_a sermon_n and_o pamphlet_n they_o have_v wound_v the_o king_n honour_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o animate_v his_o liedge_n to_o rebellion_n aver_v that_o all_o authority_n sovereign_a be_v original_o in_o the_o collective_a body_n derive_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o negligence_n it_o be_v suppletiuè_fw-la in_o the_o collective_a body_n as_o be_v communicate_v from_o the_o commontie_z to_o the_o king_n cumulatiuè_n not_o privatiuè_a but_o also_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n to_o return_v to_o the_o collective_a body_n so_o that_o rex_fw-la excidit_fw-la jure_fw-la svo_fw-la and_o that_o they_o may_v refuse_v obedience_n 2._o next_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v either_o be_v schismatical_o refractorie_a and_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n or_o such_o as_o have_v promise_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n have_v never_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o oath_n or_o such_o as_o have_v swear_v and_o according_o practise_v yet_o contrary_a to_o their_o promise_n and_o practice_n have_v resile_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o order_n or_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n or_o convene_v at_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o the_o ordinary_n or_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n for_o divers_a transgression_n deserve_v deprivation_n as_o first_o for_o utter_v in_o their_o sermon_n rash_a and_o irreverent_a speech_n in_o pulpit_n against_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o their_o proceed_n punishable_a by_o deprivation_n by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n may_v 22._o 1590._o next_o for_o reprove_v his_o majesty_n law_n statute_n and_o ordinance_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o perth_n maii_n 1._o 1596._o three_o for_o express_v of_o man_n name_n in_o pulpit_n or_o describe_v they_o vive_o to_o their_o reproach_n where_o there_o be_v no_o notorious_a fault_n against_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n four_o for_o use_v application_n in_o their_o sermon_n not_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o present_a auditory_a contrary_a to_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n five_o for_o keep_v convention_n not_o allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n contrary_a to_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n six_o for_o receive_v of_o people_n of_o other_o minister_n flock_n to_o the_o communion_n contrary_a to_o order_v act_n of_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n seven_o for_o intrude_a themselves_o into_o other_o man_n pulpit_n without_o call_v or_o authority_n eight_o for_o usurp_a the_o authority_n to_o convent_n their_o brethren_n and_o proceed_v against_o they_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n nine_o for_o press_v the_o people_n to_o subscribe_v a_o covenant_n not_o allow_v by_o authority_n and_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v the_o subscribe_v of_o a_o covenant_n offer_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n beside_o many_o personal_a fault_n and_o enormity_n whereof_o many_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a which_o in_o charity_n we_o forbear_v to_o express_v but_o hereby_o it_o do_v appear_v how_o unfit_a these_o person_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n scripture_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o layman_n shall_v be_v authorize_v to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o a_o general_a assembly_n in_o that_o act_n of_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o these_o elder_n pretend_v to_o have_v this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o warrant_n express_v for_o they_o to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v their_o presence_n and_o assistance_n we_o approve_v be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o prince_n the_o king_n majesty_n presence_n in_o person_n or_o by_o his_o delegate_n we_o hold_v most_o necessary_a to_o see_v all_o thing_n orderly_a and_o peaceable_o do_v and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n nor_o do_v we_o refuse_v that_o any_o intelligent_a or_o moderate_a man_n may_v make_v remonstrance_n of_o his_o opinion_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o that_o way_n that_o become_v he_o
traduce_v do_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n 6._o last_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o informality_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o we_o charge_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o they_o must_v answer_v before_o his_o great_a and_o fearful_a tribunal_n if_o they_o suspect_v and_o know_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v to_o be_v free_a of_o these_o crime_n wherewith_o they_o charge_v they_o at_o least_o of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n have_v therein_o libel_v the_o general_a and_o have_v yet_o to_o seek_v the_o specification_n thereof_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v furnish_v it_o by_o which_o informal_a and_o malicious_a proceed_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o our_o say_a party_n do_v seek_v our_o disgrace_n and_o overthrow_v most_o malicious_o and_o illegal_o and_o therefore_o we_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o barbarous_a and_o violent_a persecution_n that_o all_o circumstance_n be_v consider_v have_v few_o or_o none_o to_o parallel_v it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o decline_v the_o say_v pretend_a commissioner_n as_o our_o party_n moreover_o can_v these_o man_n expect_v but_o in_o a_o lawful_a assemble_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o enorm_a transgression_n foresay_v and_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o canon-law_n against_o the_o pope_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o any_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_n himself_o but_o to_o choose_v arbitrator_n and_o this_o may_v militate_v against_o they_o except_o they_o be_v more_o unruly_a than_o pope_n ludovicus_n bavarus_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o germany_n with_o he_o do_v plead_v this_o nullity_n against_o the_o sentence_n and_o proceed_n of_o pope_n john_n 22._o and_o of_o his_o council_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o cullen_n 1546._o do_v plead_v the_o nullity_n of_o paul_n 3._o his_o bull_n of_o excommunication_n because_o he_o protest_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o lawful_a council_n shall_v be_v open_v he_o will_v implead_v the_o pope_n as_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n censurable_a by_o the_o council_n but_o the_o late_a protestation_n do_v show_v the_o author_n thereof_o to_o be_v no_o less_o injurious_a to_o our_o place_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o be_v overween_v of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n have_v place_n nor_o voice_n deliberative_a or_o decisive_a in_o general_a assembly_n except_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o elect_v by_o their_o presbyterial_a meeting_n consist_v of_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o without_o warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o also_o do_v infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o precedent_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neither_o the_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n but_o he_o who_o by_o plurality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o layman_n voice_n shall_v be_v elect_v which_o happy_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o a_o lay-person_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o whereas_o canonical_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o primate_n shall_v preside_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a can._n 6._o of_o antioch_n can._n 9_o and_o of_o the_o imperial_a law_n novel_a constitut_o 123._o cap._n 10._o and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o law_n for_o what_o place_n in_o assembly_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v in_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o same_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n in_o scotland_n and_o yet_o still_o do_v retain_v except_o by_o some_o municipal_a law_n it_o have_v be_v restrain_v which_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o authority_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v restore_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o and_o 1609._o and_o all_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n abrogate_a neither_o do_v that_o act_n 1592._o establish_v general_a assembly_n debar_v bishop_n from_o preside_v therein_o nor_o the_o abrogation_n of_o their_o commission_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n imply_v and_o infer_v the_o abrogation_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o parliament_n but_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a oversight_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o charge_n whereto_o belong_v the_o presidentship_n in_o all_o assembly_n for_o matter_n spiritual_a always_o with_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n that_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o be_v precedent_n of_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o chancellor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v place_n in_o council_n and_o session_n not_o by_o any_o act_n or_o statute_n but_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o he_o be_v chancellor_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v their_o right_n in_o synod_n and_o other_o inferior_a meeting_n but_o by_o no_o law_n restrain_v nor_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o national_n assembly_n and_o the_o law_n allow_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o synod_n do_v present_v a_o list_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o who_o of_o right_a this_o place_n do_v belong_v as_o say_v be_v out_o of_o which_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v for_o be_v it_o not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n order_n and_o decency_n that_o out_o of_o moderator_n of_o synod_n a_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v then_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n subject_a to_o they_o as_o concern_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n 1580._o whereby_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o scripture_n if_o corruption_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n may_v be_v neglect_v no_o less_o then_o that_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a that_o prior_n act_v of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n give_v place_n to_o the_o posterior_n for_o posteriora_fw-la derogant_fw-la prioribus_fw-la and_o there_o pass_v not_o full_a six_o year_n when_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n find_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n present_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_n and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_n only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o for_o that_o act_n at_o mont_n rise_v let_v they_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o have_v their_o call_n by_o that_o commission_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v of_o the_o chapter_n of_o our_o cathedral_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n by_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o approbation_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n for_o our_o temporality_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la next_o unto_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a governor_n but_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o cyprian_n his_o complaint_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 14._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la periculum_fw-la metuere_fw-la debemus_fw-la de_fw-la offensâ_fw-la domini_fw-la quando_fw-la aliqui_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la nec_fw-la evangelii_n nec_fw-la loci_fw-la svi_fw-la memores_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la futurum_fw-la dei_fw-la judicium_fw-la neque_fw-la praepositum_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la omnino_fw-la sub_fw-la antecessoribus_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la contumelia_fw-la &_o contemptâ_fw-la praepositi_fw-la totum_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la atque_fw-la utinam_fw-la non_fw-la prostratâ_fw-la fratrum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la salute_v sibi_fw-la omne_fw-la vendicarent_fw-la contumelias_fw-la episcopatûs_fw-la nostri_fw-la dissimulare_fw-la &_o far_o possem_fw-la sicut_fw-la
of_o your_o sovereign_n gracious_a promise_n let_v this_o paper_n which_o i_o deliver_v to_o the_o clerk_n to_o be_v read_v witness_v it_o to_o you_o all_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v choose_v but_o receive_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n and_o dutiful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o majesty_n piety_n goodness_n and_o clemency_n unless_o all_o religion_n and_o goodness_n be_v quite_o banish_v out_o of_o this_o land_n here_o the_o clerk_n public_o read_v the_o paper_n which_o follow_v the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o many_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n have_v apprehend_v that_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o inbringing_a of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v intend_v have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o annull_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n 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thus_o lawful_o repeal_v notwithstanding_o their_o original_a oath_n since_o therefore_o if_o the_o first_o taker_n of_o that_o oath_n be_v now_o alive_a they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o have_v abjure_v episcopal_a government_n which_o have_v be_v since_o establsh_v by_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n in_o her_o confession_n hold_v church_n government_n to_o be_v alterable_a at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o repeat_v but_o their_o oath_n can_v be_v say_v to_o abjure_v that_o government_n now_o more_o than_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o repeat_v the_o same_o oath_n three_o how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o very_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n command_v this_o oath_n shall_v make_v episcopal_a government_n to_o be_v abjure_v by_o it_o more_o than_o the_o covenanter_n require_v it_o of_o their_o associate_n in_o both_o covenant_n the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n by_o the_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o the_o contriver_n and_o urger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v subscribe_v it_o without_o abjure_v of_o episcopacy_n and_o other_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n since_o the_o time_n that_o this_o oath_n be_v first_o invent_v and_o make_v and_o the_o three_o minister_n in_o their_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o aberdene_n quaeres_fw-la have_v full_o and_o clear_o express_v themselves_o to_o that_o sense_n hold_v these_o thing_n for_o the_o present_v not_o to_o be_v abjure_v but_o only_o refer_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n and_o likewise_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o last_o protestation_n against_o his_o
breed_v distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o his_o royal_a consideration_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o country_n have_v not_o only_o dispense_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_n article_n but_o also_o discharge_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n from_o urge_v the_o practice_n thereof_o upon_o either_o laicke_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o have_v free_v all_o his_o subject_n from_o all_o censure_n and_o pain_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a for_o not_o urge_v practise_v or_o obey_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o contrary_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o content_v that_o the_o assembly_n take_v the_o same_o so_o far_o to_o their_o consideration_n as_o to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o next_o parliament_n there_o to_o be_v ratify_v as_o the_o estate_n shall_v find_v fit_v and_o because_o it_o have_v be_v pretend_v that_o oath_n have_v be_v administrate_n different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n his_o majesty_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v by_o i_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o any_o minister_n at_o his_o entry_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o careful_a his_o majesty_n be_v that_o no_o corruption_n nor_o innovation_n shall_v creep_v into_o this_o church_n neither_o yet_o any_o scandal_n vice_n or_o fault_n of_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o censurable_a or_o punishable_a by_o the_o assembly_n go_v along_o unpunished_a his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o declare_v by_o i_o and_o assure_v all_o his_o good_a people_n that_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v keep_v so_o oft_o and_o all_o be_v oft_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o none_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v have_v cause_n of_o grievance_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o prelate_n his_o majesty_n be_v content_a that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o present_a bishop_n and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v answerable_a and_o according_o from_o time_n to_o time_n censurable_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o to_o give_v all_o his_o majesty_n good_a people_n full_a assurance_n that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v true_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o intention_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o same_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o good_a subject_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n former_o sign_v by_o his_o dear_a father_n in_o ann_n 1580._o and_o now_o also_o require_v all_o these_o of_o this_o present_a assembly_n to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n will_n that_o this_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n to_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o his_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o declaration_n be_v by_o our_o special_a command_n and_o direction_n give_v in_o and_o subscribe_v by_o our_o commissioner_n upon_o protestation_n make_v by_o he_o that_o his_o assent_v to_o the_o registration_n hereof_o shall_v be_v no_o approbation_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o assembly_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o act_n or_o deed_n do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v therein_o and_o find_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n no_o way_n to_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o contentment_n except_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o overthrow_v all_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o to_o abrogate_v our_o public_a law_n stand_v in_o vigour_n by_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n bygone_a and_o to_o alter_v the_o fundamental_a government_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n contrary_a to_o express_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o meeting_n may_v have_v produce_v other_o the_o like_o dangerous_a act_n so_o derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n we_o be_v force_v for_o preven_v thereof_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n abovementioned_a and_o divers_a other_o import_v true_a monarchical_a government_n to_o dissolve_v and_o break_v up_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n and_o to_o discharge_v they_o of_o all_o far_a meeting_n treat_v and_o conclude_v any_o thing_n therein_o and_o yet_o in_o that_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a way_n as_o our_o commissioner_n before_o his_o remove_n desire_v their_o pretend_a moderator_n for_o that_o time_n to_o have_v say_v prayer_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o day_n session_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v have_v time_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o his_o refuse_v to_o assist_v or_o be_v any_o long_o present_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n &_o of_o the_o cause_n move_v we_o to_o the_o dissolve_v thereof_o and_o notwithstanding_o his_o earnest_n urge_v the_o same_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o return_v the_o next_o morning_n to_o hear_v their_o answer_n in_o place_n of_o all_o other_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o so_o reasonable_a and_o moderate_a desire_n it_o be_v refuse_v and_o meet_v with_o a_o protestation_n of_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a strain_n thereby_o presume_v to_o cyte_v and_o call_v our_o council_n in_o question_n for_o their_o dutiful_a assistance_n and_o obedience_n to_o we_o and_o our_o commissioner_n and_o find_v their_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o increase_v we_o be_v constrain_v to_o discharge_v they_o of_o new_a again_o the_o next_o day_n thereafter_o by_o public_a proclamation_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o albeit_o that_o their_o contumacy_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o former_a time_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o move_v we_o to_o alter_v the_o least_o point_n or_o article_n of_o that_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v by_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n under_o our_o commissioner_n hand_n all_o which_o be_v public_o read_v and_o by_o our_o commissioner_n require_v to_o be_v insert_v and_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n therein_o to_o remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o of_o our_o resolution_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o same_o and_o our_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o and_o perceive_v likewise_o that_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n they_o go_v still_o on_o to_o convene_v meet_v and_o to_o make_v illegal_a and_o unwarrantable_a act_n we_o have_v conceive_v it_o fit_v to_o forewarn_v all_o our_o good_a subject_n of_o the_o danger_n that_o they_o may_v incur_v by_o be_v ensnare_v by_o these_o their_o unlawful_a procedure_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v not_o only_o liberate_v and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o obedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o pretend_a act_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n or_o committee_n direct_v therefrom_o but_o do_v also_o free_v they_o from_o all_o pain_n and_o censure_v which_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o do_v discharge_v and_o prohibit_v all_o our_o subject_n that_o they_o nor_o none_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v nor_o give_v obedience_n to_o any_o pretend_a act_n nor_o constitution_n make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o say_v pretend_a meeting_n under_o all_o high_a pain_n and_o we_o command_v charge_n and_o inhibit_v all_o presbytery_n session_n of_o kirkes_n minister_n within_o this_o realm_n that_o none_o of_o they_o presume_v nor_o take_v upon_o hand_n private_o nor_o public_o in_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n nor_o in_o their_o conference_n sermon_n nor_o no_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o authorise_v approve_v justify_v or_o allow_v the_o say_v unlawful_a meeting_n or_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n neither_o yet_o to_o make_v any_o act_n thereupon_o nor_o to_o do_v any_o other_o thing_n private_a or_o public_a which_o may_v seem_v to_o countenance_v the_o say_v unlawful_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v repute_n hold_v and_o esteem_v and_o pursue_v as_o guilty_a of_o their_o unlawful_a meeting_n and_o to_o be_v punish_v therefore_o with_o all_o rigour_n and_o siclike_o we_o command_v all_o and_o
our_o commissioner_n sit_v in_o assembly_n shall_v deny_v our_o voice_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o to_o we_o appear_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o our_o law_n yet_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v conclude_v by_o most_o voice_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o then_o we_o be_v bind_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o see_v all_o these_o conclusion_n make_v in_o despite_n of_o we_o obey_v by_o all_o our_o subject_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o these_o act_n and_o if_o our_o councillor_n or_o judge_n shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v the_o like_a than_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o so_o be_v deprive_v not_o only_o of_o their_o place_n but_o of_o their_o estate_n a_o position_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v they_o will_v never_o gain_v the_o consent_n of_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n put_v in_o authority_n under_o they_o a_o fourteen_o position_n be_v this_o a_o assembly_n may_v abrogate_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o discharge_v our_o subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o they_o any_o way_n reflect_v upon_o business_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o wonder_v that_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n and_o burrowes_n can_v endure_v for_o as_o it_o do_v derogate_v principal_o from_o our_o authority_n so_o do_v it_o proportionable_o from_o they_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o parliament_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v at_o how_o any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o government_n can_v endure_v it_o for_o it_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n but_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v call_v the_o high_a court_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o a_o general_a assembly_n may_v rescind_v the_o act_n of_o it_o and_o that_o power_n which_o may_v repeal_v one_o act_n of_o it_o may_v repeal_v more_o nay_o all_o act_n of_o it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o exercise_v that_o power_n and_o say_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n a_o fifteen_o position_n be_v this_o the_o protestation_n of_o subject_n against_o law_n establish_v whether_o it_o be_v make_v coram_fw-la judice_fw-la or_o non_fw-la judice_fw-la before_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o people_n themselves_o who_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v judge_v do_v void_a all_o obedience_n to_o these_o law_n and_o discharge_v all_o the_o protester_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o live_v under_o they_o before_o ever_o these_o protestation_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v discuss_v before_o the_o competent_a judge_n of_o they_o nay_o although_o they_o be_v repel_v by_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o they_o be_v make_v all_o which_o since_o these_o trouble_n begin_v in_o that_o kingdom_n have_v be_v usual_o practise_v by_o the_o covenanter_n who_o have_v sometime_o make_v protestation_n against_o our_o law_n before_o our_o council_n sometime_o before_o our_o commissioner_n sometime_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n who_o repel_v they_o all_o than_o they_o make_v they_o before_o the_o people_n their_o own_o associate_n in_o the_o public_a market-place_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v hold_v these_o protestation_n sufficient_o admit_v and_o themselves_o discharge_v from_o obedience_n to_o all_o these_o law_n against_o which_o they_o protest_v allege_v perhaps_o that_o they_o be_v unjust_o and_o undue_o enact_v which_o course_n if_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o protestation_n before_o they_o be_v discuss_v may_v discharge_v subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o law_n what_o subject_n will_v yield_v obedience_n to_o any_o law_n by_o which_o he_o find_v himself_o press_v or_o inconvenience_v when_o the_o remedy_n of_o a_o protestation_n whether_o admit_v or_o not_o admit_v be_v so_o ready_a at_o hand_n a_o sixteen_o and_o last_o position_n be_v this_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o for_o it_o be_v both_o the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v such_o a_o shameful_a one_o that_o they_o have_v not_o print_v it_o in_o terminis_fw-la but_o it_o follow_v by_o a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n upon_o many_o of_o their_o print_a position_n as_o all_o of_o they_o do_v follow_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o current_a with_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v almost_o in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o particular_a action_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o number_n of_o man_n be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a and_o in_o that_o sense_n say_v they_o the_o more_o considerable_a part_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v conceive_v to_o be_v conducible_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o this_o great_a part_n especial_o meet_v in_o a_o representative_a assembly_n may_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o against_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o we_o and_o our_o council_n and_o our_o judge_n declaration_n of_o it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o kingdom_n choose_v some_o few_o nobleman_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o burgess_n who_o under_o the_o name_n of_o committee_n or_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v choose_v from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n shall_v sit_v and_o determine_v of_o thing_n concern_v the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o king_n council_n nor_o judge_n in_o the_o land_n they_o complain_v of_o a_o high_a commission_n erect_v by_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o high_a commission_n than_o that_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a judgement_n they_o answer_v for_o themselves_o only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v it_o as_o be_v put_v in_o authority_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v say_v they_o a_o court_n independent_a from_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v erect_v what_o court_n it_o will_v without_o we_o and_o may_v appoint_v what_o commissioner_n it_o will_v to_o sit_v for_o that_o court_n so_o they_o meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o ecclesiastical_a business_n but_o let_v the_o reader_n consider_v how_o many_o wicked_a and_o insufferable_a absurdity_n this_o their_o answer_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o first_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o now_o do_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v indict_v they_o can_v not_o be_v then_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n next_o who_o give_v the_o general_a assembly_n power_n to_o erect_v any_o such_o table_n of_o commissioner_n they_o find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v with_o the_o high_a commission_n establish_v by_o we_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o court_n establish_v either_o by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o parliament_n and_o now_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o show_v any_o act_n of_o parliament_n give_v the_o assembly_n power_n to_o erect_v any_o such_o table_n of_o commissioner_n three_o in_o the_o erection_n of_o this_o table_n they_o outdo_v any_o thing_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v either_o say_v or_o do_v by_o the_o jesuit_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o her_o visible_a head_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n for_o they_o do_v never_o yet_o affirm_v that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v but_o by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o these_o man_n do_v hold_v that_o nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n may_v execute_v this_o authority_n but_o they_o say_v they_o do_v not_o exercise_v it_o as_o any_o such_o lay-man_n but_o as_o ruling-elders_a and_o so_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n but_o can_v there_o any_o child_n be_v find_v who_o will_v not_o laugh_v at_o this_o if_o ever_o he_o have_v hear_v but_o the_o common_a name_n of_o churchman_n and_o layman_n can_v these_o two_o be_v confound_v can_v the_o call_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o elder_a make_v he_o a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n if_o by_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n he_o be_v never_o to_o discharge_v any_o office_n of_o a_o churchman_n they_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o parliament_n council_n or_o any_o secular_a judicatorie_a because_o these_o place_n be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o place_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o shall_v not_o lay-person_n be_v as_o incapable_a at_o least_o to_o meddle_v with_o divine_a and_o ecclesiastical_a business_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v then_o let_v these_o ecclesiastical_a elder_n renounce_v their_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o other_o secular_a court_n of_o justice_n and_o become_v ruling-elders_a only_o four_o they_o allege_v that_o they_o meddle_v only_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n although_o it_o be_v unlawful_a
therefore_o intend_v to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n what_o be_v noise_v concern_v the_o proclamation_n how_o far_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v be_v by_o some_o sinistrous_a misinformation_n frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o constant_a desire_n to_o have_v some_o course_n take_v by_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi advice_n how_o his_o majesty_n be_v further_o inform_v may_v deliver_v his_o good_a subject_n from_o so_o great_a grievance_n and_o fear_n and_o establish_v a_o sure_a peace_n in_o this_o country_n for_o time_n to_o come_v we_o find_v ourselves_o tie_v by_o order_n of_o law_n to_o decline_v those_o against_o who_o we_o have_v make_v our_o complaint_n unless_o we_o will_v admit_v our_o party_n to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o in_o case_n our_o declinator_n shall_v not_o be_v accept_v we_o behove_v to_o protest_v that_o we_o may_v have_v immediate_a recourse_n to_o the_o king_n himself_o etc._n etc._n thereafter_o in_o the_o month_n of_o march_n find_v that_o by_o the_o foresay_a proclamation_n the_o innovation_n supplicate_v against_o be_v approven_v our_o lawful_a proceed_n condemn_v our_o most_o necessary_a meeting_n prohibit_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n thereby_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n provoke_v to_o wrath_n against_o we_o by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n within_o this_o land_n to_o clear_v our_o sovereign_n mind_n from_o all_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n arise_v from_o our_o adversary_n misinformation_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o carriage_n and_o so_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o acceptance_n of_o our_o humble_a supplication_n and_o grant_v of_o their_o lawful_a remedy_n to_o guard_v this_o land_n in_o defence_n of_o religion_n authority_n and_o liberty_n against_o inward_a division_n and_o external_a violence_n and_o that_o our_o action_n may_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o holy_a profession_n we_o afterward_o draw_v up_o a_o humble_a supplication_n contain_v our_o grievance_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o ordinary_a remedy_n thereof_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o attend_v his_o declaration_n here_o in_o scotland_n which_o will_v free_v we_o of_o all_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o prove_v satisfactory_a and_o lest_o for_o want_n of_o true_a information_n of_o our_o just_a grievance_n and_o desire_n it_o shall_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o we_o express_v to_o they_o with_o the_o great_a modesty_n we_o can_v our_o desire_n in_o some_o few_o article_n and_o with_o great_a patience_n have_v attend_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n thereanent_fw-la and_o all_o this_o month_n bygone_a be_v frequent_o convene_v to_o hear_v the_o same_o deliver_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n the_o right_a noble_a and_o potent_a lord_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n we_o present_v a_o new_a petition_n to_o his_o grace_n as_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n crave_v most_o humble_o the_o indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n thereof_o like_a as_o find_v a_o misinformation_n or_o mistake_v of_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unlawful_a combination_n to_o be_v the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o obtain_v our_o desire_n in_o a_o new_a supplication_n we_o have_v full_o remove_v that_o impediment_n renew_v our_o desire_n of_o those_o supreme_a judicatories_n to_o be_v indict_v with_o diligence_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n but_o be_v answer_v only_o with_o delay_n after_o these_o nine_o month_n attendance_n and_o with_o this_o proclamation_n that_o contain_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n of_o his_o pious_a intention_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n nor_o any_o stain_n of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o we_o be_v ever_o so_o far_o from_o call_v in_o question_n as_o in_o our_o supplicatication_n complaint_n and_o bill_n we_o use_v the_o same_o as_o one_o cause_n of_o our_o desire_n one_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o adversary_n malignant_a misinformation_n of_o so_o religious_a a_o king_n and_o now_o most_o humble_o with_o bend_a knee_n and_o bow_a heart_n thank_v our_o gracious_a sovereign_n for_o the_o same_o wish_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n true_o and_o full_o to_o inform_v his_o majesty_n how_o far_o these_o book_n judicatory_n and_o all_o our_o other_o evil_n and_o grievance_n be_v full_a of_o idolatrous_a superstition_n and_o popish_a error_n how_o destructive_a of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o his_o majesty_n pious_a intention_n and_o declaration_n yet_o see_v that_o no_o proclamation_n can_v sufficient_o remove_v the_o present_a evil_n nor_o settle_v our_o fear_n nor_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o reentry_n of_o any_o evil_a or_o innovation_n which_o it_o seem_v to_o discharge_v or_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v nor_o satisfy_v our_o humble_a supplication_n crave_v the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n as_o the_o only_a remedy_n of_o our_o evil_n and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o like_a and_o see_v this_o proclamation_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n or_o acknowledge_v any_o of_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o grievance_n or_o any_o just_a cause_n thereof_o except_o under_o the_o name_n of_o great_a increase_n of_o disorder_n fault_n and_o misdemeanour_n but_o only_o our_o fear_n of_o some_o future_a innovation_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n occasion_v only_o as_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o fear_v his_o majesty_n hope_v to_o have_v be_v abundant_o and_o sufficient_o satisfy_v by_o his_o two_o former_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nine_o of_o december_n and_o ninteenth_n of_o february_n and_o by_o this_o his_o present_a declaration_n except_o his_o subject_n be_v blind_o under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n lead_v unto_o disobedience_n do_v mis-ken_n pass_v over_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n deny_v all_o our_o supplication_n bill_n article_n and_o desire_n especial_o our_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n our_o party_n and_o that_o once_o for_o all_o in_o a_o fair_a and_o persuasive_a way_n even_o after_o the_o resaite_n of_o our_o last_o supplication_n clear_v we_o from_o the_o calumny_n of_o unlawful_a combination_n do_v not_o disallow_v nor_o discharge_v any_o of_o the_o innovation_n and_o evil_n complain_v upon_o but_o only_o assure_v that_o his_o majesty_n will_v not_o press_v their_o practice_n but_o in_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n as_o shall_v satisfy_v his_o subject_n of_o his_o intention_n which_o join_v with_o the_o other_o clause_n allow_v and_o confirm_v the_o proclamation_n the_o nineteen_o of_o february_n evidence_v the_o liberty_n leave_v to_o any_o prelate_n or_o person_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o and_o by_o all_o other_o fair_a way_n to_o persuade_v other_o thereunto_o and_o his_o majesty_n resolution_n to_o press_v their_o practice_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o also_o confirm_v the_o former_a declaration_n that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v a_o ready_a mean_a to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n already_o profess_v and_o to_o beat_v out_o all_o superstition_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o to_o be_v compile_v and_o approve_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n do_v not_o abolish_v but_o promise_v to_o rectify_v the_o high_a commission_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n imply_v the_o king_n power_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o council_n to_o establish_v this_o or_o any_o judicatory_a within_o this_o kingdom_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n convene_v in_o parliament_n contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_a and_o express_a law_n thereof_o and_o by_o consequent_a with_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o establish_v law_n and_o service_n book_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o our_o supplication_n against_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduction_n do_v only_o promise_v to_o take_v into_o his_o consideration_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o shall_v be_v call_v at_o his_o best_a convenience_n while_o as_o the_o evident_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o settle_v the_o combustion_n threaten_v the_o total_a dissolution_n and_o desolation_n of_o this_o church_n and_o
state_n excuse_v our_o uncessant_a and_o importune_a call_n for_o these_o present_a remedy_n do_v insinuate_v the_o continuance_n and_o execution_n of_o any_o pretend_a law_n for_o these_o innovation_n of_o worship_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n government_n and_o civil_a place_n of_o churchman_n which_o by_o our_o covenant_n we_o have_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o forbear_v and_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o he_o will_v call_v in_o his_o best_a convenience_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o and_o this_o other_o end_n of_o satisfy_v his_o subject_n judgement_n anent_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n do_v condemn_v all_o our_o former_a proceed_n even_o our_o supplicate_a complain_v protest_v subscribe_v of_o our_o covenant_n together_o and_o our_o continual_a meeting_n as_o great_a disorder_n increase_v of_o disorder_n deserve_v just_o a_o powerful_a rather_o than_o a_o persuasive_a way_n a_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n a_o perish_v in_o our_o fault_n a_o blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o do_v threaten_v &_o denounce_v now_o once_o for_o all_o if_o we_o be_v not_o hearty_o satisfy_v and_o give_v testimony_n of_o our_o obedience_n after_o this_o declaration_n but_o continue_v as_o by_o our_o former_a proceed_n to_o draw_v on_o our_o own_o ruin_n that_o albeit_o unwilling_o he_o must_v make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o for_o reclaim_v of_o so_o disobedient_a people_n therefore_o we_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o all_o who_o will_v adhere_v to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o this_o land_n be_v force_v and_o compel_v out_o of_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a country_n ourselves_o and_o our_o posterity_n lest_o our_o silence_n shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o so_o important_a a_o cause_n as_o concern_v god_n glory_n and_o worship_n our_o religion_n and_o salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n and_o proceed_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o solemn_a oath_n of_o our_o nation_n covenant_n with_o god_n to_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o protest_v primo_n that_o we_o do_v and_o will_v constant_o adhere_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n to_o the_o say_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n use_v of_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o innovation_n introduce_v therein_o either_o of_o old_a or_o of_o late_a secundo_fw-la we_o potest_fw-la that_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o grievance_n supplication_n and_o protestation_n give_v in_o at_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o to_o our_o late_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n and_o other_o lawful_a proceed_n against_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n as_o main_a innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o full_a of_o popish_a superstition_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o against_o the_o high_a commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a establish_a contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o destructive_a of_o other_o lawful_a judicatories_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o manner_n of_o introduction_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n can_v be_v any_o way_n rectify_v but_o absolute_o discharge_v tertio_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o we_o adhere_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o god_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o clause_n particular_o therein_o express_v and_o general_o contain_v and_o to_o our_o last_o article_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n draw_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o all_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o manner_n of_o remedy_n therein_o desire_v quarto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o this_o proclamation_n or_o act_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o act_n or_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o by_o subscription_n or_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o precondemnation_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o carriage_n before_o the_o same_o be_v lawful_o hear_v and_o try_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n to_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n or_o any_o certification_n or_o threaten_v therein_o denounce_v shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o to_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n pursuit_n mutual_a defence_n nor_o to_o our_o person_n and_o estate_n and_o shall_v no_o way_n be_v disgraceful_a either_o in_o reality_n or_o opinion_n at_o home_o or_o abroad_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o any_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o subscription_n of_o the_o council_n carry_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o declaration_n and_o condemnation_n of_o our_o proceed_n indicta_fw-la causa_fw-la be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_n &_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a &_o null_a as_o here_o before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o offer_v to_o clear_v &_o to_o verify_v both_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n and_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o act_n against_o we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o first_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n &_o parliament_n of_o the_o estate_n unto_o who_o with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a we_o do_v public_o appeal_v quinto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o see_v our_o former_a supplication_n last_o article_n &_o our_o last_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n which_o petition_v for_o the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n &_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n &_o of_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o hear_v the_o desire_n ease_v the_o grievance_n &_o settle_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o delay_v &_o in_o effect_n refuse_v to_o wit_n once_o for_o all_o till_o his_o majesty_n conveniency_n for_o the_o end_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o we_o continue_v by_o their_o present_n to_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n again_o and_o again_o for_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o same_o and_o whatsoever_o trouble_n or_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o land_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o want_v of_o these_o ordinary_a remedy_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o of_o these_o innovation_n &_o evil_n contrary_a to_o our_o supplication_n article_n &_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o beg_v these_o lawful_a remedy_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o &_o every_o one_o of_o we_o one_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n foresay_a authority_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n &_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o &_o against_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a invasion_n menace_v in_o this_o proclamation_n like_a as_o that_o in_o the_o great_a exigencie_n of_o the_o church_n necessitate_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinary_a and_o lawful_a remedy_n for_o settle_v the_o commotion_n thereof_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v leasome_a unto_o we_o to_o appoint_v hold_v and_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n our_o lawful_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n agreeble_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o the_o like_a case_n sexto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n confession_n meeting_n proceed_n and_o mutual_a defence_n of_o every_o one_o another_o in_o this_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_o mean_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n &_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v style_v nor_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o proceed_v only_o from_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a