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priesthood_n
and_o other_o and_o second_o consider_v that_o he_o now_o find_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o speak_v more_o spare_o and_o reserve_o in_o that_o point_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o treat_v of_o it_o before_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v give_v out_o that_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o way_n to_o throw_v off_o that_o grievous_a burden_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o weight_n whereof_o their_o father_n be_v so_o much_o grieve_v viz._n by_o join_v so_o many_o laic_a elder_n to_o every_o presbytery_n as_o there_o shall_v be_v minister_n in_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o laity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v the_o presbytery_n under_o without_o the_o help_n of_o bishop_n our_o commissioner_n be_v now_o once_o again_o at_o a_o stand_n not_o know_v how_o to_o proceed_v as_o not_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o our_o instruction_n to_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n or_o parliament_n unless_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v satisfy_v by_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o understand_v the_o form_n of_o assembly_n what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v both_o for_o the_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n and_o for_o a_o previous_a consultation_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n to_o be_v treat_v there_o all_o which_o consultation_n the_o covenanter_n do_v utter_o reject_v he_o therefore_o resolve_v once_o again_o to_o make_v a_o journey_n to_o we_o and_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o new_a occurrence_n since_o he_o find_v they_o daily_o increase_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n &_o so_o change_v as_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o judgement_n either_o of_o their_o resolution_n or_o desire_n or_o of_o what_o will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o our_o commissioner_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o we_o to_o indict_v a_o assembly_n unless_o some_o particular_n be_v agree_v upon_o both_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o present_a settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o right_v and_o restore_v to_o their_o place_n such_o minister_n as_o have_v be_v displace_v without_o order_n of_o law_n who_o may_v again_o be_v displace_v if_o at_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o demand_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n in_o these_o ten_o article_n which_o will_v be_v find_v by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o to_o be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o all_o minister_n depose_v or_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o first_o of_o february_n last_o without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a shall_v be_v restore_v to_o their_o own_o place_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v legal_o convict_v that_o all_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n depose_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n by_o the_o presbytery_n without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a be_v restore_v and_o all_o moderator_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a presbytery_n without_o warrant_n foresay_a to_o desist_v from_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o moderator_n that_o all_o minister_n admit_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o foresay_a day_n without_o warrant_n from_o the_o ordinary_a shall_v desist_v from_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o present_v and_o admit_v that_o all_o parishioner_n shall_v frequent_v their_o own_o church_n and_o hear_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o session_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o former_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v that_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o rent_n and_o stipend_n due_o and_o thankful_o pay_v they_o that_o all_o minister_n be_v appoint_v present_o to_o repair_v to_o their_o own_o church_n that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v hold_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n that_o according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1606._o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n be_v find_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n every_o one_o of_o the_o say_a moderator_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commissioner_n from_o that_o presbytery_n where_o he_o be_v moderator_n that_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n who_o shall_v attend_v the_o assembly_n may_v be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n from_o all_o trouble_n and_o molestation_n that_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n only_o and_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v in_o the_o choice_n nor_o no_o minister_n without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n that_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n be_v dissolve_v and_o that_o every_o man_n repair_v to_o his_o own_o house_n and_o that_o the_o country_n not_o only_o be_v make_v peaceable_a but_o also_o that_o all_o such_o act_n be_v forbear_v as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v otherways_o and_o since_o his_o majesty_n be_v still_o displease_v with_o the_o covenant_n wisdom_n and_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o our_o sovereign_n require_v that_o some_o such_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v whereby_o his_o majesty_n may_v receive_v satisfaction_n therein_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o press_v threaten_a or_o persuade_v of_o man_n to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n nor_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v thereof_o any_o more_o in_o pulpit_n to_o these_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a manner_n they_o will_v no_o way_n condescend_v but_o return_v to_o our_o commissioner_n these_o most_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a answer_n answer_n to_o the_o particular_n propound_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v serious_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o precious_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o dear_a unto_o we_o as_o our_o religion_n that_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o church_n after_o long_a toleration_n do_v threaten_v no_o less_o than_o her_o utter_a ruin_n and_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n be_v the_o ordinary_a remedy_n appoint_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o bless_v by_o divine_a providence_n in_o other_o church_n and_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n we_o have_v often_o and_o earnest_o supplicate_v for_o the_o same_o and_o have_v labour_v to_o remove_v what_o be_v object_v or_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n like_v as_o we_o have_v now_o for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n resolve_v to_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o particular_n propound_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o before_o any_o assembly_n be_v indict_v the_o particular_n propound_v be_v either_o concern_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n matter_n be_v the_o first_o concern_v minister_n depose_v or_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o first_o of_o february_n last_o without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a that_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o own_o place_n the_o second_o concern_v moderator_n of_o presbytery_n depose_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n to_o be_v restore_v and_o all_o moderator_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a presbytery_n without_o warrant_n aforesaid_a to_o desist_v from_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o moderator_n the_o three_o concern_v minister_n admit_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n that_o they_o desist_v from_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v these_o three_o particular_n do_v concern_v the_o power_n duty_n and_o particular_a fact_n or_o fault_n of_o presbytery_n wherein_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o judge_v or_o determine_v whether_o they_o have_v proceed_v lawful_o or_o not_o far_o less_o can_v we_o urge_v or_o command_v they_o to_o recall_v what_o they_o have_v determine_v or_o do_v in_o the_o suspending_a depose_v or_o admit_v of_o minister_n or_o moderator_n they_o be_v proper_o subject_a to_o the_o superior_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o after_o trial_n justify_v their_o proceed_n from_o the_o good_a warrant_n of_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o act_n and_o praclice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o sustain_v their_o own_o deserve_a censure_n and_o since_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v many_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n for_o their_o usurpation_n over_o presbytery_n in_o the_o like_a particular_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v such_o complaint_n of_o the_o do_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o prelate_n we_o trust_v that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n will_v not_o esteem_v
this_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o after_o seven_o day_n sit_v declare_v all_o act_n make_v or_o hereafter_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o strength_n and_o that_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v either_o express_v in_o his_o majesty_n former_a proclamation_n and_o so_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n or_o set_v down_o in_o the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n present_v in_o name_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v full_o clear_v in_o our_o answer_n make_v thereto_o or_o else_o be_v long_o since_o propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_v send_v unto_o we_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v satisfy_v by_o our_o answer_n which_o his_o grace_n acknowledge_v by_o promise_v after_o the_o recept_n thereof_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n with_o power_n to_o determine_v upon_o all_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n manner_n and_o matter_n thereof_o all_o which_o for_o avoid_v tediousness_n we_o here_o repeat_v or_o otherwise_o the_o say_a cause_n allege_v by_o the_o commissioner_n be_v propon_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o assembly_n such_o as_o first_o that_o the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o read_v the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n exhibit_v by_o the_o prelate_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v public_o read_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o assembly_n immediate_o after_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o member_n before_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o assembly_n establish_v to_o who_o the_o same_o can_v have_v be_v read_v next_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n which_o be_v know_v to_o his_o grace_n before_o the_o indiction_n and_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n in_o violable_o observe_v before_o the_o late_a time_n of_o corruption_n that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o to_o who_o by_o the_o indiction_n and_o promise_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n the_o determination_n of_o that_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n constituent_a property_n belong_v and_o last_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o six_o assessor_n who_o do_v sit_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o ask_v and_o number_v which_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n since_o after_o 39_o national_n assembly_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n where_o neither_o the_o king_n majesty_n nor_o any_o in_o his_o name_n be_v present_a at_o the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o majesty_n gracious_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n either_o in_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n or_o by_o a_o commissioner_n not_o for_o vote_v or_o multiply_v of_o voice_n but_o as_o prince_n and_o emperor_n of_o old_a in_o a_o princely_a manner_n to_o countenance_v that_o meeting_n and_o to_o preside_v in_o it_o for_o external_a order_n and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o his_o majesty_n personal_a presence_n his_o majesty_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n will_v have_v only_o give_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o vote_v of_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o have_v call_v other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v clothe_v with_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o carry_v thing_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n therefore_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_n and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v with_o sorrowful_a and_o heavy_a but_o loyal_a heart_n that_o we_o can_v dissolve_v this_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o necessity_n of_o conveen_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v convene_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v 2._o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v now_o judicial_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n &_o covenant_n subscribe_v &_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 3._o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o a_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n than_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n &_o subscribe_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church-government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n 4._o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v lawful_o dissolve_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundùm_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 5._o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notwithstanding_o any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o master_n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherwise_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_a master_n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v uninform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 6._o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterared_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o after_o frequent_a convention_n formal_a
of_o our_o worthy_a and_o religious_a progenitor_n and_o of_o many_o yet_o live_v among_o we_o which_o be_v warrant_v also_o by_o act_n of_o council_n command_v a_o general_a band_n to_o be_v make_v and_o subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n subject_n of_o all_o rank_n for_o two_o cause_n one_o be_v for_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v then_o reform_v and_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n above_o write_v and_o a_o former_a large_a confession_n establish_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o of_o parliament_n unto_o which_o it_o have_v relation_n set_v down_o in_o public_a cathechisme_n and_o which_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n with_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n preach_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n as_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o write_a word_n the_o other_o cause_n be_v for_o maintain_v the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o estate_n the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 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our_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o enjoin_v and_o authorise_v like_v as_o we_o by_o these_o present_n do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n judges_z and_o magistrate_n to_o burgh_n and_o land_n and_o all_o our_o oâ—her_n subject_n whatsoever_o to_o subscribe_v and_o renew_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v at_o first_o by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a 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fourteen_o day_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n the_o cause_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o beg_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o that_o assembly_n and_o a_o peaceable_a end_n to_o the_o distraction_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n with_o the_o aversion_n of_o god_n heavy_a judgement_n from_o both_o and_o our_o pleasure_n be_v that_o this_o fast_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n as_o have_v be_v in_o this_o church_n at_o any_o time_n heretofore_o upon_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a occasion_n our_o will_n be_v herefore_o and_o we_o charge_v you_o straight_o and_o command_v that_o incontinent_a these_o our_o letter_n see_v you_o pass_v and_o make_v publication_n hereof_o by_o open_a proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_v of_o the_o head_n burrow_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherethrough_a none_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o give_v at_o our_o court_n of_o oatland_n the_o nine_o day_n of_o september_n 1638._o per_fw-la regem_fw-la after_o this_o declaration_n be_v proclaim_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o command_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n as_o also_o the_o band_n annex_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o religion_n now_o establish_v and_o of_o our_o person_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o subscription_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o they_o both_o do_v here_o follow_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n subscribe_v at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n umwhile_o dear_a father_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o the_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o now_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n by_o the_o right_n noble_a marquesse_n james_n marquesse_n of_o hamiltoun_n earl_n of_o arran_n and_o cambridge_n lord_n even_o and_o evendail_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n undersubscribe_v and_o that_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o date_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n of_o faith_n date_v in_o march_n 1580._o and_o of_o the_o band_n date_v in_o anno_fw-la 1589._o we_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o underwritten_a protest_v that_o after_o long_a and_o due_a examination_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n be_v now_o thorough_o resolve_v in_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n and_o constant_o affirm_v before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o this_o only_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n and_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o more_o particular_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v open_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o realm_n both_o in_o burgh_n and_o land_n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o 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sin_n our_o natural_a
and_o hope_n for_o so_o much_o as_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o grant_v all_o these_o make_v we_o confident_o to_o expect_v from_o his_o majesty_n royal_a and_o compassioned_a disposition_n towards_o this_o his_o native_a kingdom_n that_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o parliament_n shall_v have_v be_v indict_v as_o the_o ordinary_a and_o most_o proper_a remedy_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o do_v constrain_v we_o to_o renew_v our_o petition_n earnest_o entreat_v that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n will_v be_v please_v to_o represent_v unto_o his_o majesty_n the_o condition_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n cry_v in_o a_o extreme_a exigencie_n for_o present_a help_n with_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n law_n require_v by_o we_o and_o present_v to_o he_o in_o some_o particular_a article_n which_o his_o grace_n promise_v to_o recommend_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n for_o obtain_v the_o same_o especial_o the_o first_o article_n that_o there_o may_v be_v indict_v a_o full_a and_o free_a general_n assembly_n without_o prelimitation_n either_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o question_n or_o doubt_v about_o one_o of_o these_o or_o such_o like_a particular_n that_o the_o determination_n thereof_o may_v be_v remit_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o as_o the_o only_a proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n and_o now_o after_o so_o many_o supplication_n complaint_n article_n and_o information_n after_o our_o necessary_a protestation_n express_v the_o humble_a thankfulness_n and_o continue_a desire_n of_o our_o heart_n after_o so_o long_a expectation_n and_o so_o much_o deal_v have_v with_o open_a ear_n and_o attentive_a mind_n hear_v his_o majesty_n proclamation_n it_o be_v our_o desire_n purpose_n and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o proceed_v that_o we_o may_v upon_o the_o one_o part_n still_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n for_o the_o least_o blink_v of_o his_o majesty_n countenance_n and_o the_o small_a crumb_n of_o comfort_n that_o fall_v unto_o we_o from_o his_o majesty_n royal_a hand_n beseech_v the_o lord_n yet_o further_o to_o enlarge_v his_o majesty_n heart_n for_o our_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o rejoice_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o his_o majesty_n never_o die_v fame_n and_o glory_n that_o his_o wise_a government_n and_o zeal_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n may_v be_v a_o measure_n and_o pattern_n of_o desire_n to_o all_o generation_n hereafter_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v wish_v for_o a_o religious_a and_o righteous_a king_n and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n that_o christ_n our_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o king_n through_o our_o neglect_n or_o lukewarmnesse_n may_v want_v no_o part_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o that_o in_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v more_o dear_a unto_o we_o than_o our_o life_n we_o deceive_v not_o ourselves_o with_o that_o which_o can_v satisfy_v and_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n or_o remove_v our_o fear_n doubt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n this_o have_v make_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o perceive_v that_o his_o majesty_n proclamation_n do_v ascribe_v all_o the_o late_a distraction_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o commonwealth_n to_o our_o conceive_a fear_n of_o the_o innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o and_o not_o to_o the_o innovation_n themselves_o with_o which_o we_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o especial_o of_o late_a heavy_o press_v and_o grieve_v as_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v rather_o in_o apprehension_n and_o fancy_n then_o in_o reality_n and_o substance_n that_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n be_v not_o so_o far_o discharge_v by_o this_o proclamation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o precede_a proclamation_n for_o this_o proclamation_n only_o discharge_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o rescind_v the_o act_n make_v for_o establish_v their_o practice_n but_o do_v not_o rescind_v the_o former_a proclamation_n namely_o that_o of_o the_o 19_o of_o february_n at_o stirling_n and_o that_o of_o the_o four_o of_o july_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o give_v a_o high_a approbation_n to_o these_o book_n as_o fit_a mean_n to_o maintain_v religion_n and_o to_o beat_v down_o all_o superstition_n and_o withal_o declare_v his_o majesty_n purpose_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o kirk_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o legal_a way_n and_o thus_o both_o our_o fear_n that_o they_o may_v be_v introduce_v hereafter_o must_v still_o remain_v and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o such_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o majesty_n judgement_n be_v not_o a_o little_a prejudge_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o as_o wise_o consider_v and_o compare_v the_o precede_a proclamation_n with_o this_o which_o we_o now_o hear_v although_o other_o who_o looking_z upon_o one_o step_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o whole_a progress_n run_v on_o rash_o and_o neither_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v do_v nor_o with_o who_o they_o be_v deal_v may_v be_v easy_o deceive_v qui_fw-la pauca_fw-la videt_fw-la citò_fw-la judicat_fw-la a_o short_a sight_n make_v a_o sudden_a judgement_n that_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o his_o majesty_n neither_o intend_v to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n or_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o withal_o this_o be_v interpose_v that_o the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_a assembly_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o practice_n only_o grant_v and_o discharge_v give_v that_o no_o person_n be_v urge_v with_o the_o practice_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o his_o majesty_n intention_n for_o the_o stand_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n appoint_v the_o article_n of_o pearth_n be_v manifest_a which_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o while_o the_o proclamation_n ordain_v all_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o judicatories_n competent_a and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o unlimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n likewise_o that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administer_v to_o minister_n at_o their_o entry_n then_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o both_o these_o article_n the_o bishop_n be_v mean_v who_o be_v only_o thereby_o for_o the_o present_a curb_v against_o their_o exorbitancy_n and_o enormity_n in_o exerce_v their_o office_n but_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v thereby_o not_o only_o presuppose_v as_o unquestionable_a but_o also_o so_o strong_o establish_v that_o his_o majesty_n declare_v for_o the_o present_a his_o intention_n to_o admit_v no_o innovation_n therein_o which_o be_v more_o evident_a by_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o parliament_n warn_v all_o prelate_n to_o be_v present_a as_o have_v voice_n and_o place_n in_o parliament_n and_o by_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n warn_v all_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n for_o so_o be_v their_o divers_a degree_n and_o office_n ecclesiastical_a here_o design_v and_o suppose_v to_o be_v present_a as_o have_v place_n and_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n contrary_a to_o the_o caveat_n act_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o our_o declinator_fw-la and_o thus_o a_o three_o and_o great_a limitation_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o proclamation_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o many_o real_a limitation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o very_a point_n which_o have_v wrought_v so_o much_o woe_n and_o disturbance_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o wherein_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n can_v neither_o satisfy_v our_o grievance_n and_o complant_v nor_o remove_v our_o fear_n and_o doubt_n nor_o can_v without_o protestation_n be_v admit_v by_o we_o his_o majesty_n subject_n who_o earnest_o desire_v that_o truth_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o to_o keep_v silence_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kirk_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o preach_v prayer_n or_o in_o propose_v and_o voyce_v in_o a_o lwfull_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n esai_n 62.6_o you_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n remembrancer_n keep_v not_o silence_n and_o give_v he_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o establish_v and_o till_o he_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n 1._o king_n 18.21_o like_o the_o halt_n of_o the_o
complete_a body_n exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v swear_v in_o 1581._o after_o he_o have_v do_v our_o commissioner_n desire_v the_o moderator_n to_o say_v prayer_n and_o so_o to_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v but_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o lord_n who_o fall_v again_o with_o new_a persuasion_n to_o urge_v our_o commissioner_n stay_v with_o they_o which_o he_o answer_v with_o so_o much_o expression_n of_o grief_n for_o there_o misdemeanour_n which_o have_v necessary_o enforce_v this_o rupture_n that_o very_o many_o of_o the_o assembly_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o move_v with_o it_o when_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v his_o stay_n at_o last_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o that_o fear_v this_o rupture_n they_o have_v a_o protestation_n ready_a against_o what_o he_o have_v say_v and_o do_v which_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o hear_v read_v which_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o clerk_n begin_v to_o read_v our_o commissioner_n repeat_v his_o former_a protestation_n add_v in_o express_a word_n that_o in_o our_o name_n he_o dissolve_v the_o court_n under_o the_o hige_a pain_n and_o so_o come_v out_o with_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n leave_v the_o clerk_n read_v their_o protestation_n when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o church_n door_n he_o find_v it_o shut_v so_o that_o some_o of_o his_o company_n be_v glad_a to_o force_v it_o open_a no_o soon_o be_v he_o go_v but_o the_o lord_n areskyn_n elder_a son_n to_o the_o earl_n of_o marr_n stand_v up_o and_o make_v this_o wise_a speech_n not_o without_o tear_n my_o lord_n and_o the_o rest_n my_o heart_n have_v be_v long_o with_o you_o i_o will_v dally_v no_o more_o with_o god_n i_o beg_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o your_o bless_a covenant_n and_o pray_v you_o all_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o i_o that_o he_o will_v forgive_v i_o for_o dally_v with_o he_o so_o long_o three_z other_o of_o mean_a quality_n desire_v the_o same_o and_o so_o all_o those_o four_o be_v present_o admit_v into_o their_o covenant_n these_o man_n at_o least_o the_o lord_n areskyn_n be_v resolve_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o covenant_n long_o ago_o but_o be_v reserve_v on_o purpose_n for_o do_v of_o it_o at_o that_o hour_n for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o their_o covenant_n for_o no_o soon_o have_v they_o swear_v &_o the_o moderator_n receive_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n but_o present_o he_o desire_v the_o whole_a audience_n to_o admire_v god_n approbation_n and_o seal_n of_o their_o proceed_n that_o even_o at_o that_o instant_n when_o they_o may_v have_v fear_v some_o shrink_n and_o backslide_n because_o of_o the_o present_a rupture_n he_o have_v move_v the_o heart_n of_o these_o man_n to_o beg_v admittance_n into_o their_o bless_a society_n immediate_o after_o divers_a stand_v up_o and_o speak_v but_o all_o much_o about_o one_o and_o to_o this_o sense_n they_o have_v see_v how_o careful_a and_o punctual_a our_o commissioner_n be_v like_o a_o good_a servant_n faithful_o to_o serve_v we_o his_o master_n and_o to_o observe_v our_o instruction_n speak_v withal_o much_o to_o his_o singular_a commendation_n how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o follow_v his_o instruction_n who_o be_v master_n as_o to_o all_o themselves_o so_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o commissioner_n master_n these_o speech_n be_v end_v two_o thing_n be_v immediate_o put_v to_o the_o question_n first_o whether_o notwithstanding_o our_o commissioner_n departure_n and_o protestation_n they_o will_v adhere_v to_o their_o own_o protestation_n and_o continue_v the_o assembly_n they_o all_o voice_v affirmative_o except_o the_o lord_n carnaegie_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o brichen_n sir_n john_n carnaegie_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o arbroath_n two_o minister_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o strabogie_n the_o lay_v elder_a and_o minister_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o peebles_n doctor_n strang_n principal_a of_o the_o college_n of_o glasgow_n doctor_n baroune_n commissioner_n from_o the_o university_n of_o s._n andrew_n with_o some_o other_o who_o refuse_v to_o sit_v with_o they_o any_o long_o the_o second_o be_v whether_o the_o assembly_n though_o discharge_v by_o our_o commissioner_n be_v competent_a judge_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v go_v on_o in_o their_o trial_n notwithstanding_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o their_o declinator_n and_o this_o pass_v affirmative_o without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n and_o so_o for_o that_o night_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v our_o commissioner_n after_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o assembly_n that_o very_a night_n though_o late_o assemble_v our_o council_n none_o be_v absent_a except_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n who_o make_v some_o excuse_n and_o pretence_n for_o his_o not_o come_v and_o the_o lord_n almond_n who_o be_v then_o sick_a two_o thing_n our_o council_n resolve_v on_o first_o to_o write_v unto_o we_o a_o letter_n of_o thanks_o for_o those_o gracious_a proffer_n which_o we_o by_o our_o commissioner_n have_v make_v at_o the_o assembly_n next_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o proclamation_n for_o the_o dissolve_v of_o the_o assembly_n their_o letter_n here_o follow_v most_o sacred_a sovereign_n in_o obedience_n to_o your_o majesty_n royal_a command_n we_o have_v attend_v your_o majesty_n commissioner_n here_o at_o glasgow_n since_o the_o 17._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o according_a to_o our_o bind_a duty_n in_o so_o exigent_n occasion_n have_v not_o be_v want_v with_o our_o humble_a and_o best_a advice_n and_o although_o we_o do_v remit_v the_o particular_a relation_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v to_o his_o grace_n self_n as_o best_a know_v to_o he_o yet_o we_o can_v for_o truth_n sake_n be_v so_o silent_a as_o not_o acknowledge_v to_o your_o majesty_n that_o never_o servant_n do_v with_o more_o industry_n care_n judgement_n and_o patience_n go_v about_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n and_o albeit_o the_o success_n have_v not_o answer_v his_o desire_n neither_o yet_o his_o extraordinary_a pain_n and_o as_o we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v most_o dexterous_a and_o advise_v course_n take_v to_o compass_v the_o just_a command_n of_o so_o gracious_a a_o king_n yet_o his_o deserve_n herein_o merit_n to_o be_v remember_v to_o posterity_n and_o since_o your_o majesty_n have_v be_v please_v to_o renew_v to_o we_o your_o former_a act_n of_o grace_n express_v in_o your_o proclamation_n and_o declaration_n anent_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o we_o in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n thereof_o we_o do_v all_o in_o humility_n and_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n of_o so_o great_a goodness_n return_v to_o your_o majesty_n the_o offer_n of_o our_o life_n and_o fortune_n in_o defence_n of_o your_o sacred_a person_n and_o maintenance_n of_o your_o royal_a authority_n and_o shall_v in_o all_o our_o action_n approve_v ourselves_o your_o majesty_n most_o loyal_a subject_n and_o humble_a servant_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la traquaire_n roxburgh_n marre_n murray_n lithgow_n perth_n wigtoun_n kingorne_n tullibardin_n haddington_n galloway_n annandaile_n lauderdail_n kinnoul_n dumfreis_n southesk_n angus_n elphinstoun_n naper_n dalyell_n hay_o w._n elphinstoun_n ja._n carmichael_n hamiltoun_n blackhall_n from_o glasgow_n novem._n 28._o 1638._o to_o this_o letter_n the_o lord_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o set_v his_o hand_n next_o morning_n the_o proclamation_n be_v sign_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o council_n but_o the_o earl_n of_o argyle_n refuse_v to_o sign_n it_o as_o before_o he_o have_v do_v the_o letter_n the_o proclamation_n here_o follow_v charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scotland_n england_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o our_o lovit_n herald_n pursuivant_n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n forsameikle_n as_o out_o of_o the_o royal_a and_o fatherly_a care_n which_o we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n of_o this_o our_o ancient_a and_o native_a kingdom_n have_v take_v to_o our_o serious_a consideration_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v have_v give_v contentment_n to_o our_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n and_o to_o this_o end_n have_v discharge_v by_o our_o proclamation_n the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n and_o high_a commission_n free_v and_o liberate_a all_o man_n from_o the_o practise_n of_o the_o five_o article_n make_v all_o our_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o parliament_n general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o for_o the_o free_a entry_n of_o minister_n that_o no_o other_o oath_n be_v administrate_n unto_o they_o than_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v declare_v all_o bygone_a
therefore_o take_v to_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v just_o punish_v we_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o national_a covenant_n make_v with_o god_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o we_o think_v fit_a to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o he_o again_o by_o renew_v the_o same_o covenant_n and_o so_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o christian._n divine_a commandment_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o our_o religious_a progenitour_n warrant_v by_o act_n of_o council_n we_o again_o renew_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o god_n in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n whereunto_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o adhere_v in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o loyalty_n to_o our_o sovereign_n and_o mutual_a union_n among_o ourselves_o in_o that_o cause_n which_o confession_n with_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n blessing_n from_o heaven_n be_v solemn_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n throughout_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n with_o a_o necessary_a explanation_n and_o application_n for_o exclude_v the_o innovation_n and_o corruption_n introduce_v in_o the_o religion_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o year_n 1580._o that_o so_o our_o oath_n to_o god_n may_v be_v clear_a for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n then_o profess_v and_o establish_v and_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o time_n the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o our_o resolution_n and_o do_v have_v be_v wonderful_a and_o since_o that_o time_n god_n powerful_a hand_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o business_n have_v evident_o appear_v for_o after_o some_o time_n upon_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o groan_n and_o supplication_n our_o gracious_a sovereign_n be_v please_v to_o send_v into_o this_o kingdom_n the_o noble_a lord_n james_n marquis_n of_o hamiltoun_n etc._n etc._n with_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o redress_v our_o heavy_a grievance_n who_o after_o many_o voyage_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o long_a conference_n and_o treat_v with_o we_o needless_a to_o be_v relate_v in_o this_o place_n do_v in_o end_n by_o commandment_n from_o his_o majesty_n indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o twenty_o one_o of_o november_n last_o and_o proclaim_v a_o parliament_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o fifteen_o of_o may_n next_o to_o come_v for_o settle_v a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o further_o to_o give_v full_a assurance_n to_o the_o subject_n that_o his_o majesty_n do_v never_o intend_v to_o admit_v any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n already_o establish_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o his_o good_a people_n may_v be_v full_o and_o clear_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o royal_a intention_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o say_a religion_n his_o majesty_n do_v enjoin_v and_o command_v all_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n senator_n of_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o all_o other_o subject_n whatsoever_o to_o renew_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n former_o subscribe_v by_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o anno_fw-la 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o again_o subscribe_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o anno_fw-la 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n with_o a_o band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n person_n and_o each_o of_o other_o in_o that_o cause_n as_o the_o proclamation_n of_o indiction_n be_v date_v at_o oatland_n the_o 9_o of_o september_n publish_v at_o the_o mercat_n cross_v of_o edinburgh_n the_o 22._o of_o the_o say_a month_n more_o full_o proport_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o which_o proclamation_n these_o who_o be_v attend_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o expect_v a_o gracious_a answer_n of_o our_o former_a desire_n as_o out_o of_o bind_a duty_n they_o do_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n so_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o do_v protest_v that_o they_o who_o have_v by_o the_o late_a covenant_n and_o confession_n condescend_v more_o special_o to_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n of_o the_o time_n can_v not_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o specification_n return_v to_o a_o implicit_a and_o more_o general_a confession_n enjoin_v conform_a to_o a_o mandat_fw-la apparent_o discrepant_a from_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n and_o want_v both_o explication_n and_o application_n and_o do_v most_o humble_o and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n that_o they_o will_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o former_a reason_n press_v upon_o the_o subject_n the_o subscription_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o forbear_v their_o own_o subscribe_v of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n may_v result_v upon_o their_o subscribe_v thereof_o in_o a_o ambiguous_a sense_n but_o their_o lordship_n not_o have_v subscribe_v that_o confession_n contain_v our_o former_a explanation_n and_o be_v require_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n as_o it_o be_v draw_v up_o and_o present_v to_o they_o without_o our_o explanation_n with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n now_o present_o profess_v and_o of_o his_o majesty_n person_n lest_o these_o word_n now_o present_o repeat_v in_o this_o year_n 1638._o shall_v infer_v any_o approbation_n of_o these_o innovation_n introduce_v since_o the_o year_n 1580._o whereof_o many_o do_v just_o complain_v after_o deliberation_n for_o remove_v of_o this_o scruple_n and_o prejudice_n and_o clear_v of_o their_o own_o meaning_n they_o cause_v make_v a_o act_n of_o council_n that_o their_o swear_n and_o subscribe_v of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o date_n the_o second_o of_o march_n 1580._o according_a as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v within_o this_o kingdom_n whereupon_o they_o rest_v satisfy_v be_v confident_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n then_o indict_v will_v remove_v any_o doubt_n and_o differ_v which_o may_v arise_v anent_o the_o meaning_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o clear_v what_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o yet_o some_o have_v subscribe_v that_o covenant_n in_o different_a sense_n other_o forbear_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o as_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o session_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v declare_v the_o genuine_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o confession_n upon_o who_o interpretation_n as_o of_o the_o only_a competent_a judge_n they_o may_v acquiesce_v and_o rest_v satisfy_v which_o now_o after_o accurate_a trial_n of_o the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n be_v full_o clear_v and_o explain_v in_o this_o last_o general_a assembly_n by_o god_n mercy_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a favour_n of_o indiction_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n as_o the_o act_n make_v thereupon_o do_v proport_n whereby_o episcopal_a government_n among_o many_o other_o innovation_n be_v find_v upon_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o abjure_v in_o this_o kirk_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o publish_v in_o name_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n a_o declaration_n tend_v to_o dissuade_v his_o majesty_n subject_n from_o receive_v the_o explanation_n of_o the_o confession_n make_v by_o this_o assembly_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o confession_n subscribe_v by_o the_o council_n do_v no_o way_n exclude_v episcopal_a government_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o establish_v by_o law_n stand_v in_o force_n the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n the_o nine_o of_o september_n last_o notwithstanding_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o assembly_n which_o as_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o mother_n kirk_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o reverence_v by_o all_o her_o child_n and_o act_n of_o council_n whereof_o the_o word_n be_v so_o clear_a as_o they_o can_v admit_v any_o mental_a reservation_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o such_o of_o the_o councillor_n then_o present_a and_o subscriber_n who_o heart_n god_n have_v touch_v to_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o oath_n to_o god_n preponder_v with_o they_o above_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n and_o fear_n this_o declaration_n contain_v five_o argument_n with_o a_o boundle_n of_o act_n of_o parliament_n quot_v and_o draw_v up_o by_o some_o person_n who_o we_o know_v not_o but_o see_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o
be_v establish_v by_o a_o parliament_n who_o power_n do_v no_o more_o reach_n to_o the_o place_v officer_n original_o in_o the_o kirk_n than_o the_o kirk_n power_n to_o the_o make_v state_n man_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n five_o the_o law_n which_o any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o civil_a privilege_n and_o be_v always_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o kirk_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o land_n six_o if_o any_o assembly_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o countenance_n episcopacy_n or_o other_o corruption_n it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o the_o same_o with_o all_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v declare_v to_o have_v be_v nul_fw-fr and_o void_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la for_o undeniable_a reason_n as_o the_o act_n at_o more_o length_n proport_v seven_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o national_a covenant_n by_o introduction_n of_o corruption_n thereby_o abolish_v have_v undoubted_o in_o high_a measure_n offend_v god_n and_o therefore_o at_o the_o renovation_n of_o that_o covenant_n again_o with_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o abjure_v all_o these_o innovation_n but_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o be_v relapse_n in_o our_o offence_n eight_o in_o no_o covenant_n episcopacy_n be_v express_o or_o specifice_v abjure_v before_o all_o ecclesiastical_a law_n favour_v the_o same_o be_v repeal_v &_o declare_v null_n but_o only_o virtual_o and_o general_o as_o be_v former_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o as_o the_o trial_n hereof_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o only_a judge_n competent_a so_o now_o when_o the_o assembly_n have_v declare_v &_o find_v presbyterial_a government_n to_o have_v be_v approve_v &_o episcopal_a government_n condemn_v abolish_v and_o abjure_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o in_o lieu_n of_o perceive_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o a_o apostolic_a institution_n have_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o our_o kirk_n as_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n want_v warrant_n or_o fundament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o this_o kirk_n therefore_o albeit_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v abjure_v express_o in_o the_o renovation_n of_o this_o confession_n command_v by_o his_o majesty_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o most_o necessary_a and_o incumbent_a to_o we_o all_o who_o be_v tie_v by_o that_o national_a covenant_n against_o that_o unlawful_a hierarchicall_a government_n albeit_o we_o have_v never_o renew_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v false_o calumniat_fw-la to_o have_v condemn_v the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n even_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n which_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n itself_o sufficient_o refute_v by_o allow_v s._n paul_n bishop_n towit_n pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o condemn_v only_o all_o other_o bishop_n bring_v in_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n reason_n the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o declaration_n be_v that_o the_o oath_n for_o preserve_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n can_v oblige_v after_o the_o alteration_n &_o change_n of_o that_o discipline_n &_o government_n and_o see_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o only_o alterable_a but_o change_v in_o this_o kirk_n we_o be_v not_o tie_v by_o that_o oath_n after_o the_o alteration_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o policy_n and_o order_n in_o ceremony_n be_v temporary_a and_o may_v be_v change_v as_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n cite_v in_o the_o declaration_n but_o a_o bishop_n or_o his_o office_n or_o the_o government_n of_o god_n house_n can_v be_v call_v a_o ceremony_n nay_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v vilify_v by_o that_o appellation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n they_o be_v of_o no_o apostolic_a constitution_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v lawful_a governor_n in_o god_n house_n warrant_v by_o his_o word_n they_o be_v not_o alterable_a and_o so_o this_o second_o reason_n militat_v not_o for_o they_o if_o their_o office_n be_v changeable_a and_o account_v among_o alterable_a ceremony_n they_o be_v well_o explode_v from_o our_o kirk_n &_o may_v be_v so_o by_o that_o second_o reason_n of_o the_o declaration_n 2._o one_o cause_n of_o general_a counsel_n be_v for_o constitute_v a_o good_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o ceremony_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 14._o chap._n to_o the_o 1._o corinth_n will_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o power_n to_o institute_v new_a officer_n in_o his_o kirk_n but_o command_v his_o own_o officer_n to_o exerce_fw-la their_o function_n by_o his_o commandment_n without_o indecencie_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o variable_a circumstance_n thereof_o to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o edification_n 3._o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n all_o man_n invention_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v condemn_v and_o in_o the_o 19_o chap._n ecclesiastical_a discipline_n upright_o minister_v as_o god_n word_n prescribe_v matth._n 18._o 1._o cor._n 5._o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o three_o essential_a and_o unchangeable_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n with_o temporary_a changeable_a ceremony_n though_o unwarrantable_o rank_v with_o they_o in_o the_o declaration_n 4._o it_o be_v evident_a at_o our_o first_o reformation_n what_o policy_n be_v perpetual_a and_o what_o ceremony_n changeable_a for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o policy_n compile_v that_o same_o year_n with_o the_o confession_n 9_o head_n be_v express_v a_o twofold_a policy_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o one_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o all_o kirk_n the_o other_o not_o necessary_a but_o changeable_a such_o as_o what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n sermon_n shall_v be_v and_o the_o like_a whereof_o they_o establish_v no_o order_n but_o permit_v every_o particular_a kirk_n to_o appoint_v their_o own_o policy_n as_o they_o think_v most_o expedient_a for_o edification_n if_o parity_n of_o reason_n will_v make_v episcopacy_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v all_o man_n judge_v 5._o our_o confession_n speak_v of_o a_o order_n in_o ceremony_n which_o can_v be_v appoint_v for_o all_o age_n as_o be_v before_o say_v but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n they_o acknowledge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n himself_o appoint_v a_o ordinare_fw-la constant_a government_n of_o his_o kirk_n by_o his_o four_o ordinar_n office-bearer_n the_o pastor_n elder_n doctor_n &_o deacon_n to_o administrat_fw-la the_o same_o perpetual_o as_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o treatise_n before_o the_o psalm_n which_o be_v draw_v up_o at_o that_o same_o time_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o same_o person_n like_o as_o in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o when_o that_o confession_n be_v make_v &_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o when_o it_o be_v ratify_v and_o by_o continual_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o by_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n kirk_n by_o these_o four_o ordinary_a office-bearer_n be_v set_v down_o as_o found_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o constant_a unchangeable_a and_o perpetual_a and_o as_o that_o holy_a discipline_n without_o which_o god_n word_n can_v be_v preserve_v so_o that_o the_o intrude_a of_o any_o other_o officer_n in_o god_n house_n be_v account_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o house_n 6._o by_o our_o oath_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o obedience_n of_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v both_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o warrant_n whereof_o all_o tradition_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o be_v abjure_v and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n as_o ground_v on_o god_n word_n &_o command_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n whereunto_o we_o have_v swear_v and_o can_v without_o perjury_n to_o god_n gainsay_v it_o like_v as_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o such_o and_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o ratify_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o a_o privilege_n grant_v by_o god_n whereinto_o the_o king_n prerogative_n can_v be_v prejudicial_a 7._o it_o carry_v no_o show_n of_o argument_n or_o face_n of_o probability_n that_o the_o kirk_n and_o reformer_n of_o religion_n which_o condemn_v all_o other_o ordinar_n officer_n in_o the_o kirk_n but_o these_o four_o appoint_v by_o christ_n do_v mean_a under_o the_o name_n of_o variable_a ceremony_n to_o comprehend_v and_o admit_v episcopacy_n which_o frequent_o they_o condemn_v as_o
represent_v the_o three_o estate_n since_o the_o reformation_n begin_v no_o high_a than_o the_o year_n 1579._o in_o which_o the_o reader_n must_v note_v that_o the_o abbot_n be_v secular_a man_n who_o have_v get_v the_o abbey-land_n but_o yet_o retain_v their_o name_n and_o place_n in_o parliament_n parliament_n 23._o octob._n 1579._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la murray_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 15._o parliament_n penult_n octob._n 1581._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 12._o parliament_n 2._o octob._n 1583._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dumblane_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la argyl_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la iles._n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 13._o parliament_n 22._o may_v 1584._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 11._o parliament_n 26._o august_n 1584._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 4._o parliament_n 1._o decemb._n 1585._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archâ—_n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkel_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 9_o parliament_n 13._o july_n 1587._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la archb._n s._n andrews_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 13._o parliament_n 3._o april_n 1592._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la orknay_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 3._o april_n 1593._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 22._o april_n 1594._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la aberdene_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 5._o parliament_n 1._o novemb_n 1597._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 5._o parliament_n 1._o novem._n 1600._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 6._o parliament_n 12._o april_n 1604._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la rosse_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la brechin_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la caithnes_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la abbot_n 3_o parliament_n 3._o july_n 1606._o sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la s._n andrew_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la glasgow_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la dunkell_n sederunt_fw-la pro_fw-la clero_fw-la rosse_n sederunt_fw-la 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this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o the_o self_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_fw-mi to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o well-farre_a of_o the_o church_fw-mi or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church_fw-mi government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n four_o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v dissolve_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n five_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notstand_v any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o it_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o m._n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherways_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_v m._n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v misinform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n six_o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterated_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o and_o after_o frequent_a convention_n and_o formal_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o
magistrate_n be_v describe_v to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o punish_v those_o civil_o who_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o censure_n thereof_o without_o confound_v always_o the_o one_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o other_o and_o this_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n condescend_v upon_o in_o general_a assembly_n as_o warrant_v by_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v execute_v notwithstanding_o any_o humane_a inhibition_n be_v set_v down_o before_o the_o psalm_n in_o meet_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o expect_v that_o his_o majesty_n who_o out_o of_o his_o pious_a inclination_n to_o justice_n by_o a_o late_a proclamation_n 22._o september_n last_o have_v declare_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o his_o subject_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o general_a assembly_n or_o any_o other_o judicatorie_a competent_a will_v now_o stay_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n lawful_a and_o grave_a sentence_n of_o this_o national_a kirk_n so_o comfortable_a to_o we_o and_o so_o necessary_a for_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n which_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o article_n before_o mention_v have_v promise_v to_o defend_v and_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o which_o be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o defence_n of_o excommunicate_a and_o obstinate_a person_n but_o therefore_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o his_o gracious_a majesty_n will_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v that_o reverence_n and_o all_o ready_a obedience_n may_v be_v defer_v to_o the_o whole_a act_n constitution_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o all_o his_o subject_n who_o undoubted_o and_o necessary_o be_v oblige_v to_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o lawful_a command_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o mother_n kirk_n if_o they_o will_v be_v account_v member_n or_o son_n thereof_o by_o all_o which_o all_o cloud_n of_o weighty_a reason_n the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o our_o just_a proceed_n do_v evident_o appear_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o challenge_n adduce_v against_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o therefore_o for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n we_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o we_o represent_v and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o before_o mention_v do_v solemn_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o protest_v they_o that_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o incumbent_n to_o we_o as_o good_a christian_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a subject_n towards_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n and_o we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v and_o shall_v continue_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n have_v grant_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n that_o it_o be_v and_o be_v most_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o fit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n until_o after_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o try_v judge_v and_o censure_v all_o the_o bygone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n whereof_o the_o general_a and_o principal_a act_n be_v to_o be_v publish_v be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi as_o the_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n and_o such_o like_a that_o whosoever_o presume_v to_o utter_v any_o undutiful_a speech_n against_o the_o same_o may_v be_v due_o censure_v and_o condign_o punish_v we_o protest_v that_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n efold_o and_o faithful_o join_v and_o concur_v in_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o station_n to_o advance_v further_o and_o assist_v the_o execution_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a act_n of_o this_o assembly_n by_o all_o mean_n which_o their_o ability_n can_v afford_v as_o they_o affect_v the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o land_n we_o protest_v against_o all_o the_o challenge_n and_o aspersion_n lay_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o that_o our_o whole_a answer_n be_v not_o only_o true_a in_o every_o point_n but_o likewise_o sufficient_o forcible_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o unjust_a imputation_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o whole_a proceed_n and_o carriage_n which_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o blame_v likeas_n by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_a to_o the_o 12._o act._n parl._n 2._o king_n james_n 4._o and_o protest_v for_o remead_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o protest_v that_o it_o be_v and_o may_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 and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o another_o in_o that_o cause_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 and_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whosoever_o and_o against_o all_o external_a and_o internal_a invasion_n and_o that_o in_o the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o national_a mother_n kirk_n that_o whatsoever_o inconvenient_n shall_v fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o observance_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o lawful_a defence_n and_o maintenance_n thereof_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n and_o do_v yet_o still_o with_o humble_a vehemency_n beg_v his_o majesty_n gracious_a approbation_n thereunto_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v abide_v to_o any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n do_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v as_o they_o true_o be_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o realm_n we_o protest_v that_o none_o hereafter_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n former_o subscribe_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o council_n as_o they_o will_v eschew_v the_o danger_n of_o a_o contradictory_n oath_n but_o that_o all_o &_o every_o one_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n renew_v in_o february_n last_o and_o that_o with_o this_o sense_n meaning_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o subscribe_v the_o same_o conform_a to_o the_o determination_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n allanerly_a we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v till_o