Forsameikle as Wee are not ignorant of the great disorders , which have happened of late within this our ancient Kingdome of Scotland , occasioned , as is pretended , upon the introduction of the Service book , book of Canons , and High Commission , thereby fearing innovation of Religion and Laws . For satisfaction of which fears , we well hoped , that the two proclamations of the eleventh of December , and nineteenth of Februarie , had been abundantly sufficient : Neverthelesse , finding that disorders have daily so increased , that a powerfull rather then perswasive way , might have been justly expected from Us : Yet We out of Our innative indulgence to our people , grieving to see them run themselves so headlong into ruine , are graciously pleased to try , if by a faire way We can reclaime them from their faults , rather then to let them perish in the same . And therefore once for all We have thought fit to declare , and hereby to assure all our good people , that We neither were , are , nor by the Grace of God ever shall be stained with Popish superstition : But by the contrarie , are resolved to maintain the true Protestant Christian Religion already profest within this our ancient Kingdome . And for farther clearing of scruples , We do hereby assure all men , that We will neither now nor hereafter presse the practice of the foresaid Canons and Service book , nor any thing of that nature , but in such a fair and legall way , as shall satisfie all our loving subjects , that We neither intend innovation in Religion or Laws . And to this effect have given order to discharge all Acts of Counsell made thereanent . And for the high Commission , We shall so rectifie it with the help of advice of Our privie Counsell , that it shall never impugne the Laws , nor be a just grievance to Our loyall Subjects . And what is farder fitting to be agitat in generall Assemblies and Parliament , for the good and peace of the Kirk , and peaceable government of the same , in establishing of the Religion presently profest , shall likewaies be taken into Our Royall consideration , in a free Assembly and Parliament , which shall be indicted and called with Our best conveniencie . And We hereby take God to witnesse , that Our true meaning and intention is , not to admit of any innovations either in Religion or Laws , but carefully to maintain the puritie of Religion already profest and established , and no wayes to suffer our Laws to be infringed . And although We cannot be ignorant , that there may be some dis-affected persons who will strive to possesse the hearts of Our good subjects , that this Our gracious declaration is not to be regarded : Yet We do expect that the behaviour of all Our good and loyall subjects will be such , as may give testimonie of their obedience , and how sensible they are of Our grace and favour , that thus passeth over their misdemeanors , and by their future carriage make appeare , that it was only fear of innovation , that hath caused the disorders which have happened of late within this Our ancient Kingdome . And are confident , that they will not suffer themselves to be seduced and mis-led , to misconstrue Us or Our actions , but rest heartily satisfied with Our pious and reall intentions , for maintenance of the true Religion and Laws of this Kingdome . Wherefore We require and heartily wish all Our good people carefully to advert to these dangerous suggestions , and not to permit themselves , blindely under pretext of Religion , to be led in disobedience , and draw on infinitely to Our grief their own ruine , which We have , and still shall strive to save them from , so long as We see not royall Authoritie shaken off . And most unwillingly shall make use of that power which God hath endued Us with , for reclaiming of disobedient people .

OUR WILL is herefore , and We charge you straitly and command , that incontinent these Our Letters seen , you passe to the market crosse of Our Burgh of Edinburgh , and all other places needfull , and there by open proclamation make publication hereof to all and sundry Our good subjects , where through none pretend ignorance of the same . The which to do , We commit to you conjunctly and severally Our full power , by these Our Letters , delivering the same by you duely execute and indorsed again to the Bearer .