FOR-SA-MEIKLE as We are not ignorant of the Great Disorders , which haue happened of late within this Our ancient Kingdome of SCOTLAND , occasioned , as is pretended , vpon the introduction of the Service Booke , Booke of Canons , and High Commission , thereby fearing innovation of Religion and Laws . For satisfaction of which feares , We well hoped , that the two proclamations of the eleventh of December , and nineteenth of Februarie , had beene aboundantlie fufficient : Neverthelesse , finding that disorders haue daylie so increased , that a powerfull rather than perswasiue way , might haue beene justlie expected from Us : Yet Wee out of Our innatiue indulgence to Our People , grieving to see them run themselues so headlong into ruine , are graciouslie pleased to trye , if by a fayre way Wee can reclayme them from their faults , rather than to let them perish in the same . And therefore , once for all , Wee haue thought fit to declare , and hereby to assure all our good people , that We neyther were , are , nor by the Grace of GOD ever shall bee stained with Popish superstition : But by the contrarie , are resolved to maintaine the true Protestant Christian Religion alreadie profest within this Our ancient Kingdome . And for farther clearing of scruples , Wee doe heereby assure all men , that Wee will neither now nor heereafter presse the practice of the foresayde Canons and Service Booke , nor anie thing of that nature , but in such a faire and legall way , as shall satisfie all Our loving subjects , that wee neyther intende innovation in Religion or Laws . And to this effect haue given order , to discharge all Acts of Counsell made thereanent . And for the high Commission , We shall so rectifie it with the helpe of advice of our privie Counsell , that it shall never impugne the Lawes , nor bee a just grievance to Our loyall Subjects . And what is farder fitting to be agitate in generall Assemblies and Parliament , for the good and peace of the Kirke , and peaceable government of the same , in establishing of the Religion presently profest , shall likewise be taken into Our Royal consideration , in a free assemblie & Parliament , which shall be indicted & called with Our best conveniencie . And We hereby take GOD to witnesse , that Our true meaning and intention is , not to admit of anie innovations eyther in Religion or Lawes , but carefullie to mayntayne the puritie of Religion alreadie profest and established , and nowayes to suffer Our Lawes to be infrindged . And although We cannot bee ignorant , that there may be some disaffected persons , who will stryue to possesse the hearts of Our good Subjects , that this Our Gracious Declaration is not to be regarded : Yet We doe expect , that the behaviour of all our good and loyall Subjects will be such , as may giue 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 onlie feare of INNOVATION , that hath caused the disorders which haue happened of late within this Our ancient Kingdome : And are confident , That they will not suffer themselues to bee seduced , and missled , to misconstrue Us , or OUr Actions ; but rest heartilie satisfied with Our pious and reall Intentions , for mayntenance of the TRVE RELIGION , and LAWES of this KINGDOME . WHEREFORE , Wee requyre , and heartilie wish all Our good People , carefullie to advert to these dangerous Suggestions ; and not to permit themselues , blindlie , vnder pretext of Religion , to be led in disobedience , and draw on , infinitelie to Our griefe , their owne ruine ; which Wee haue , and still shall stryue , to saue them from , so long as We see not Royall Authoritie shaken off : And most vnwillinglie shall make vse of that Power which GOD hath endewed Us with , for reclayming of disobedient People .

OUR WILL is herefore , and We charge you straytlie , and command , That incontinent these Our Letters seene , you passe to the Market-crosse of Our Burgh of EDINBVRGH , and all other places needfull ; And there , by open Proclamation , make publication hereof , to all and sundrie Our good Subjects , wherethrough none pretend ignorance of the same . The which to doe , Wee commit to you conjunctlie and severallie , Our full Power , by these Our Letters ; delivering the same , by you duelie executed and indorced , agayne to the bearer .