TO
OVR
REVEREND
BRETHREN
,
The
Doctors
and
Ministers
of
Aberdeene
.
THat
our
Answeres
(
Reverend
and
beloved
Brethren
)
have
not
given
you
full
satisfaction
,
as
it
may
bee
imputed
to
our
weaknesse
,
in
the
defence
of
so
good
a
Cause
,
so
may
it
proceede
also
from
your
owne
prejudice
against
what
could
be
said
by
us
,
which
wee
have
some
reason
to
suspect
for
two
causes
,
one
is
,
that
your
Demands
which
wee
conceived
to
have
beene
intended
meerly
for
us
,
and
were
sent
unto
us
from
you
in
write
,
were
published
before
our
comming
in
print
,
lyke
as
you
have
now
printed
and
published
your
Replyes
before
you
had
seene
our
Answeres
unto
that
which
wee
received
from
you
last
in
write
;
wee
having
promised
to
the
bearer
,
to
returne
an
Answere
shortly
ere
wee
departed
the
Countrey
.
This
may
seeme
rather
to
bee
a
seeking
of
victorie
from
praejudice
,
than
a
search
of
veritie
for
satisfaction
.
The
other
cause
of
our
suspition
,
is
,
that
the
groundes
of
our
Answeres
to
you
,
have
proven
satisfactorie
to
others
,
who
for
Age
,
and
gifts
of
Learning
and
Understanding
,
are
pryme
men
in
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
and
to
whom
modestie
will
not
suffer
you
to
preferre
your selves
.
But
whether
our
weaknesse
,
or
your
prejudice
bee
the
cause
,
must
bee
now
judged
by
others
,
to
whose
viewe
yee
have
brought
us
:
Whom
therefore
wee
with
you
heartily
desire
unpartiallie
to
considder
our
first
and
second
Answeres
;
wishing
and
hoping
that
partialitie
,
prejudice
,
and
all
worldly
respects
and
feares
,
layde
aside
,
the
naked
Trueth
shall
bee
seene
of
all
her
lovers
.
Concerning
your
confidence
of
us
,
as
wee
in
loue
judge
,
that
yee
thinke
not
your selves
to
bee
striving
against
the
Trueth
;
so
maye
yee
conceive
,
that
wee
can
no
more
be●…
brought
to
your
minde
,
than
wee
can
bee
drawne
from
the
profession
of
our
Religion
,
as
it
hath
been
reformed
,
sworne
,
and
confirmed
by
the
late
and
preceeding
Covenants
,
and
from
following
the
example
of
our
religious
Reformers
,
and
the
many
Worthies
succeeding
them
in
this
Kirke
,
who
would
have
beene
glad
to
have
seene
the
dayes
which
wee
now
doe
see
:
and
for
which
wee
pray
,
that
both
yee
and
wee
may
bee
thankfull
;
so
shall
it
not
be
imputed
unto
us
,
that
wee
have
not
discerned
,
and
used
the
daye
of
the
Lords
visitation
:
so
shall
wee
all
rejoyce
together
in
the
Daye
of
the
LORD
.
To
the
first
Reply
.
YOVR
experience
in
your
Disputes
agaynst
the
common
Adversarie
,
wherein
you
say
ye
are
so
frequent
,
hath
(
no
doubt
)
taught
you
,
howe
easie
a
matter
it
is
to
multiply
Objections
against
the
Tr●…th
,
and
Cause
of
GOD
:
and
your selves
knowe
,
that
your
Objection
against
our
Calling
,
and
the
Warrant
of
our
comming
to
you
,
was
framed
,
and
published
in
print
,
before
it
was
propounded
unto
us
:
and
ere
our
Answere
could
bee
had
;
but
so
soone
as
we
did
heare
your
Demands
,
we
answered
incontinent
,
in
the
humilitie
and
trueth
of
our
minds
,
that
wee
were
to
obtrude
nothing
upon
you
,
or
your
flock
,
by
any
particular
Authoritie
,
Civill
or
Ecclesiastick
,
but
that
we
did
come
in
all
meeknesse
,
to
represent
unto
you
the
present
case
of
this
Kirke
,
and
in
love
to
intreat
you
,
to
joyn
with
us
,
for
the
peace
thereof
;
for
which
wee
trust
,
without
wronging
any
lawfull
Authoritie
,
wee
may
claime
the
Warrant
of
the
highest
and
greatest
Authority
,
although
wee
had
not
beene
sent
from
almost
the
whole
Kirke
and
Kingdome
,
lawfully
conveened
at
this
time
,
for
preservation
of
Religion
,
and
of
the
Liberties
and
Lawes
of
this
Kingdome
,
so
sore
shaken
,
by
the
usurpation
of
the
Prelates
,
and
their
Favourers
.
Let
us
consider
one
another
,
to
provoke
unto
love
,
and
to
good
works
,
&c.
sayeth
the
Apostle
,
Heb.
10.
24.
And
where
yee
object
,
that
without
your
leave
we
preached
within
your
Congregation
;
which
is
aggravated
by
you
,
as
a
hainous
fault
,
both
against
Scripture
,
and
against
the
Canons
of
antient
Councells
,
which
yee
have
laboriously
quoted
against
us
,
we
intreat
you
,
to
bee
more
sparing
,
lest
the
guiltinesse
,
if
there
be
any
,
reflex
upon
your selves
:
For
your
Pulpits
and
Kirks
beeing
denyed
us
,
(
not
from
any
injurie
done
by
us
,
but
by
your
owne
determination
,
before
our
comming
)
a
necessitie
was
laid
upon
us
,
to
deliver
our
message
in
such
places
,
as
your
courtesie
did
permit
;
wherein
no
man
will
find
,
that
we
have
failed
,
if
he
consider
,
first
,
That
there
is
as
wyde
difference
betwixt
Ecclesia
turbata
&
pacata
,
the
troubled
and
peaceable
estate
of
a
Kirke
,
as
is
betwixt
Ecclesia
constituenda
&
constituta
,
&
many
things
are
necessarie
in
the
one
,
which
perhaps
are
not
expedient
in
the
other
.
Ye
speak
of
the
Constitution
of
the
Kirk
this
yeere
,
as
if
ye
had
beene
speaking
thereof
many
yeeres
before
this
time
.
2.
That
the
word
of
God
,
and
the
Canons
of
Councels
,
will
have
Pastors
so
to
care
for
their
owne
flockes
that
they
forbidde
them
not
,
to
care
for
the
whole
Kirke
,
especiallie
in
the
time
af
a
common
Combustion
.
When
the
house
is
on
fire
everie
man
ought
to
runne
to
all
rowmes
,
where
hee
may
quench
it
:
when
a
laik
striketh
up
in
a
Ship
,
every
Mariner
,
yea
,
everie
Passinger
ought
to
labour
to
stop
it
.
Even
hee
who
is
not
universall
Pastor
of
the
Kirke
,
is
Pastor
of
the
universall
Kirk
:
and
the
Apostle
hath
taught
us
,
That
wee
are
members
one
of
another
,
Rom.
12.
4.
As
all
the
members
of
one
bodie
beeing
many
,
are
one
bodie
;
so
also
is
Christ
.
1.
Cor.
12.
12.
That
the
members
should
have
the
same
care
one
of
another
,
verse
.
25.
If
some
members
of
this
Kirk
had
not
cared
more
kindlie
,
in
this
time
of
common
danger
:
than
other
some
have
done
,
the
whole
bodie
had
beene
ere
now
dangerously
,
if
not
desperately
diseased
.
3.
That
we
made
choyse
of
such
ho●…res
,
for
delivering
our
Message
,
that
the
people
might
attend
your
ordinarie
times
of
publick
worship
;
which
maketh
your
charge
,
of
the
peoples
contempt
,
or
ours
,
of
your
Ministerie
,
to
be
most
unjust
.
In
the
second
part
of
your
Reply
to
our
Answere
to
your
first
Demand
,
yee
might
have
made
choyse
of
words
witnessing
more
respect
to
the
most
part
of
the
Kingdome
now
,
and
to
the
Kirke
in
former
times
,
than
of
a
Confederation
,
and
Negative
Confession
:
we
know
no
other
Confederation
at
this
time
,
but
this
same
laudable
Covenant
which
our
Progenitors
,
and
many
yet
living
,
made
with
God
,
and
amongst
themselves
,
at
the
commandement
of
Authoritie
,
and
according
to
the
example
of
the
people
of
God
in
former
times
.
Neither
is
that
short
Confession
meerly
Negative
,
since
the
beginning
thereof
is
Affirmative
,
&
doeth
virtuallie
containe
the
first
large
Confession
ratifyed
in
Parliament
,
1567.
2.
No
Pastors
,
in
our
knowledge
,
have
either
beene
forced
to
flee
to
forraigne
Countreyes
,
or
have
beene
threatned
with
the
want
of
their
stipends
,
for
the
refusing
their
Subscription
:
but
this
wee
have
heard
,
that
some
of
them
have
of
their
owne
accord
,
gone
to
Court
,
for
procuring
of
Protections
against
their
Creditours
,
and
against
the
Lawes
,
and
Duetie
of
good
Subjects
,
have
made
Lies
between
the
King
and
his
people
.
Others
wee
knowe
have
wilfully
refused
,
to
abyde
with
their
flock
:
and
beeing
eranestly
entreated
by
them
,
to
attend
their
Charge
,
have
left
them
,
and
haue
gone
out
of
the
Countrie
,
for
no
reason
,
but
because
the
people
had
subscribed
,
and
as
ye
know
,
that
Arguments
have
beene
taken
from
augmentation
of
stipends
,
to
hinder
Subscription
:
so
ye
may
know
,
That
feare
of
worldy
losse
,
rather
hindereth
men
to
subscribe
,
than
scruple
of
conscience
.
The
Prelates
flight
,
seemeth
rather
to
have
proceeded
from
inward
furies
of
accusing
consciences
,
or
for
feare
of
a
storme
,
(
which
beeing
procured
by
their
owne
doing
,
may
be
easily
prognosticated
by
them
)
than
from
the
inforcing
of
Subscription
of
the
Covenant
,
which
in
our
knowledge
was
never
required
of
any
of
the
Prelates
,
although
they
bee
grosslie
guiltie
of
the
breach
of
the
Covenant
,
which
they
did
sweare
,
and
subscribe
before
.
3.
Your
helpe
,
by
your
prayers
,
and
other
meanes
,
for
extinguishing
of
the
present
Combustion
,
wee
still
desire
,
but
withall
intreat
,
that
you
would
both
ioyn
with
the
rest
of
the
kirks
of
the
Kingdome
,
in
publick
humiliation
and
fasting
,
which
the
Lord
himselfe
doeth
proclaime
,
and
call
for
at
this
time
;
so
should
your
prayers
bee
the
more
effectuall
,
and
also
yee
bee
good
instruments
,
according
to
your
power
,
with
your
owne
people
,
and
the
countrey
about
,
to
joyne
in
the
Covenant
,
so
should
yee
find
the
worke
of
Pacification
the
more
easie
.
4.
The
Reasons
which
wee
touched
in
our
Answere
,
for
proving
,
that
ye
might
,
without
iust
offence
to
anye
,
joyne
with
us
in
subscribing
,
are
not
yet
answered
for
,
first
,
a
sound
Interpretation
of
the
Covenant
,
although
proceeding
from
a
private
person
,
and
altogether
voyde
of
externall
Authoritie
,
can
not
make
a
substantiall
difference
:
and
if
the
Interpretation
bee
unsound
,
although
it
were
confirmed
with
Authoritie
,
it
maketh
not
a
substantiall
co-incidence
.
2.
Why
is
it
denyed
,
that
the
former
Covenant
containeth
Mutuall
defence
,
since
all
are
obliedged
thereby
to
defend
Religion
,
according
to
their
vocation
and
power
,
and
the
King's
person
and
authoritie
,
which
can
not
possiblie
bee
done
without
Mutuall
Defence
:
and
since
that
clause
of
the
Covenant
,
is
so
expo●…ded
,
and
applyed
upon
grounds
of
perpetuall
reason
,
in
the
generall
Band
drawne
up
,
and
printed
by
Authoritie
,
anno
1590.
3.
Yee
must
either
prove
this
Covenant
to
bee
sub
stantially
different
from
the
former
,
which
is
impossible
,
or
ye
must
acknowledge
this
to
have
the
same
Authority
with
the
former
,
since
wee
are
reallie
obliedged
in
the
former
Covenant
,
and
virtuallie
the
same
warrant
of
King
,
Counsell
,
and
Assembly
,
remaineth
,
and
was
never
yet
discharged
:
by
vertue
whereof
the
Covenant
might
have
beene
renewed
yearely
by
all
the
Subjects
of
the
Kingdome
,
no
lesse
than
it
hath
beene
subscribed
yearely
by
such
as
passe
Degries
in
Colledges
,
and
such
as
were
suspect
of
Papistrie
from
time
to
time
.
4.
What
was
done
by
his
Majesties
Commissionar
,
was
not
done
in
a
corner
,
that
it
needeth
to
bee
pryed
into
,
or
doubted
of
,
and
what
was
allowed
by
his
grace
,
who
had
so
great
power
from
his
Majestie
,
to
declare
his
Majesties
will
,
and
to
receive
Declarations
from
his
Subjects
,
and
who
was
in
every
point
so
zealous
,
and
tender
of
his
Majesties
service
and
honour
:
who
are
yee
,
that
it
should
be
disallowed
by
you
?
Ye
will
have
the
kingdome
guiltie
of
Combination
against
Authoritie
,
and
will
not
have
the
King
to
bee
satisfied
.
when
they
have
declared
themselves
to
the
contrarie
,
&
their
Declaration
is
accepted
by
his
Majesties
Commissionar
.
This
manner
of
dealing
,
is
more
sutable
to
Papists
,
and
such
In●…ndiaries
,
than
for
you
,
who
desire
to
prove
good
Patriots
,
in
using
all
means
of
Pacification
.
5.
We
are
sorrie
that
ye
shuld
be
the
first
,
who
have
accounted
our
Covenant
to
bee
a
Confedearcie
,
against
the
Trueth
,
since
some
of
your selves
,
and
all
everie
where
haue
beene
constrained
;
to
acknowledge
,
that
they
ayme
at
the
same
end
with
us
,
to
maintaine
the
Trueth
.
And
for
that
which
displeaseth
you
in
our
way
,
that
wee
deale
after
such
a
manner
with
people
,
to
come
in
,
wee
answere
,
that
wee
have
seene
in
this
Land
,
The
day
of
the
Lords
power
,
wherein
His
people
have
most
willingly
offered
themselves
in
multitudes
,
lyke
the
dew
of
the
morning
:
that
others
of
no
small
Note
,
have
offered
their
Subscriptions
,
and
have
beene
refused
,
till
time
should
trye
,
that
they
joyne
in
sinceritie
,
from
love
to
the
Cause
,
and
not
from
the
feare
of
men
:
and
that
no
Threatnings
have
beene
used
,
except
of
the
deserved
judgment
of
God
;
nor
force
,
except
the
force
of
Reason
,
from
the
high
respects
which
wee
owe
to
Religion
,
to
our
King
,
to
our
Native
Countrie
,
to
our selves
,
and
to
the
posteritie
:
which
hath
beene
to
some
a
greater
constraint
,
than
any
externall
violence
;
and
we
wish
,
may
also
prevaile
with
you
.
To
the
second
▪
WEE
perceive
,
that
you
passe
in
silence
,
that
which
wee
answered
concerning
the
preventing
of
trouble
,
which
by
all
appearance
had
beene
too
sensible
to
many
before
this
time
,
if
the
Conventions
censured
by
you
,
had
not
beene
kept
;
we
desire
that
yee
would
heere
declare
your selves
,
whether
yee
would
have
rather
received
the
Service
booke
Booke
of
Canons
,
and
other
Trash
of
that
kynd
,
tending
to
the
subversion
of
Religion
,
and
to
the
prejudice
of
the
Liberties
of
the
Kingdom●…
,
than
to
have
conveened
in
a
peaceable
manner
,
to
present
Supplications
to
his
Majestie
,
for
averting
of
so
great
evilis
.
Neither
doe
yee
speake
a
word
of
the
saying
of
K.
Iames
,
which
ought
to
bee
regarded
;
both
for
the
witnesse
sake
,
who
is
of
so
great
authoritie
,
and
for
the
testimony
which
containeth
so
great
reason
.
For
,
shall
not
the
whole
bodie
of
a
Kingdom
stirre
pro
aris
&
〈◊〉
or
shall
our
Religion
be
ruined
,
&
our
light
bee
put
out
,
and
all
men
hold
their
peace
?
We
told
you
also
,
that
the
first
part
of
the
Act
of
Parliament
,
1585
,
is
relative
to
another
Act
in
Queene
Maries
time
,
which
specifieth
,
what
sort
of
Leagues
and
Bands
are
forbiddin
,
and
setteth
us
free
from
the
breach
of
the
Act
;
but
yee
have
answered
nothing
to
this
,
and
still
dispute
from
the
Act
of
Parliament
,
rather
than
from
othergrounds
,
better
beseeming
your
〈◊〉
and
Ours
;
and
in
this
will
so
precilelit
adhere
to
the
Letter
of
the
Law
,
that
you
will
have
no
Meetings
,
withhout
the
Kings
consent
,
even
in
Case
of
the
preservation
of
Religion
,
of
his
Majesties
Authoritie
,
and
of
the
Liberties
of
the
Kingdome
,
which
wee
are
sure
must
bee
contrarie
to
the
reason
and
life
of
the
Law
,
since
the
safetie
of
the
People
is
,
the
soveraigne
Law
.
Although
it
bee
true
also
that
for
our
Covenant
,
we
have
the
consent
of
Authoritie
pressing
upon
all
the
Subjects
in
the
Generall
Band
,
and
Confession
of
Faith
,
formerly
subscribed
for
maintenance
of
the
Religion
,
their
Subscription
and
Oath
as
a
note
of
their
soundnesse
in
Religion
,
and
of
their
loyaltie
and
fidelitie
to
the
King
,
and
his
Crown
,
wherin
Iuris-Consults
,
more
skilled
in
this
kynd
,
than
we
need
to
be
,
have
given
their
Responses
,
&
verdicts
,
in
favour
of
us
,
and
our
Cause
.
2.
The
poynt
touching
Authoritie
,
is
so
full
of
Thornes
and
Rockes
,
useth
to
bee
so
vehemently
urged
,
to
pro
cure
envye
agaynst
the
Gospell
of
CHRIST
,
and
can
so
hardly
bee
disputed
and
discussed
except
in
a
large
Treatise
,
to
the
satisfaction
of
King's
and
Kingdomes
;
and
all
having
interest
,
that
for
the
present
wee
onelie
wish
you
to
heare
the
testimonies
of
two
great
Divines
,
the
one
is
Whitaker
,
in
his
Answere
to
Master
Reynolds
preface
,
pag.
6.
Stirres
and
tumults
for
matters
of
Religion
,
Reynold
rehearseth
,
that
have
beene
in
Germanie
,
France
,
Bohemia
,
as
though
it
were
sufficient
for
their
condemnation
,
that
they
once
resisted
,
and
did
not
by
and
by
admitt
what-so-ever
violence
was
offered
either
to
GOD'S
Trueth
,
or
to
them-selves
,
contrarie
to
Promise
,
to
Oath
,
to
publick
Edicts
,
to
Law
,
whereby
they
were
warranted
to
doe
as
they
did
:
more
of
this
matter
,
will
I
not
answere
,
beeing
of
another
nature
,
and
cleared
long
since
from
the
cryme
of
Rebellion
,
not
only
by
just
just
defence
of
their
doing
:
but
also
by
the
Pro
clamations
and
Edicts
of
Princes
themselves
.
The
other
is
Bilson
,
in
his
Booke
of
Christian
subjection
,
in
defence
of
the
Protestants
in
other
Countreyes
,
against
the
objection
of
the
Iesuit
,
pag.
332
,
affirming
,
that
subjects
maye
defend
their
Antient
and
Christian
Liberties
,
covenanted
and
agreed
upon
by
those
Princes
to
whom
they
first
submitted
themselves
,
and
were
ever
since
confirmed
and
allowed
by
the
Kings
that
have
succeeded
,
they
may
require
their
owne
right
,
save
their
own
lyves
,
beseech
,
that
they
bee
not
used
as
slaves
,
but
lyke
Subjects
;
lyke
men
,
not
lyke
beasts
;
that
they
maye
bee
convented
by
Lawes
,
before
Iudges
,
not
murdered
in
Corners
,
by
Inquisitors
.
This
is
also
the
judgment
of
Rivetus
,
in
his
Commentarie
,
PSAL.
68
Which
beeing
looked
upon
by
you
,
will
furnish
a
full
answere
to
what
yee
have
cited
at
length
from
his
Iesuita
vapulans
.
For
betwixt
Iesuiticall
treasonabe
&
pernitious
doctrine
,
and
practises
agaynst
Princes
,
and
Magistrates
,
refuted
by
him
,
and
the
loyall
and
sound
doctrine
of
Protestants
:
your selves
knowe
the
difference
and
opposition
,
lyke
as
it
is
cleare
as
the
Sunne
,
by
that
short
Confession
,
by
the
Application
there-of
,
to
the
tymes
in
this
present
Confession
,
by
our
publicke
Protestation
,
and
by
the
Declaration
exhibited
to
his
Majesties
Commissioner
,
that
wee
meane
not
onely
mutuall
concurrence
,
and
assistance
in
the
cause
of
Religion
,
but
also
to
the
uttermost
of
our
power
,
to
defend
the
King's
Majestie
,
his
Person
and
Authoritie
.
Wee
would
bee
glad
,
that
yee
and
others
were
witnesses
to
our
private
prayers
,
and
the
most
secret
of
our
thoughts
.
and
affections
concerning
our
loyaltie
to
our
dread
Soveraigne
:
so
should
yee
either
cease
to
write
in
this
against
us
,
or
bee
forced
to
write
against
your
own
Consciences
.
5
,
When
wee
justifie
our
Conventions
and
Covenants
,
from
their
purposed
ends
,
we
meane
not
only
the
last
and
most
remote
ends
:
but
the
nearest
and
immediate
,
and
if
nothing
in
these
can
merite
just
censure
,
the
Conventions
and
Covenants
no
more
in
that
which
yee
call
the
Object
,
nor
in
their
ends
,
can
bee
culpable
:
what
Aspersions
have
beene
put
upon
our
Reformation
,
and
Reformers
,
by
the
malice
of
our
Adversaries
,
can
not
bee
unknowne
to
you
.
But
wee
wish
,
that
your
ingynes
and
pennes
maye
bee
better
imployed
,
than
to
joyne
with
them
in
so
badde
a
Cause
,
which
we
expect
also
from
your
prudence
,
considering
the
people
and
place
where
yee
live
.
To
the
third
.
Y●…E
doe
well
and
wisely
,
that
you
search
not
curiouslie
into
the
myndes
of
Princes
,
and
Reasons
of
State
:
but
whether
all
his
Majesties
Subjects
bee
satisfied
with
the
last
Proclamation
,
needeth
no
deepe
search
.
For
although
possibly
some
had
beene
more
pleased
with
a
Proclamation
,
commanding
the
Service
Booke
,
such
especiallie
,
who
either
will
see
no
errours
in
it
,
or
have
publicklie
prosessed
,
that
they
have
beene
groaning
for
it
,
yet
the
Protestation
of
the
Supplicants
against
it
,
as
it
giveth
most
humble
and
heartie
thankes
to
his
gratious
Majestie
,
for
what
is
granted
:
so
it
restifieth
upon
undenyable
evidences
,
that
the
Proclamation
is
not
a
satisfaction
of
our
just
desi●…es
:
for
,
first
,
the
Proclamation
supposeth
the
Service
Booke
to
bee
no
Innovation
of
Religion
.
2.
That
it
is
not
contrare
to
Pro
testant-Religion
.
3.
That
the
Proclamation
giveth
not
or●…r
for
discharging
all
the
Acts
made
in
favours
of
the
Service
Booke
,
especially
that
of
the
19
of
Februarie
,
which
giveth
unto
it
so
great
Approbation
,
as
serving
for
maintaining
the
true
Religion
,
and
to
beate
out
all
Superstition
,
and
no
wayes
to
bee
contrarie
to
the
Lawes
of
this
Kingdome
,
but
to
bee
compyled
,
and
approved
for
the
universall
use
and
edification
of
all
his
Majesties
Subjects
.
4.
It
is
so
farre
from
disallowing
the
sayde
Booke
,
that
it
putteth
us
in
feare
,
that
it
shall
bee
prest
in
a
faire
and
legall
way
,
and
therefore
,
notwithstanding
the
Proclamation
,
the
necessitie
of
Covenanting
,
which
containeth
nothing
contrarie
to
the
Acts
of
Parliament
,
nor
to
the
duetie
of
good
Subjects
,
but
is
the
largest
Testimonie
of
our
Fidelitie
to
GOD
,
and
loyaltie
to
our
King
,
(
whatsoever
it
maye
seemeto
you
to
import
)
doeth
yet
continue
,
that
his
Majestie
maye
bee
pleased
,
to
grant
the
full
satisfaction
of
our
reasonable
Petitions
,
and
that
our
Religion
,
and
Liberties
,
may
bee
preserved
for
afterwards
.
Who-so-ever
professe
themselves
to
be
perfectly
satisfied
with
the
Proclamation
,
doe
proclame
in
the
eares
of
all
the
Kingdome
,
that
they
are
better
pleased
with
the
Service
book
and
(
anons
,
than
with
the
Religion
,
as
it
hath
beene
prosessed
in
this
Land
since
the
Reformation
.
To
the
fourth
.
WEE
were
assured
that
your
Demand
proceeded
from
a
Mistaking
,
&
therefore
,
according
to
our
knowledge
,
did
ingenuously
,
for
your
satisfaction
,
expound
unto
you
the
mind
of
the
Subscribers
,
but
find
now
,
that
we
have
laboured
in
vain
at
your
hands
,
from
which
we
have
receiued
this
Reply
:
unto
which
,
concerning
the
first
.
Missinterpretation
,
wee
answere
:
1.
That
altho
we
do
neither
use
threatnings
,
nor
obtrude
our
Interpretation
,
upon
you
,
as
bearing
any
obligatorie
power
,
yet
pardon
us
,
that
wee
match
you
not
,
and
put
you
not
in
the
Ballance
with
the
greatest
part
of
the
Kingdome
both
Ministers
,
and
others
,
in
whose
name
we
recommended
this
Interpretation
unto
you
,
by
all
faire
meanes
,
and
force
of
Reason
:
and
in
so
doing
,
wee
are
so
farre
from
the
breach
of
our
solemne
Uow
,
and
Promise
,
that
wee
esteeme
this
to
bee
no
small
proofe
of
that
godlynesse
and
righteousnesse
,
wherein
wee
are
bound
by
our
Covenant
,
to
walke
.
2.
The
authoritative
judgment
of
our
Reformers
and
Predecessors
,
is
evidenced
not
onlie
by
the
Confession
of
Fayth
,
ratified
in
Parliament
,
but
also
by
the
bookes
of
Discipline
,
Acts
of
generall
Assembllies
,
and
their
owne
Writs
;
wherein
if
yee
will
,
ye
may
find
warant
for
this
Interpretation
:
and
in
respect
whereof
,
it
is
publick
,
ratione
medij
,
besides
these
midses
of
Scripture
of
Antiquitie
,
and
of
the
Consent
of
the
reformed
Kirks
,
which
are
named
for
midses
by
you
.
Concerning
the
2
Missconstruction
,
it
is
no
marvell
that
Prejudices
,
and
pre-conceived
opinions
,
poss●…ssing
the
mynd
,
make
men
to
fall
upon
interpretations
of
their
own
;
but
in
the
South
parts
of
the
Kingdome
,
where
many
learned
and
judicious
men
,
both
Pastors
.
&
Professors
were
assembled
at
the
first
subscribing
thereof
,
wee
remember
of
none
that
did
fall
into
that
Misstake
.
And
the
two
sorts
of
Novations
,
such
as
are
alreadie
introduced
,
and
such
as
are
supplicated
against
,
are
so
punctually
distinguished
,
that
there
is
no
place
left
to
Ambiguitie
:
but
o●…
the
contrarie
,
the
Novations
which
wee
promise
to
forbeare
for
a
time
onlie
,
can
not
bee
supposed
in
the
following
words
,
to
bee
abjured
,
for
ever
,
as
Popish
novations
.
2.
Vpon
a
new
examination
of
the
words
,
yee
perceive
,
that
the
Articles
of
Pearth
,
and
Episcopacie
,
are
condemned
as
erronious
corruptions
,
because
we
promise
,
to
labour
,
to
recover
the
former
puritie
&
libertie
of
the
Gospel
,
unto
which
our
Answere
is
,
that
it
appeareth
,
that
you
will
have
all
the
Covenanters
against
their
intention
,
and
whether
they
will
or
not
,
to
disallow
,
and
condemne
the
Articles
of
Pearth
,
and
Episcopall
Governament
,
lest
they
bee
tryed
in
a
generall
Assembly
But
it
is
knowne
to
manie
hundreths
,
that
the
words
were
purposely
conceived
,
for
satisfaction
of
such
as
were
of
your
judgement
,
that
we
might
all
joyne
in
one
heart
,
a●…d
Couenant
for
establishi●…g
Religion
,
and
opposing
errours
.
And
for
your
Argume●…t
,
whether
the
Articles
of
Perth
and
Episcopacie
,
bee
against
the
puritie
and
liberty
of
the
Gospell
or
not
,
which
is
not
determined
by
these
words
of
the
Covenant
.
But
it
cannot
be
denyed
,
first
,
That
if
in
a
free
Assembly
,
they
bee
found
to
bee
●…gainst
the
puritie
and
libertie
of
the
Gospell
,
●…hey
ought
to
bee
abolished
:
in
the
meane
time
,
it
beeing
left
free
,
by
the
words
of
the
Covenant
to
all
,
who
will
,
to
stand
to
the
defence
of
their
lawfulnesse
.
Secondly
,
how
can
it
be
denyed
,
that
manie
corruptions
,
contrarie
to
the
puritie
and
libertie
of
the
Gospell
,
were
they
never
so
innocent
in
themselves
,
have
accompanyed
these
Novations
,
such
as
the
superstitious
observing
of
Dayes
,
●…eriation
and
cessation
from
worke
,
on
those
Dayes
,
Feasting
guysing
.
&c.
manie
grosse
abuses
have
entred
in
the
Sacrament
,
upon
kneeling
before
the
elements
,
and
upon
the
lawlesse
usurpation
of
Prelates
:
in
respect
whereof
,
even
they
who
allow
Pearth
Articles
,
and
Episcopacie
,
may
sweare
to
recover
the
puritie
of
the
Gospell
.
And
thirdly
,
who
can
bee
so
great
a
stranger
at
home
,
as
to
denye
,
that
manie
corruptions
of
Poperie
and
Arminianisme
,
have
entred
in
the
Kirke
,
and
have
beene
vented
,
and
defended
,
in
Schools
,
and
pulpits
:
by
reason
whereof
wee
are
bound
,
everie
one
of
us
,
according
to
the
measure
of
our
light
,
to
labour
for
recovery
of
our
former
Puritie
?
And
therfore
,
if
you
had
cast
your
eyes
upon
the
condition
of
this
〈◊〉
Kirk
,
as
yee
have
pryed
narrowlie
,
into
the
Expressions
of
the
Covenant
,
yee
might
have
spared
both
your
owne
labour
and
ours
,
and
not
laboured
to
skarre
both
your selves
and
others
,
with
this
shadow
.
In
your
Argument
,
ad
hominem
,
you
should
have
considered
,
that
whatsoever
bee
our
judgment
,
as
wee
are
particular
persons
,
yet
,
at
this
time
wee
were
to
bee
taken
,
as
Commissionars
,
from
the
whole
companio
of
Subscribers
,
who
,
about
this
point
,
are
of
different
judgments
,
and
if
some
of
your
owne
judgment
,
had
either
come
alone
in
our
place
,
or
had
beene
joyned
in
Commission
with
us
,
we
had
anticipate
your
Objection
:
and
this
yee
have
beene
forced
to
see
:
and
so
yourselves
,
in
propnunding
your
Objection
;
have
answered
,
your
owne
Syllogisme
,
in
making
us
to
say
,
that
yee
may
sweare
and
subscribe
,
seeing
ye
thinke
not
these
thinges
to
bee
abjured
in
that
Oath
made
Ann●…
15●…1
neyther
was
it
for
you
,
to
inquire
in
our
private
Opini●…
,
nor
necessarie
for
us
,
to
make
it
knowne
,
but
to
have
conceived
of
our
mindes
,
according
to
our
Commission
,
and
the
will
of
those
that
sent
us
.
Your
Arguments
neede
to
bee
no
impediments
unto
your
swearing
of
the
Covenant
.
For
upon
your
grounds
,
you
would
not
have
sworne
the
Short
Confession
,
any
time
by
past
:
yea
.
yee
can
not
sweare
the
Confession
of
anie
Kirke
:
nay
,
not
the
Articles
of
the
Cr●…d
,
because
of
the
diverse
Interpretations
of
the
Article
of
Christs
descen●…
into
Hell
;
or
swearing
them
in
Scotland
and
England
,
yee
behoved
to
sweare
them
in
diverse
senses
.
There
be
some
words
of
the
Lord's
prayer
as
,
Give
us
this
day
our
daylie
bread
:
and
of
the
x
Commands
as
the
wordes
of
the
4
Command
,
which
are
diversly
understood
;
must
Christians
,
therefore
,
forbeare
to
joyne
in
saying
the
Prayer
,
or
swearing
Obedience
to
the
Commandements
?
Neither
for
this
doe
wee
admit
anie
ambiguitie
,
or
aequivocation
:
the
wordes
certainly
have
but
one
true
sense
and
signification
.
,
but
diverse
persons
conceave
and
understand
them
,
according
to
the
different
measures
of
their
light
.
Since
then
your
Disputation
,
is
builded
upon
such
a
S●…pposition
,
it
must
eyther
fall
to
the
ground
,
or
hardlie
can
any
Confession
of
Fayth
,
or
Religious
Covenant
be
sworne
.
Offend
not
therefore
if
wee
in
modesty
present
unto
you
,
A
Dis●…
of
your
owne
dressing
:
we
meane
,
the
like
Argument
,
adhominem
.
The
Rites
and
Ceremonies
which
are
not
abjured
in
the
negative
Conf●…ssion
,
are
not
abjured
in
this
late
Covenant
.
But
the
Rites
and
Ceremonies
,
which
were
concluded
in
Perth
Assembly
,
are
not
abjured
as
you
say
,
in
the
negative
Confession
made
,
158●…
.
Therefore
,
they
are
not
abjured
in
this
late
Covenant
,
as
yee
thinke
.
The
first
Proposition
is
evident
,
because
in
the
late
Covenant
we
are
bound
no
farther
,
concerning
the
negative
Confeffion
,
but
to
keep
it
inviolable
:
and
therefore
,
what
Rites
are
not
abjured
there
,
are
not
abjured
here
?
The
second
Proposition
cannot
be
denyed
by
you
;
for
these
twenty
years
by
gone
yee
have
thought
your selves
free
of
perj●…rie
,
notwithstanding
of
the
Oath
in
1581.
&
of
your
conforming
your selves
to
the
ordinances
of
Perth
.
And
whereas
ye
alledge
,
afterwârd
,
as
before
,
that
our
Supplications
are
satisfied
,
the
contrary
is
known
,
by
our
publick
Protestution
,
&
by
our
last
Supplication
&
complaint
presented
to
his
Majesties
Còmissioner
.
And
the
urging
of
the
Service
book
was
a
sufficient
Reason
,
for
for
be
arance
of
Perth
articles
,
till
an
assembly
;
at
which
time
it
may
bee
determined
,
whether
it
bee
expedient
,
that
this
Kirk
bee
any
more
troubled
with
them
.
Neither
needeth
your
conscience
to
subscribe
the
forbearance
of
these
Novations
,
as
if
swearing
of
forbearance
,
were
a
swearing
of
disobedience
to
Authoritie
:
first
,
because
the
swearing
of
forboarance
of
a
thing
in
your
opinion
,
indifferent
,
in
the
case
of
soandall
,
and
of
sensible
feare
in
others
,
of
Superstition
,
is
the
swearing
of
Obedience
to
the
Commandement
of
God
.
which
sorbiddeth
us
,
to
destroy
him
,
for
whom
Christ
dyed
,
altho
man
should
command
the
contrarie
.
2.
Because
the
articles
of
Perth
were
concluded
,
for
satisfying
,
&
not
to
presse
any
man
with
the
practise
of
them
,
as
was
openly
professed
unto
the
Opponents
.
before
the
face
of
the
whole
Assembly
,
and
because
the
Act
it self
giveth
warrant
,
to
forbeare
the
practise
at
this
time
,
when
the
memorie
of
Superstition
is
revived
,
which
maketh
us
to
thinke
,
that
they
who
have
for
borne
the
practise
of
these
Articles
,
since
the
superstitious
Service
booke
was
complaned
upon
,
make
most
truely
conscience
of
Obedience
of
the
Act
of
Perth
,
&
Parliament
,
ratilying
the
same
,
and
are
most
conforme
to
the
Confession
of
saith
,
ratifyed
in
Patliament
,
declaring
that
Ceremonies
ought
to
bee
changed
;
when
they
rather
soster
Superstition
,
than
edifie
the
Kirke
,
using
the
same
.
Last
of
all
,
You
saye
,
yee
can
not
sweare
Forbearance
,
because
yee
can
not
abstaine
from
private
Baptisme
,
and
priva●…e
Communion
:
where
we
perceave
,
that
,
in
your
judgment
,
private
Baptisme
&
Communion
,
are
not
any
more
things
indifferent
but
necessarie
,
necessitate
praecepti
,
in
so
farre
,
that
the
not
using
them
,
is
a
contempt
of
the
Meanes
,
and
a
tempting
of
God
.
By
this
your
doctrine
,
first
,
The
state
of
the
Question
anent
Perth
artieles
,
is
quite
altered
:
for
yee
,
and
your
Associats
,
did
ever
to
this
time
,
alledge
the
Question
,
to
bee
of
thinges
indifferent
:
but
now
yee
finde
some
of
them
so
necessarie
,
that
although
the
generall
Assembly
of
the
Kirke
,
should
discharge
them
:
yet
yee
behoved
still
,
for
conseience
of
the
Commandement
of
God
to
practise
them
.
If
yee
have
the
same
judgement
of
Kneeling
before
the
Elements
,
and
of
festivall
Dayes
,
it
commeth
to
passe
amongst
us
,
which
hath
beene
incident
to
the
Kirke
in
former
ages
that
thinges
have
beene
first
brought
in
,
as
indifferent
,
their
urged
as
necessarie
.
If
Confirmation
also
in
your
judgement
,
bee
not
indifferent
,
but
necessarie
,
we
desire
to
understand
,
with
what
conscience
it
hath
beene
slighted
,
and
utterly
neglected
by
the
Prelates
these
20
yeeres
past
?
and
how
it
is
,
that
yee
have
carried
so
small
regard
to
the
Canon
of
the
Kirke
,
and
Act
of
Parliament
,
and
to
the
benefite
of
young
Children
,
as
not
to
require
,
urge
,
and
presse
the
practise
thereof
,
both
in
your
owne
Charge
&
throughout
the
whole
Kirke
?
This
would
seeme
to
bee
partiall
dealing
,
to
presse
some
Ceremonies
,
and
neglect
other
some
;
while
both
by
the
same
Canon
of
the
Kirk
&
Act
of
Parliament
are
appointed
.
2.
Ye
doe
hereby
coudemne
the
practise
of
the
Kirke
of
Scotland
;
from
the
time
of
Reformation
;
till
Perths
Assembly
;
and
put
no
small
guiltinesse
upon
other
reformed
Kirks
,
who
use
not
that
at
all
,
but
rather
abstaine
from
it
;
as
dangerous
,
which
yee
now
doe
prof●…sse
,
to
be
so
necessarie
,
3.
We
wish
you
wisely
to
consider
,
whence
〈◊〉
is
,
and
what
can
bee
the
true
cause
,
that
yee
living
in
that
part
of
the
Kingdome
,
should
bee
more
pressed
by
the
people
,
with
the
practise
of
privat
Baptisme
,
and
Communion
,
than
all
the
Kirks
in
the
Kingdome
beside
,
where
these
20
yeares
past
,
rarely
any
such
motion
hath
beene
made
:
it
is
not
because
that
Popery
prevaileth
there
,
and
the
people
have
a
superstitious
conceate
of
Baptisme
&
Communion
,
as
absolutly
necessarie
to
Salvation
;
as
it
GOD
had
tyed
his
grace
to
the
Sacraments
;
and
children
dying
without
Baptisme
,
and
others
without
their
last
Vi●…ticum
did
perish
?
Thus
ye
minister
the
Sacraments
in
private
,
as
necessarie
necessitate
praecepti
;
and
the
people
seeme
to
desire
,
and
receive
them
,
as
necessarie
,
necessitate
medij
;
an
Evill
very
curable
,
in
that
Citie
where
the
Assemblyes
of
the
people
,
for
publick
worship
are
frequent
,
wherein
the
Sacraments
might
bee
ministred
frequently
enough
,
with
great
solemnitie
and
edification
.
4.
And
though
wee
doe
not
denye
,
but
Baptisme
privately
ministred
,
by
the
Minister
of
CHRIST
,
according
to
the
institution
,
be
true
Baptisme
,
and
,
that
a
childe
thus
privately
baptized
,
bee
not
to
bee
baptized
againe
,
(
altho
it
be
true
also
,
that
private
Baptisme
maketh
way
to
the
Errour
of
re-baptizing
,
)
yet
wee
hold
that
the
necessitie
of
the
Commandement
,
stands
only
for
Baptisme
in
publicke
,
since
no
Precept
requireth
Baptisme
,
but
when
the
ministration
thereof
can
bee
had
orderly
,
with
all
the
circumstances
requisite
;
whereof
this
is
one
,
That
it
bee
ministred
in
the
presence
of
that
visible
Kirke
,
whereof
the
children
are
to
bee
members
:
for
not
onely
the
minister
of
Baptisme
,
and
the
Parents
of
the
children
,
but
the
Congregation
also
hath
interest
in
the
baptisme
of
everie
member
that
entereth
in
their
Communion
;
which
therefore
,
ought
to
bee
a
publick
actio●…
,
no
lesse
than
the
cutting
off
of
a
rotten
member
,
by
Excommunication
,
ought
to
bee
done
publickly
.
5.
It
is
knowne
that
ptivat
baptisme
hath
bred
,
and
fostered
the
opinion
of
absolute
necessitie
of
Baptisme
,
of
Baptisme
of
women
,
and
private
persons
,
of
Baptisme
by
supposition
,
&c.
and
,
that
the
ministration
of
the
Sacraments
in
private
places
,
hath
beene
,
and
is
,
the
ready
waye
to
bring
people
to
the
contempt
,
and
neglect
of
the
Sacramentes
in
publicke
,
and
to
the
prophanation
thereof
in
private
.
6.
When
all
the
formes
of
ministration
of
Baptisme
;
shall
bee
compared
,
both
that
of
the
ancient
Kirke
,
keeping
Easter
and
Pent●…st
,
for
the
solemne
times
of
Baptisme
,
and
the
other
of
the
Popish
kirke
,
and
other
Kirks
,
not
well
purged
of
the
dregs
of
Poperie
;
ministring
Baptisme
and
Communion
at
all
times
,
in
privat
places
,
&
before
few
persons
;
it
shall
be
found
,
that
no
better
course
could
bee
taken
,
than
that
which
hath
beene
wyselie
appointed
and
observed
,
in
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
since
the
Reformation
,
that
the
Sacraments
be
ministred
in
the
ordinarie
meetings
of
GOD'S
people
;
unto
which
they
had
regard
,
and
not
unto
the
places
of
materiall
kirkes
:
which
wee
adde
,
lest
any
should
thinke
,
that
wee
entertaine
any
superstitious
conceat
of
places
.
To
the
fifth
.
TO
the
first
Exception
,
wee
have
even
now
answered
,
and
need
to
adde
no
farther
,
concerning
private
Baptisme
and
Communion
.
2.
Wee
looked
that
your
argument
,
ad
hominem
,
had
beene
closed
in
the
fourth
reply
&
wish
,
what
yee
had
to
say
against
the
Dispute
of
Popish
English
Ceremonies
,
or
any
other
Treàtise
:
of
that
kynd
,
or
any
of
us
in
particular
,
had
beene
kept
to
another
time
:
for
,
wold
any
of
us
,
refuse
to
sweare
the
short
Confession
,
because
yee
●…ave
expounded
some
articles
thereof
,
contrarie
to
our
mynd
?
Our
desire
is
,
that
ye
keepe
your
owne
meaning
of
the
negative
Confession
,
and
we
keepe
ours
,
according
to
our
diverse
measures
of
light
:
and
,
that
both
sides
promise
forbearance
,
as
is
required
in
the
Covenant
,
which
may
verie
well
stand
both
with
your
meaning
,
and
ours
:
of
ours
,
there
is
no
question
:
and
of
yours
,
there
needeth
none
to
bee
moved
by
you
,
since
ye
thinke
them
indifferent
and
therefore
,
in
such
a
case
,
may
promise
,
to
forbeare
them
.
From
this
ground
,
and
from
the
different
use
of
the
word
Discipline
,
and
Policie
,
it
is
easie
to
answere
,
both
your
Sorites
and
Dilemma
:
for
the
late
Covenant
,
bindeth
you
to
keepe
the
forme●…
,
according
to
the
common
meaning
of
the
Subscribers
,
and
not
according
to
your
interpretation
or
ours
,
in
particulare
:
and
the
horues
of
your
Dilemma
,
maye
be
turned
against
your selves
:
for
wee
aske
of
you
,
Vnto
which
of
the
members
of
the
Distinction
doe
you
referre
Episcopacie
,
and
the
Articles
of
Perth
?
if
they
were
abjured
for
ever
,
before
Perths
Assembly
,
how
is
it
that
yee
have
admitted
and
practised
them
,
since
that
tyme
;
for
this
was
perjurie
?
And
if
they
were
not
abjured
,
but
by
the
short
Confession
were
left
indifferent
,
why
may
yee
not
,
for
any
impediment
yee
have
from
that
Confession
,
forbeare
now
the
practise
of
them
?
Wee
looked
not
for
velitations
of
this
sort
,
which
the
change
of
Commissioners
sent
unto
you
mighthave
prevented
,
but
for
some
solide
and
grave
reasons
,
why
yee
could
notsubscribe
the
Covenant
,
whether
presented
from
our
hands
,
or
the
handes
of
others
,
our
Learned
and
Reverend
Brethren
,
of
your
practise
and
judgment
,
who
might
have
beene
sent
unto
you
in
our
place
.
In
the
meane
time
,
because
manie
are
intangled
with
the
word
of
Discipline
,
and
Policie
,
we
desire
the
Reader
to
remember
,
that
sometime
the
word
is
taken
for
the
Rule
of
Givernement
of
the
Kirke
,
and
censure
of
Manners
,
by
Office-bearers
appointed
by
Christ
;
and
thus
it
was
unchangeable
:
sometimes
for
the
Constitution
of
Councells
and
Acts
of
Parliament
,
about
matters
of
Religion
,
and
thus
it
is
alterable
or
constant
according
to
the
nature
of
particular
Objects
:
and
thirdly
,
it
is
taken
for
the
ordering
of
the
circumstances
,
to
bee
observed
in
all
actions
Divine
,
and
Humane
:
and
thus
it
is
variable
.
Wee
appeale
with
you
,
to
the
indifferent
Reader
,
who
is
judicious
,
whether
it
bee
necessarie
for
your
Subscription
,
to
knowe
our
Opinion
of
such
Rites
&
Ceremonies
,
as
are
not
of
divine
institution
.
Wee
have
reason
,
(
for
any
thing
that
,
ever
wee
heard
to
the
contrarie
,
these
20
yeers
past
)
to
eleave
unto
the
wordes
of
the
Covenant
,
concerning
such
Rites
as
are
broght
into
the
Kirke
,
without
or
against
the
word
of
GOD.
The
blessing
of
Marriage
(
now
the
second
time
instanced
)
wee
conceive
neither
to
bee
circumstance
,
it
beeing
neither
time
,
place
,
order
of
doing
,
nor
anye
such
thing
,
nor
a
Ceremonie
properly
so
called
,
more
than
the
blessing
of
the
people
,
commanded
in
the
Law
,
&
practised
before
the
Law
,
or
praying
for
a
Blessing
upon
the
Ordinance
of
God
that
it
may
bee
sanctified
unto
His
people
:
wee
neither
exalt
Marriage
so
high
,
as
with
the
Papists
to
thinke
it
a
Sacrament
;
nor
doe
wee
abase
it
so
lowe
,
as
to
think
it
a
paction
or
Contract
,
meerly
civill
,
it
beeing
the
Couenant
of
God
,
which
cannot
be
dissolved
by
consent
of
the
parties
,
as
other
civill
Contracts
maye
bee
:
and
therefore
,
as
wee
will
not
use
it
superstitiously
,
according
to
the
praescript
of
the
Service
booke
,
so
will
wee
not
for
the
abuse
of
Poperie
,
although
it
were
a
Paction
meerly
civill
,
it
beeing
so
important
,
with-hold
Ecclesiastick
Benediction
from
it
.
To
the
sixth
.
SIlence
carrieth
sometimes
the
appearance
of
Consent
,
sometime
it
is
from
weaknesse
;
and
sinee
you
knowe
also
,
that
it
maye
at
sometimes
come
from
wisedome
,
and
moderation
;
why
doe
yee
not
rather
keepe
silence
your selves
,
than
make
such
an
interpretation
of
ours
?
We
denye
not
,
but
Diuines
both
ancient
,
and
moderne
,
are
against
us
,
concerning
the
lawfulnesse
of
the
thinges
contraverted
:
but
wee
withall
affirme
,
first
,
That
Divines
both
ancient
and
moderne
,
are
against
you
also
,
and
both
may
bee
true
,
for
both
are
Propositions
indefinite
,
in
a
matter
contingent
.
2.
That
almost
all
Divines
universally
are
for
us
,
and
for
the
forbearance
of
things
indifferent
,
in
such
a
case
,
which
is
the
point
urged
by
us
,
and
cleared
before
.
Secondly
,
wee
deny
not
,
but
the
Oath
containeth
manie
other
Articles
:
but
concerning
that
of
the
Novations
alreadie
introduced
,
if
you
could
have
believed
us
,
&
so
many
thousands
as
have
subscribed
,
it
containeth
no
more
,
but
the
forbearance
of
them
,
for
a
time
,
neither
can
any
farther
bee
extorted
from
the
tenor
of
the
Covenant
it self
,
according
to
your
grounds
.
If
you
will
interprete
it
according
to
the
meaning
which
yee
thought
it
hadde
the
last
yeare
,
and
which
we
urge
you
not
to
change
:
&
to
promise
forbearance
,
can
neither
bee
contrarie
to
that
duetie
which
yeow
to
your
flock
,
nor
be
disobedience
to
Authority
,
but
a
means
to
edifie
God's
people
,
and
obedience
to
God
.
To
the
seaventh
.
FIrst
,
The
Reason
propounded
in
the
7.
Demand
,
for
refusing
your
Subscription
,
because
yee
supposed
Perth
Articles
to
have
beene
abjured
,
as
Popish
,
is
answered
to
the
full
,
and
the
impediment
put
out
of
your
way
.
This
other
that
ye
propound
concerning
our
conception
and
meaning
of
the
short
Confession
,
may
bee
as
easilie
removed
,
if
yee
will
once
believe
;
that
wee
urge
not
upon
you
our
meaning
,
but
leave
you
to
your
owne
,
till
the
matter
be
examined
in
an
Assembly
.
2.
Ye
call
some
of
those
novations
,
necessarie
:
but
without
warrant
of
that
Assembly
,
which
concluded
them
,
as
indifferent
,
&
all
the
rest
ye
will
have
to
bee
laudable
:
thus
by
progresse
of
time
,
things
formerly
indifferent
,
become
necessarie
:
and
what
was
but
lawfull
before
,
and
had
much
adoe
to
gaine
that
reputation
,
is
now
become
laudable
:
where
yee
plainely
discover
the
cause
of
your
unwillingnesse
to
subscribe
,
not
so
much
to
bee
the
commandement
of
Authoritie
,
as
the
necessitie
and
excellencie
of
the
things
commanded
.
Till
yee
,
therfore
,
change
this
opinion
,
ye
cannot
promise
forbearance
neither
upon
our
dealing
,
nor
at
the
commandement
of
Authoritie
,
altho
forbearance
should
serve
for
the
peace
of
the
Kirk
,
&
Kingdome
.
To
the
eight
.
FIrst
,
Wee
remit
the
Reader
to
our
Answere
,
and
your
Reply
,
which
,
we
hope
,
shall
be
fouud
no
Confutation
.
2.
We
observe
.
That
ye
have
not
answered
our
argument
,
for
our
swearing
the
Defence
of
the
King
and
his
Authoritie
,
with
a
specification
,
which
yee
call
a
limitation
,
wherin
we
have
followed
the
Confession
of
Faith
,
ratified
in
Parliament
,
the
King's
Confession
,
and
Act
of
Parliament
,
upon
which
yeewill
not
doe
well
,
to
fasten
so
foule
imputations
,
and
put
so
hard
Constructions
,
as
yee
doe
upon
us
,
for
inserting
in
our
Covenant
,
what
they
have
said
before
us
.
If
our
specification
be
right
,
why
censure
you
it
?
If
it
bee
wrong
,
why
fasten
you
not
your
censures
upon
the
Fountaine
from
which
it
is
derived
?
The
Loyaltie
of
our
intentions
to
maintaine
the
Kings
person
,
and
honour
,
is
fully
expressed
,
that
it
hath
given
content
to
those
who
are
nearest
his
Majestie
:
and
wee
should
wrong
,
not
onely
them
,
but
also
the
Covenant
,
and
the
Subscribers
thereof
,
if
wee
should
make
new
Declarations
to
others
of
greater
distance
,
who
wrong
both
the
King
,
and
them-selves
,
in
craving
them
.
3.
To
doe
with
a
doubting
Conscience
,
is
a
grievous
sinne
but
to
make
and
multiplie
doubtes
,
for
hindering
a
good
worke
,
and
to
oppose
against
a
shyning
Light
,
is
no
lesse
grievous
.
Ye
spake
before
of
a
limitation
,
&
now
ye
have
added
Precislie
,
as
if
the
naming
of
our
Duetie
,
were
the
excluding
of
all
other
Dueties
.
We
all
by
our
Oath
of
Alleadgeance
,
by
his
Majesties
Lawes
and
by
other
Obligations
acknowledge
,
that
wee
owe
many
other
dueties
to
the
King
,
which
were
verie
impertinent
to
expresse
in
this
Covenant
.
4.
What
kynd
of
Conference
yee
meane
;
whether
by
word
or
writ
:
we
know
not
,
but
while
we
were
amongst
you
;
yee
know
what
notice
yee
were
pleased
to
to
take
of
us
,
and
wee
have
no
delight
,
to
resent
it
.
To
the
nynth
.
FIrst
,
Wee
are
ashamed
to
draw
the
Rug-saw
of
Contention
,
to
and
fro
,
in
a
continuall
Reciprocation
,
concerning
the
serbearance
of
Pearth
Articles
and
therefore
forbearing
to
doe
so
any
more
,
wee
referre
the
Reader
to
our
former
Answeres
.
2.
We
doe
not
affirme
that
the
only
Reason
,
why
Kn●…eling
was
appointed
,
was
because
all
memorie
of
Superstition
was
past
.
There
be
indeed
other
Reasons
expressed
in
the
Act
,
but
such
as
the
authors
therof
may
bee
ashamed
of
,
as
both
perverting
the
Text.
Psal.
93
,
as
making
Kneeling
to
bee
necessarie
,
in
everie
part
of
GOD's
Worship
,
and
as
giving
matter
to
many
Treatise●…
,
proving
kneeling
before
the
Elements
,
to
be
idolatrie
,
according
to
the
Act
,
unto
which
wee
now
referre
you
:
but
this
wee
say
,
(
which
is
manifest
by
the
Act
it selfe
)
that
in
the
case
of
present
Superstition
,
or
feare
thereof
,
all
other
Reasons
had
not
beene
forcible
,
to
enforce
knee●…ing
then
,
nor
can
have
force
to
continue
kneeling
now
,
This
feare
hath
beene
great
,
this
yeere
by
past
,
throughout
the
kingdome
,
by
reason
of
the
manie
Superstitions
of
the
Service
booke
,
which
it
may
bee
yee
no
more
acknowledge
,
than
yee
doe
the
superstitious
disposition
of
the
people
,
because
they
are
not
that
which
they
were
at
the
time
of
Reformation
.
3.
Wee
would
heare
what
Malice
it self
can
say
against
the
words
of
the
Protestation
,
That
it
shall
bee
lawfull
uno
us
,
to
defend
Religion
,
and
the
King●…
A●…ritie
,
in
defence
thereof
,
and
everie
one
of
〈◊〉
of
anot●…
,
〈◊〉
that
cause
of
maintaining
Religion
,
and
the
Kings
forsaid
Authoritie
,
and
to
appoynt
and
hold
Meetings
to
that
end
:
lyke
as
our
Proceedings
have
beene
in
themselves
most
necessarie
,
and
orderly
meanes
,
agreeable
to
the
Lawes
and
p●…ise
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
to
be
commended
as
Rea●…
Dueties
of
faythfull
Christians
,
loyall
Subjects
,
and
sensible
members
of
the
bodie
of
the
Kirke
and
Kingdome
,
and
tend
to
no
other
ende
,
but
to
the
preservation
of
Religion
,
and
maintenance
of
the
King's
Authoritie
.
To
your
Interrogator
(
which
yee
seeme
to
propone
,
rather
to
be
snares
to
us
,
than
for
satisfaction
to
your selves
)
we
an
swere
once
for
all
in
generall
,
That
if
this
were
the
opportunitie
to
that
Disputation
,
wee
shall
bee
found
to
deny
nothing
unto
Authoritie
of
that
which
the
worde
of
GOD
,
the
Law
of
Nature
,
and
Nations
,
the
Acts
of
Parliament
,
chiefe
Royalists
,
sound
Divines
,
and
loyall
Subj●…s
give
unto
Kinges
and
Princes
,
GOD'S
Vi●…
〈◊〉
earth
;
and
that
not
from
respect
to
our selves
,
●…t
to
●…e
Ordinance
of
GOD
,
by
whom
Kings
reign●…
.
But
seeing
so
oft
,
&
so
instanly
,
you
presse
us
in
this
point
,
yet
force
vs
mutually
to
propone
to
you
such
Questi●…
,
〈◊〉
it
may
bee
,
yee
will
have
no
great
delight
to
answere●…
We
desire
to
understand
of
you
,
Whether
yee
allow
,
or
disallow
the
Service
booke
,
and
booke
of
Canons
?
If
ye
disallow
them
as
an
innovation
of
Religion
,
why
have
ye
not
either
ioyned
in
Supplication
with
the
rest
of
the
Kingdome
,
or
made
a
Supplication
of
your
owne
,
against
them
,
or
some
other
way
testified
your
dislyke
?
Next
;
Whether
it
bee
pertinent
for
men
of
your
Place
and
Qualitie
,
to
move
Questions
of
State
,
touching
the
Power
of
Princes
,
and
liberties
of
Subjects
;
after
his
Majesties
Commissioner
,
&
wise
States-men
have
received
satisfaction
of
the
Subjects
,
for
suppressing
such
motions
as
yours
?
3.
Whether
doe
the
Subscribers
more
tender
,
his
Majesties
Honour
,
by
supposing
his
constancie
,
in
profession
of
Religion
,
and
equitable
disposition
,
in
ministration
of
Iustice
:
or
yee
who
suppose
hee
shall
fall
upon
his
religious
and
loyall
Subjects
,
with
force
of
Armes
,
contrarie
to
both
?
4.
Whether
the
joyning
of
the
whole
Kingdome
,
in
the
subscription
of
the
Covenant
,
or
the
intertaining
division
,
by
your
wrytting
,
preaching
,
and
threatning
of
your
people
,
otherwise
willing
to
joyne
,
bee
a
more
readie
Meane
to
settle
the
present
Co●…tions
of
the
Kirke
,
and
Kingdome
?
.
5.
If
the
Prelates
and
their
Followers
labouring
to
introduce
Popery
in
the
Land
,
make
a
Faction
by
themselves
,
or
as
the
Guisians
in
France
,
did
abuse
his
Majesties
name
,
in
execution
of
the
bloodie
Decrees
of
Trent
.
(
which
GOD
forbid
)
wee
aske
,
Whether
in
such
a
Case
,
the
lawfull
defence
of
the
bodie
of
the
Kingdome
,
against
such
a
Faction
,
bee
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
of
the
M●…rate
,
and
a
taking
A●…
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
●…g
?
If
ye
●…firme
it
to
be
is
not
this
to
take
p●…t
with
a
●…tion
;
seeking
their
owne
endes
,
against
the
Common-wealth
of
●…he
Ki●…ke
,
and
Kingdome
,
and
Honour
of
the
●…ing
?
If
yee
say
〈◊〉
,
Why
then
find
you
fault
with
our
Pr●…
〈◊〉
of
defending
the
Religion
,
Liberties
,
and
〈◊〉
of
the
Kingdome
,
of
the
Kings
Authoritie
,
in
defence
th●…of
,
and
everie
one
of
us
of
another
,
in
that
cause
,
as
if
it
were
an
unlawfull
combination
against
Authoritie
?
6.
Whether
doe
yee
thinke
Christian
Magistrates
to
bee
of
so
absolute
and
undoubted
power
,
notwithstanding
of
the
Promise
,
or
paction
made
with
the
Subjects
at
their
Co●…ion
,
or
of
any
law
made
for
the
establishing
their
Religion
,
&
Liberties
,
that
there
is
nothing
left
but
●…ering
of
Martyrd●…
,
in
the
c●…se
of
publick
〈◊〉
,
of
their
Religion
,
and
Liberties
?
If
ye
thinke
,
that
any
Defence
,
is
lawfull
,
why
●…isconstrue
yee
the
Subscribers
of
the
Covenant
?
If
not
,
how
can
you
be
free
of
flatterie
,
and
of
stirring
up
Princes
against
their
loyall
Subjects
,
for
such
ends
as
yourselves
know
be●…
?
We
●…lie
believe
,
that
yee
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
thankes
,
either
of
so
good
&
just
a
King
,
or
of
so
●…uetiefull
Subjects
,
for
entering
within
these
Lists
.
It
is
enough
,
that
such
Questions
bee
agit●…ed
in
the
Schooles
,
and
that
with
as
great
prudencie
,
&
●…s
circumspectly
as
may
bee
.
To
the
tenth
.
FIrst
,
yee
take
us
in
our
4
Rep●…
to
bee
the
penners
of
the
Covenant
,
and
yet
will
rather
wrest
the
wordes
of
it
,
to
your
owne
meaning
,
than
receive
the
Interpretation
thereof
from
us
:
for
wee
prejudge
not
your
libertie
of
conception
of
that
short
Confession
;
but
permit
it
to
your selves
;
whatsoever
may
bee
the
private
meaning
of
some
who
have
subscribed
;
yet
their
is
nothing
in
the
late
interpretation
that
condemneth
the
Articles
of
Pearth
,
and
Episcopacie
,
as
Popish
Novations
.
Yee
may
voyce
&
reason
in
an
Assembly
as
freelie
concerning
them
;
and
give
your
judgement
of
them
,
without
prejudice
,
notwithstanding
of
your
Oath
,
according
to
your
owne
grounds
,
as
you
would
have
done
at
the
Assembly
of
Perth
.
2.
We
hope
yee
bee
not
so
ignorant
of
the
estate
of
the
Kirke
,
neither
will
wee
judge
so
uncharitablie
;
as
to
think
you
so
corrupt
,
that
in
your
opinion
there
is
no
thing
hath
entred
in
the
Kirke
,
since
that
time
designed
by
you
,
beside
Episcopacie
,
and
Articles
of
Pearth
,
which
can
bee
thought
prejudiciall
to
the
libertie
,
and
puritie
of
the
Gospell
.
To
the
eleaventh
.
FIrst
,
yee
finde
fault
with
us
,
that
wee
have
not
upon
this
occasion
,
given
you
that
testimonie
which
wee
owe
to
you
,
of
your
sinceritie
;
and
professing
the
Trueth
,
&
therefore
,
to
supplie
our
defects
,
have
taken
an
ample
Testimonie
to
your selves
,
of
paines
in
Disputing
,
in
wryting
,
and
preaching
against
Poperie
,
in
processing
of
Papists
,
and
in
doing
all
things
which
can
bee
expected
from
the
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
of
frequent
prayer
to
GOD
,
of
humbling
your selves
before
Him
,
of
your
holinesse
of
Lyfe
,
and
Conversation
,
&c.
which
have
made
us
who
were
desirous
to
heare
that
Testimonie
,
rather
at
the
mouthes
of
others
,
that
wee
might
bee
no
more
challenged
as
deficient
in
that
kynde
,
but
give
unto
you
your
deserved
praise
,
to
inquyre
in
matters
;
where
upon
,
if
wee
would
believe
the
report
of
others
,
wee
heare
,
that
for
all
your
paynes
,
Papists
,
and
persons
popishly
affected
,
are
multiplyed
,
and
Papistrie
increased
in
your
towne
,
more
than
,
in
any
other
towne
of
the
Kingdome
,
and
no
lesse
under
your
Ministrie
,
than
any
time
before
,
since
the
Reformation
;
that
there
be
in
private
houses
Mosses
,
Crucifixes
,
and
other
monuments
of
Idolatrie
;
that
yee
had
not
manie
convers
from
Poperie
,
that
Iesuites
,
and
Priests
;
are
countenanced
there
,
that
your
People
at
home
,
and
your
Magistrates
abroad
,
complayne
;
that
yee
are
but
too
sparing
of
your
paines
in
preaching
,
and
often
fill
your
places
with
Novices
:
but
this
wee
are
sparing
to
believe
,
and
wish
,
that
the
not
imploying
of
your
Tongues
and
Pennes
,
in
defence
of
the
Service
booke
,
and
Canons
,
which
are
so
pestred
with
Poperie
,
(
if
the
seedes
of
Romish
Heresie
Superstition
,
Ido
latrie
,
and
Papall
tyrannie
come
under
that
censure
)
and
your
willingnesse
to
joyne
with
the
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
in
Fasting
an
Humiliation
,
had
beene
also
Testimonies
of
your
sinceritie
against
Poperie
.
2.
The
laudable
meanes
of
preaching
,
praying
,
&c.
which
wee
wish
may
be
still
in
all
faythfulnesse
used
by
you
,
maye
verie
well
agree
with
the
renewing
of
our
Covenant
with
God
,
aod
both
beeiug
joyned
,
have
,
in
a
short
time
past
,
produced
more
powerfull
effects
,
to
the
comfort
of
manie
thousandss
,
than
all
our
prayers
and
preaching
have
done
for
a
long
tyme
before
:
which
testifie
,
That
as
it
is
warranted
by
the
Word
of
GOD
;
so
the
motion
hath
proceeded
from
GOD.
All
the
Arguments
and
subtilities
that
can
be
devised
,
will
never
make
a
People
,
(
who
at
this
time
have
found
GOD
dwelling
,
and
working
in
their
hearts
)
to
think
the
contrarie
.
3.
The
naturall
inclination
of
people
to
Poperie
,
and
the
perswasion
of
others
of
their
disposition
,
maye
make
the
people
to
conceive
other
wayes
of
the
Service
booke
,
and
Canons
,
that
ere
it
be
long
,
they
may
bee
brought
in
,
in
a
fair
and
legall
way
:
and
therefore
,
it
is
necessarie
,
for
preventing
of
those
,
and
other
Evills
of
that
kynde
,
that
the
Subjects
joyne
in
a
Covenant
,
both
for
themselves
,
and
their
Posteritie
.
To
the
twelfth
.
FIrst
,
Wee
have
ever
preached
according
to
our
measure
,
and
have
given
example
of
Reverence
to
Authoritie
,
and
the
LORDS
Service
;
but
wee
neither
acknowledge
the
usurped
authoritie
of
Prelates
,
for
lawfull
Authoritie
,
nor
the
Service
Booke
,
for
the
LORDS
Service
.
And
therefore
,
it
was
so
much
the
more
intolerable
for
the
Prelates
,
without
Authoritie
from
the
Kirke
,
or
Parliament
,
to
bring
in
the
Service
booke
into
GOD'S
owne
House
,
upon
the
LORD'S
owne
Day
.
Which
maketh
it
nothing
strange
,
that
people
zealous
of
the
Trueth
,
and
of
the
Service
of
GOD
,
were
stirred
up
to
oppose
:
and
wee
are
verie
confident
that
those
that
have
opposed
,
doe
beare
as
loyall
respect
to
the
Kings
Majestie
,
and
will
bee
as
loath
to
provoke
him
to
just
wrath
,
as
their
Opposites
are
.
In
the
meane
tyme
,
why
doe
yee
not
acknowledge
,
that
the
children
were
higher
provoked
to
wrath
,
by
the
Prelates
,
whom
yee
account
Reverend
and
holie
Fathers
?
2.
As
the
preservation
of
our
owne
private
Possession
,
from
invasion
of
others
,
belongeth
to
our selves
,
under
the
Kings
protection
;
so
the
keeping
of
GODS
House
,
from
pollution
and
Superstition
,
belongeth
to
Authoritie
,
to
the
Communitie
of
the
Faithfull
,
and
to
everie
one
in
his
owne
Place
and
Order
.
3.
We
told
you
before
,
That
wee
did
no
more
allow
Violence
of
that
kind
,
nor
wee
did
allow
the
foule
Aspersions
of
Rebellion
,
●…eresie
,
Schisme
&
Perjurie
,
put
upon
the
Noble-men
,
and
remnant
Covenanters
.
And
where
yee
aske
of
us
,
Why
these
tumults
are
not
publickly
by
us
condemned
,
and
rebuked
?
Wee
aske
againe
of
you
,
why
yee
did
not
condemne
and
rebuke
such
dealing
,
since
that
it
is
no
lesse
Transgression
,
both
against
the
sixth
,
and
nynt
Command
,
than
the
other
is
against
the
sixt
?
And
whereas
yee
are
now
so
peremptorie
,
in
drawing
a
Declaration
from
us
,
answerable
to
that
which
yee
have
given
concerning
the
foresayd
aspersions
and
Calumnies
,
wee
having
no
Commission
,
to
declare
the
mindes
of
others
in
this
point
,
or
to
give
Documents
,
for
our
own
private
judgement
,
doe
heartilie
disallow
everie
Wrong
of
that
kynd
.
As
for
the
Apologie
of
Doctour
Iohn
Forbes
of
Corse
,
seeing
the
Wrong
hath
beene
done
not
unto
some
few
particulare
persons
,
such
as
ye
say
have
been
wronged
by
some
of
the
people
;
but
unto
the
bodie
of
the
Kingdome
,
consisting
of
Noble-men
,
Barons
,
&c.
who
are
highlie
offended
thereby
,
it
were
in
us
Presumption
,
and
without
the
bounds
of
our
Calling
,
to
take
upon
us
,
to
receive
any
Declaration
of
that
kynd
,
especiallie
wherein
so
manie
things
are
reprooveable
;
as
first
,
That
his
bitter
speaches
were
occasioned
by
some
printed
bookes
,
affirming
,
that
Episcopacie
and
Perth
Articles
,
were
antichristian
and
abominable
.
Supposing
it
were
true
,
did
he
think
the
Noble-men
and
whole
Covenanters
,
to
be
the
Authors
of
those
Bookes
?
And
was
this
dealing
agreeable
to
that
Christian
meeknesse
so
much
requyred
of
us
before
?
The
Wryters
of
those
printed
Bookes
,
are
not
the
first
who
have
spoken
so
.
For
Master
Knox
spared
not
,
(
in
a
Letter
of
his
)
to
call
this
Kneeling
,
A
Diabolicall
invention
.
Secoudly
;
The
swearing
of
forbearance
of
the
practise
of
Perth
articles
&
the
confirmation
of
the
said
doctrine
which
wee
neither
deny
,
nor
affirme
,
to
bee
imported
in
the
olde
Covenant
,
but
onelie
in
the
interpretation
thereof
,
wee
declare
.
That
Promise
is
onely
made
,
to
forbeare
for
a
tyms
doth
not
deserve
so
bitter
a
censure
,
as
this
Apologie
beareth
upon
us
.
3.
If
the
King's
Majestie
,
Councell
,
or
the
subjects
of
Scotland
,
had
asked
his
opinion
and
advice
,
hee
he
might
have
used
the
greater
libertie
.
4.
It
is
ill
apologized
,
to
call
it
an
holy
indignation
;
&
worse
defended
;
since
it
is
such
a
wrath
as
worketh
not
the
righteousnesse
of
GOD.
5.
Whereas
hee
desireth
to
be
accounted
in
the
number
of
these
,
qui
proficiendo
scribunt
&
scribendo
proficium
,
wee
could
wish
that
hee
had
profited
better
by
writing
,
than
hee
hath
done
by
wryting
his
Irenicum
first
,
&
now
this
his
Warning
,
after
his
Irenicum
;
for
which
if
hee
make
no
better
Apologie
,
than
confessing
asperitis
of
wordes
,
proceeding
from
an
holy
indignation
,
it
will
come
to
passe
of
his
Apologie
,
as
it
fared
with
his
Irenicum
,
unto
which
was
applyed
fitly
,
what
was
spoken
in
the
lyke
case
,
Aut
fabrum
forceps
,
aut
ars
ignara
fefellit
.
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
voluit
cudere
cudit
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
.
6.
Whereas
yee
desire
us
,
to
doe
the
lyke
,
if
yee
meane
of
us
personallie
,
wee
have
declared
our
judgement
,
and
shall
bee
carefull
to
approve
our selves
to
GOD
,
and
the
consciences
of
all
men
,
in
everie
such
duetie
:
and
if
yee
meane
us
,
and
those
that
sent
us
,
wee
shall
not
faile
to
to
report
unto
them
,
what
yee
desire
,
altho
our
Commission
from
you
had
beene
more
acceptable
,
if
yee
had
spoken
more
reverently
of
our
Confession
and
Covenant
,
than
yee
have
beene
pleased
to
doe
,
in
the
wordes
of
your
desire
,
and
had
put
your
hand
unto
the
Covenant
;
which
would
presently
have
joyned
us
in
a
greater
Affection
,
and
made
way
for
union
in
judgement
,
and
perfect
peace
,
which
is
the
desire
of
our
Soules
.
To
the
thirteenth
.
YEe
pretended
a
threefolde
Scandall
,
which
should
follow
upon
your
Subscription
.
1.
The
scandall
of
dissenting
from
other
reformed
Kirkes
,
and
famous
Divines
.
2.
The
scandall
of
dissenting
from
Anthoritie
.
3.
The
Scandall
of
Perjurie
,
.
Wee
answered
,
That
the
controverted
words
of
the
Covenant
being
rightly
conceived
,
&
interpreted
according
to
their
true
meaning
,
&
not
after
the
glosse
which
yee
have
put
upon
them
,
doe
put
you
out
of
danger
of
all
the
three
Scandalls
,
which
yee
seeme
to
acknowledge
of
the
first
two
,
and
maye
by
the
lyke
reason
acknowledge
of
the
third
,
of
Perjurie
.
We
dispute
not
of
the
lawfulnesse
of
the
Oath
given
at
your
Admission
,
by
what
Authoritie
it
was
exacted
,
with
what
conscience
it
was
given
,
nor
how
yee
can
answere
for
the
scandall
risen
thereupon
:
but
conceaving
it
according
to
your
owne
grounds
,
none
of
you
will
saye
,
that
yee
have
sworne
the
perpetuall
Approbation
and
Practise
of
those
things
which
yee
esteeme
to
bee
indifferent
,
what-soever
bad
consequent
of
Poperie
,
Idolatrie
,
Superstition
,
or
scandall
should
follow
thereupon
:
wee
speake
heere
onely
of
thinges
Indifferent
,
in
your
owne
judgement
;
for
yee
have
declared
before
.
that
yee
thinke
the
Ministration
of
the
Sacraments
in
piivate
places
,
no
more
indifferent
:
and
therefore
,
cannot
forbeare
the
practise
of
these
,
altho
your
Ordinarie
,
and
other
lawfull
Superiours
,
should
will
you
to
doe
soe
;
wherein
Pearths
Assembly
for
which
you
stand
,
is
wronged
by
you
two
wayes
:
1.
That
yee
differ
in
judgement
from
them
,
about
the
indifferenc●…e
of
the
five
Articles
;
and
next
,
that
at
the
will
of
your
Ordinarie
,
and
wee
knowe
not
what
other
lawfull
Superiours
,
yee
are
readie
to
forbeare
the
practise
of
these
thinges
which
the
Assembly
hath
appointed
to
bee
observed
.
What
Oathes
you
have
given
at
your
admission
,
wee
know
not
,
because
their
is
no
ordinance
made
,
Civil
or
Ecclesiasticke
,
appointing
any
such
oath
,
and
because
the
Prelates
,
who
arrogated
that
power
,
presented
to
the
intrants
diverse
models
of
Articles
,
to
bee
subscribed
,
dealing
with
some
more
hardlie
,
and
with
others
more
favourably
,
according
to
their
owne
diverse
motives
,
and
considerations
.
For
some
immediately
after
P●…rth
Assembly
,
without
anye
warrant
from
the
Kirke
or
Parliament
,
were
made
to
sweare
at
their
admission
,
that
they
should
both
in
private
and
publicke
maintaine
Episcopall
Iurisdiction
,
and
in
their
private
and
publicke
prayers
,
commend
the
Prelats
to
Gods
mercifull
Protection
;
that
they
should
subject
themselves
to
the
Orders
that
presently
were
in
the
Kirk
,
or
by
the
consent
of
the
said
Kirke
,
should
bee
lawfullie
established
,
The
word
lawfullie
;
was
not
in
the
Principal
first
subscribed
,
(
as
wee
have
learned
)
and
if
it
had
beene
exprest
,
it
is
all
one
,
for
the
Superiors
were
Iudges
to
this
lawfulnesse
and
vnlawfulnesse
.
Wee
will
not
labour
to
reconcile
everie
Oath
given
by
Ministers
,
at
their
entry
with
the
present
Covenant
;
but
wish
,
and
exhort
rather
,
that
they
may
bee
recalled
,
and
repented
of
,
as
thinges
for
which
they
cannot
answere
before
a
generall
Assembly
,
To
the
fourteenth
.
IF
the
words
of
the
Covenant
bee
plaine
,
concerning
the
meere
forbearance
,
&
speake
nothing
of
the
vnlawfulnes
,
no
man's
thoughts
can
make
a
change
.
2.
By
this
Reply
ye
wrong
your selves
,
in
forging
from
the
words
of
the
Covenant
,
impediments
,
and
drawing
stumbling
blocks
in
your
own
way
to
hinder
your
Subscription
;
yee
wrong
the
subscribers
,
in
changing
the
state
of
the
question
,
&
in
making
a
divorce
betwixt
Religion
and
the
Kings
Authority
,
which
the
Covenant
joyneth
together
.
hand
in
hand
:
and
,
most
of
all
,
ye
wrong
the
Kings
Majestie
,
in
bringing
him
upon
the
Stage
,
before
his
subjects
,
in
whose
minds
ye
wold
beget
,
&
breed
susspitions
,
of
opposing
the
Trueth
,
of
making
innovation
of
Religion
,
&
of
dealing
with
his
subjects
contrary
to
his
laws
&
Proclamations
&
cotrary
to
the
Oath
at
his
Coronation
.
We
are
not
here
seeking
inscitiae
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
〈◊〉
,
or
a
starting
hole
of
ignorance
,
or
the
smalllest
disloyalty
of
affection
;
but
would
willingly
decline
that
for
the
present
,
which
neither
his
Majesties
wisdome
,
nor
the
prudence
of
Statesmen
:
nor
the
modestie
of
good
Subjects
,
will
allow
you
or
us
to
dispute
.
The
Crowns
and
Scepters
of
Kings
would
be
more
tenderlie
tonched
,
than
the
ordinarie
Subjects
of
Schoole
Disputes
.
The
naked
naming
,
&
bare
rpoposall
of
certaine
suppositions
,
such
(
as
some
are
made
by
you
)
cannot
but
reflex
upon
Authoritie
,
&
sound
harsh
in
the
eares
of
all
his
Majesties
good
Subjects
who
wish
,
he
may
long
and
prosperously
reigne
over
us
.
3.
His
Majesties
most
honourable
privie
Counsell
,
hath
proven
more
fauourable
to
this
cause
,
of
maintaining
the
reformed
Religion
,
than
many
Pastors
,
whom
by
reason
of
their
place
&
Calling
,
it
beeseemed
to
goe
before
others
;
&
altho
according
to
their
wonted
custome
,
they
gave
warrant
,
to
make
his
Majesties
Proclamation
,
yet
on
good
grounds
remonstrated
unto
them
by
the
Supplicants
,
they
willinglie
refused
their
Approbation
,
therof
;
hoping
that
his
Majestie
should
be
moved
to
give
greater
satisfaction
thereafter
:
and
this
is
not
our
saying
,
but
a
publicke
doing
,
before
many
honourable
witnesses
;
of
which
number
,
some
were
directed
unto
you
,
whose
report
yee
have
no
reason
to
call
in
question
.
4
,
It
becommeth
us
,
to
judge
charitably
of
the
intentions
of
our
Superiors
;
but
most
of
all
,
of
the
Intentions
of
our
dread
Soveraigne
.
Yet
if
that
hold
good
which
the
Supplicants
have
offred
to
prove
,
that
the
Service
booke
,
&
Canons
,
containe
a
reall
innovation
of
Religion
wee
must
judge
otherwise
,
de
conditione
operis
,
of
the
matters
contained
in
the
book
than
de
intentione
operant
is
,
of
his
Majesties
intention
;
altho
the
intention
of
the
Prelats
&
their
associats
,
the
Authors
and
Contrivers
of
the
Bookes
be
most
justly
suspected
by
us
.
5.
It
is
no
delight
to
us
,
and
can
bee
but
small
comfort
to
you
,
to
mention
the
wrongs
,
which
by
you
are
done
to
us
all
who
have
joyned
in
this
Couenant
,
&
doe
adhere
to
the
Religion
as
it
was
reformed
in
this
Land
;
in
your
estimation
and
wrytings
,
we
are
rebellious
perjured
,
hereticks
.
schismaticks
,
blind
guides
,
seducers
,
miserable
interpreters
,
ignorants
:
shall
such
men
as
these
bee
your
reverend
Brethren
?
Is
this
your
meeknesse
&
charitie
?
Is
this
the
duetie
ye
expect
from
us
?
But
setting
these
aside
,
yee
have
wronged
us
,
in
with-holding
your
hand
and
helpe
from
so
good
a
Cause
,
of
purging
Religion
,
&
reforming
the
Kirke
from
so
many
grosse
Abuses
,
and
opposing
all
those
who
have
modestlie
laboured
for
Reformation
Your
speaches
in
private
,
in
your
chambers
,
beds
of
sicknes
,
&
in
your
missives
,
&
in
publicke
,
at
tables
and
in
Synods
,
which
are
come
to
our
knowledge
;
wee
wish
rather
should
be
remembred
,
&
repented
of
,
by
your selves
,
than
bee
recited
by
us
,
who
desire
not
to
work
you
any
trouble
.
6.
Altho
there
be
a
perpotuall
harmonie
betwixt
the
Word
and
Workes
of
GOD
,
sarre
contrarie
to
that
which
wee
find
to
bee
amongst
the
children
of
men
;
yet
often
it
commeth
to
passe
,
that
the
Word
and
Warnings
of
GOD
,
which
we
heare
with
our
eares
,
are
not
believed
,
till
we
behold
with
our
eyes
,
the
plaine
Commentaries
thereof
,
in
his
Works
.
Many
Proofs
and
notable
Documents
have
beene
observed
of
the
Finger
of
GOD
,
in
the
Worke
in
hand
,
the
Characters
of
the
gaeat
Workes
of
GOD'S
,
more
than
ordinarie
Providence
,
since
the
beginning
,
are
legible
heere
.
Then
did
the
LORD
bgin
this
work
,
when
the
Adversaries
were
raised
to
a
great
hight
,
and
become
intolerably
insolent
.
The
beginnings
were
small
,
and
in
the
eyes
of
the
world
contemptible
;
such
as
use
to
bee
the
beginnings
not
of
the
works
of
men
,
but
of
the
magnificke
Works
of
GOD
:
the
power
of
GOD
sensible
in
the
hearts
of
many
,
&
manifested
by
the
joy
;
the
tearesand
cryes
of
many
thousands
,
at
the
solemne
renewing
of
this
Covenant
,
hath
beene
a
matter
of
admiration
and
amazement
,
never
to
bee
forgotten
,
to
many
wise
and
ancient
Pastors
and
Professors
,
who
did
also
finde
an
unwonted
flame
,
warming
their
owne
breasts
;
the
plots
and
workings
of
the
adversary
,
have
wroug●…
against
their
own
projects
,
&
have
served
●…or
our
endes
,
m●…e
than
all
that
have
beene
thought
,
or
done
by
our selves
,
that
wee
may
justly
say
,
what
they
devysed
,
for
evill
,
the
LORD
hath
turned
to
good
:
manie
thousands
conveened
,
diverse
times
,
in
one
place
,
have
beene
kept
in
such
order
&
quyetnesse
,
without
the
smallest
trouble
,
in
such
sobernesse
&
temperance
,
without
excesse
or
riot
,
that
hardly
can
History
furnish
a
Paralell
,
&
what
effectes
there
bee
already
throughout
the
Land
,
of
Pietie
in
domestick
worship
,
in
observing
the
exercises
of
Religion
.
in
publick
,
of
sobernesse
in
dyet
and
appatrell
,
&
of
righteousnesse
and
concord
,
wee
trust
shall
be
sensible
by
the
Blessings
of
GOD
upon
us
,
and
shall
be
examplarie
to
the
Posteritie
,
These
wee
present
unto
you
,
and
unto
all
,
as
a
Commentary
,
written
by
the
LORD'S
owne
hand
;
wishing
againe
,
that
neither
yee
nor
others
,
bee
sound
fighting
against
GOD
,
Who
so
is
wise
,
and
will
observe
these
things
,
even
they
shall
understand
the
loving
kindnes
of
the
Lord
.
Psal
107.
43.
Lord
;
when
thy
hand
is
lifted
up
,
they
will
not
see
but
they
shall
see
,
&
hee
ashamed
for
their
envy
at
the
people
.
Is.
26.
11.
Master
Alexander
Henderson
,
Minister
at
Leuchars
.
Master
David
Dickson
,
Minister
at
Irwin
.