THE Parliament of the COMMON-WEALTH of England , having taken the Settlement of Scotland into their serious Consideration , and those things which in the Establishing of the Government there , may be acceptable to GOD , and for the Good and Welfare of the People . And for as much as the due Administration of Iustice and Right , doth effectually conduce thereunto : And the Parliament having in pursuance thereof , Authorized and Commanded Us to use our utmost Endeavours , that Iustice be done to all the People of Scotland , Equally and Impartially , without respect of Persons , and as may be most for their Ease and Relief . And finding it necessary since our Coming hither , that for those Ends. Iudicatories be speedily erected , to the effecting whereof , in a settled and orderly way , more time will be required then the present condition of Scotland , by reason of the long want of Administration of Iustice will permit . We have thought fit to make the same known unto the People of Scotland . And likewise , that in consideration of the present Exigency , We shall by vertue of the Power unto Us given in that behalf , by the Parliament of the Common-Wealth of England , forthwith appoint and authorize Persons to the Administration of Iustice unto the People of Scotland , who are to be continued for some short time , untill the Iudicatories and Courts of Iustice , may in a more solemn and lasting way be established .

And We do further , for , and in the Name of the Parliament of the Common-Wealth of England , Declare , That no Power , Iurisdiction or Authority , derived from , by , or under Charles Stuart , who pretendeth himself King of Scotland , or any of his Predecessours , or any otherwise then from the Parliament of the Common-Wealth of England , be used , exercised , or enjoyed within Scotland , the Iles , or any the Territories thereof ; and do hereby forbid , adnull , and make void the use or exercise of any Power , Iurisdiction , or Authority whatsoever within Scotland , the Iles , or any the Territories thereof , other then such as is , or shall be derived from the Parliament of the Common-Wealth of England , whereof all Persons of whatsoever condition or quality are to take Notice , and required not to do to the contrary thereof , in any wayes , upon the Pains and Penalties that may thereupon ensue . And , that none may pretend ignorance hereof , We have Commanded this Declaration to be Printed and Proclaimed at the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh , and the other Burghs within Scotland , where Proclamations have usually been made .