AN
ANSWER
TO
THE
PROFESSION
AND
DECLARATION
.
MADE
BY
IAUES
MARQUES
OF
HAMMILTON
,
HIS
MAIESTIES
HIGH
COMMISSIONER
,
Imprinted
at
Edinburgh
Anno
1638
,
in
December
.
THis
ancient
Kingdome
,
although
not
the
most
flourishing
in
the
glory
and
wealth
of
the
World
,
hath
been
so
largely
recompensed
with
the
riches
of
the
Gospel
,
in
the
reformation
and
purity
of
Religion
from
the
abundant
mercy
and
free
grace
of
our
GOD
towards
us
,
that
all
the
reformed
Kirks
about
us
,
did
admire
our
happinesse
.
And
King
Iames
himself
of
happy
memorie
,
gloried
that
he
had
the
honour
to
be
born
,
and
to
be
a
King
in
the
best
reformed
Kirk
in
the
world
.
Those
blessings
of
pure
doctrine
,
Christian
government
,
and
right
frame
of
discipline
we
long
enjoyed
,
as
they
were
prescribed
by
GODS
own
word
;
who
as
the
great
Master
of
his
family
,
left
most
perfect
directions
for
his
own
oecanomie
,
and
the
whole
officers
of
his
house
:
till
the
Prelats
,
without
calling
from
GOD
,
or
warrand
from
his
word
,
did
ingire
themselves
by
their
craft
and
violence
upon
the
house
of
GOD
.
Their
craftie
entrie
at
the
beginning
was
disguised
under
many
cautions
and
caveats
,
which
they
never
observed
,
and
have
professed
since
,
they
never
intended
to
observe
,
though
they
were
sworn
thereto
.
Their
wayes
of
promoving
their
course
were
subtile
and
cunning
:
as
in
abstracting
the
registers
of
the
Kirk
,
wherein
their
government
was
condemned
;
in
impeding
yearly
generall
Assemblies
,
whereunto
they
were
subject
and
comptable
;
and
generally
in
enfeebling
the
power
of
the
Kirk
,
and
establishing
the
same
totally
in
their
own
persons
:
whereby
in
a
short
time
they
made
such
progresse
,
that
being
invested
in
the
prime
places
of
estate
,
and
arming
themselves
with
the
boundlesse
power
of
the
high
Commission
,
they
made
themselves
lords
over
GODs
inheritance
:
and
out
of
their
greatnesse
,
without
any
shew
of
order
or
Councell
,
without
advise
of
the
Kirk
,
but
at
their
own
pleasure
enterprised
to
alter
and
subvert
the
former
doctrine
and
discipline
of
this
Kirk
,
&
introduce
many
fearfull
corruptions
and
innovations
,
to
the
utter
overthrow
of
religion
;
and
to
make
us
no
lesse
miserable
then
we
were
happy
before
.
These
pressing
grievances
did
at
length
awake
the
good
Subjects
to
petition
his
Majestie
and
his
Councell
for
redresse
.
And
albeit
at
last
,
after
many
reiterated
supplications
and
long
attendance
,
his
Majestie
hath
been
graciously
pleased
to
grant
a
free
generall
Assembly
,
yet
in
the
beginning
by
the
credit
of
the
Prelates
,
and
their
commodity
of
accesse
,
his
Royall
eare
was
long
stoped
to
our
cryes
,
and
wee
discharged
under
the
paine
of
treason
to
meet
for
making
any
more
remonstrances
of
our
just
desires
.
In
this
distresse
none
other
mean
,
nor
hope
of
redresse
being
left
,
wee
had
our
recourse
to
GOD
,
who
hath
the
hearts
of
all
Kings
and
Rulers
in
his
hand
;
and
therefore
taking
to
our
heart
,
that
GOD
had
justly
punished
us
,
for
the
breach
of
that
nationall
Covenant
,
made
with
GOD
,
in
Anno
1580.
We
thought
fit
to
reconcile
our selves
to
him
again
,
by
renewing
the
same
Covenant
.
And
so
,
in
obedience
to
his
divine
Commandement
,
conforme
to
the
practise
of
the
godly
in
former
times
,
and
according
to
the
laudable
example
of
our
religious
Progenitours
,
warranted
by
acts
of
Councel
,
we
again
renewed
our
confession
of
Faith
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
as
a
reall
restimonie
of
our
fidelitie
to
GOD
,
in
bearing
witnesse
to
the
truth
of
that
Religion
whereunto
we
were
sworn
to
adhere
in
Doctrine
and
Discipline
,
of
our
loyaltie
to
our
Soveraigne
,
and
mutuall
union
among
our selves
in
that
cause
.
Which
Confession
,
with
a
sensible
demonstration
of
GODS
blessing
from
heaven
,
was
solemnly
sworn
and
subscribed
,
by
persons
of
all
ranks
,
throughout
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
with
a
necessar
explanation
and
application
for
excluding
the
innovations
and
corruptions
introduced
in
the
Religion
,
and
goverment
of
this
Kirk
,
since
the
year
1580.
that
so
our
oath
to
GOD
might
be
clear
for
maintenance
of
the
doctrine
and
discipline
then
professed
and
established
,
and
according
to
the
meaning
of
that
time
.
The
happie
effects
of
this
our
resolution
and
doing
,
have
been
wonderfull
:
And
since
that
time
GODS
powerfull
hand
in
the
conduct
of
this
businesse
hath
evidently
appeared
.
For
after
some
time
,
upon
the
continuance
of
our
groanes
and
supplications
,
our
gracious
Soveraigne
was
pleased
to
send
into
this
Kingdome
,
The
noble
Lord
IAMES
Marques
of
Hammiltoun
,
&c.
with
commission
to
hear
and
redresse
our
heavie
grievances
:
who
after
many
voyages
to
his
Majestie
,
and
long
conferences
and
treating
with
us
,
needlesse
to
be
related
in
this
place
,
did
in
end
,
by
commandement
from
his
Majestie
,
indict
a
free
generall
Assembly
to
be
holden
at
Glasgow
the
twentie
one
of
November
last
,
and
proclaimed
a
Parliament
to
be
holden
at
Edinburgh
the
fifteenth
of
May
nexto-come
,
for
setling
a
perfect
peace
in
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
:
And
further
to
give
full
assurance
to
the
subjects
,
that
his
Majestie
did
never
intend
to
admit
any
change
or
alteration
in
the
true
religion
,
alreadie
established
and
professed
in
this
Kingdome
:
And
that
all
his
good
people
might
bee
fully
and
clearly
satisfied
of
the
realitie
of
his
royall
intentions
for
the
maintenance
of
the
truth
and
integritie
of
the
said
Religion
,
his
Majestie
did
injoyn
and
command
all
the
Lords
of
his
privie
Councel
,
Senatours
of
the
Colledge
of
Iustice
,
and
all
other
subjects
whatsoever
,
to
renew
and
subscribe
the
confession
of
Faith
formerly
subscribed
by
King
IAMES
of
blessed
memorie
and
his
houshold
in
Anno
1580.
and
thereafter
by
persons
of
all
ranks
,
in
Anno
1581.
by
ordinance
of
the
Councel
,
and
acts
of
the
generall
Assembly
,
and
again
subscribed
by
all
sorts
of
persons
in
Anno.
1590.
by
a
new
ordinance
of
Councel
,
at
the
desire
of
the
generall
Assembly
,
with
a
band
for
maintenance
of
the
true
Religion
,
the
Kings
person
,
&
each
of
other
in
that
cause
:
as
the
proclamation
of
indiction
,
being
dated
at
Oatlands
,
the
9.
of
September
,
published
at
the
Mercat
crosse
of
Edinburgh
,
the
22.
of
the
said
moneth
,
more
fully
proporteth
.
Upon
the
hearing
of
which
Proclamation
,
These
who
were
attending
at
Edinburgh
,
and
expecting
a
gracious
answer
of
our
former
desires
,
as
out
of
bounden
duety
they
did
with
all
thankfulnesse
acknowledge
his
Majesties
gracious
favour
:
So
out
of
zeal
to
GOD
and
Religion
,
they
did
protest
,
that
they
who
had
by
the
late
Covenant
and
Confession
condescended
more
specially
to
the
innovations
and
errours
of
the
time
,
could
not
after
so
solemne
a
specification
,
returne
to
an
implicit
and
more
generall
confession
enjoyned
,
conforme
to
a
mandat
,
apparantly
discrepant
from
the
genuine
meaning
of
the
confession
,
and
wanting
both
explication
&
application
,
and
did
most
humbly
and
earnestly
desire
the
Lords
of
his
Majesties
councel
,
that
they
would
not
,
in
regard
of
the
former
reasons
,
presse
upon
the
subjects
the
subscription
of
this
Covenant
,
but
that
they
might
be
pleased
to
forebear
their
own
subscribing
of
it
,
in
respect
of
the
inconveniences
might
result
upon
their
subscribing
thereof
,
in
an
ambiguous
sense
;
but
their
Lordships
not
having
subscribed
that
confession
,
containing
our
former
explanation
,
and
being
required
by
his
Majesties
Commissioner
,
to
subscribe
the
Confession
,
as
it
was
drawen
up
,
and
presented
to
them
,
without
our
explanation
,
with
a
generall
band
for
maintenance
of
the
Religion
in
Doctrine
and
Discipline
now
presently
profest
,
and
of
his
Majesties
person
,
least
these
words
(
now
presently
)
repeated
in
this
year
1638.
should
inferre
any
approbation
of
these
innovations
,
introduced
since
the
year
1580.
whereof
many
did
justly
complaine
,
after
deliberation
for
removing
of
this
scruple
and
prejudice
,
and
clearing
of
their
own
meaning
;
they
caused
make
an
act
of
councel
that
their
swearing
and
subscribing
of
the
confession
of
Faith
was
according
to
the
tennour
and
date
the
second
of
March
1580.
according
as
it
was
then
profest
within
this
Kingdome
:
whereupon
they
rested
satisfied
,
being
confident
that
the
generall
Assembly
then
indicted
,
would
remove
any
doubt
and
differ
which
might
arise
anent
the
meaning
and
interpretation
of
the
confession
of
Faith
,
and
clear
what
was
profest
in
the
year
1580.
Yet
some
having
subscribed
that
Covenant
in
different
senses
,
others
forebearing
to
subscribe
the
same
,
as
some
of
the
Lords
of
Session
,
till
the
Assembly
should
declare
the
genuine
and
true
meaning
of
the
Confession
,
upon
whose
interpretation
,
as
of
the
only
competent
judge
,
they
might
acquiesce
,
and
rest
satisfied
:
which
now
after
accurate
tryall
of
the
acts
of
generall
Assemblies
,
and
mature
deliberation
,
is
fully
cleared
,
and
explained
in
this
last
generall
Assembly
by
GODS
mercy
,
and
his
Majesties
gracious
favour
of
indiction
,
holden
at
Glasgow
:
as
the
act
made
thereupon
doth
proport
:
whereby
Episcopall
government
,
mongst
many
other
innovations
is
found
upon
undenyable
evidences
of
truth
and
declared
to
be
condemned
and
abjured
in
this
Kirk
,
in
Anno
1580.
There
is
notwithstanding
published
in
name
of
his
Majesties
Commissioner
a
declaration
,
tending
to
disswade
his
Majesties
subjects
from
receiving
the
explanation
of
the
confession
made
by
this
Assembly
,
and
affirming
that
the
confession
subscribed
by
the
Councel
,
doth
no
wayes
exclude
Episcopall
government
,
nor
any
thing
else
established
by
laws
standing
in
force
,
the
time
of
the
taking
of
the
said
oath
,
the
ninth
of
September
last
;
notwithstanding
the
foresaid
act
of
Assembly
,
which
as
the
decree
of
our
mother
Kirk
ought
to
bee
received
and
reverenced
by
all
her
children
,
and
act
of
Councel
,
whereof
the
words
are
so
cleare
,
as
they
cannot
admit
anie
mentall
reservation
,
which
is
acknowledged
by
such
of
the
Councellers
then
present
and
subscribers
,
whose
hearts
GOD
hath
touched
,
to
make
the
sense
of
their
oath
to
GOD
,
preponder
with
them
above
all
other
worldly
respects
and
fears
.
THis
declaration
containeth
five
arguments
,
with
a
boundle
of
acts
of
Parliament
,
quotted
and
drawen
up
by
some
persons
,
whom
wee
know
not
;
but
seen
and
approven
by
the
Commissioner
:
whereby
his
Grace
indevoureth
to
evince
his
conclusion
,
that
Episcopal
government
was
not
abjured
by
the
Councel
,
nor
the
Covenant
1580.
Which
is
so
repugnant
to
the
acts
of
the
Kirk
;
The
act
of
Councel
,
and
all
reason
,
that
wee
are
confident
,
the
same
will
make
no
impression
in
the
judgement
of
any
well
affected
Christian
,
as
shall
be
evident
by
our
following
answers
,
which
we
offer
to
the
readers
consideration
,
after
he
hath
first
expended
these
generalls
.
Foure
generall
considerations
of
the
Declaration
.
1.
This
declaration
is
only
made
by
his
Majesties
Commissioner
,
and
not
by
the
Lords
of
secret
Councel
,
who
should
be
fittest
interpreters
of
their
own
act
,
and
whose
act
should
be
the
ample
expression
of
their
meaning
,
else
acts
of
Councel
,
by
possibilitie
of
admitting
the
variable
commentarie
of
intentions
,
will
losse
all
force
and
vigour
in
themselves
.
And
yet
it
is
evident
that
the
Councellers
have
not
only
actually
sworne
to
maintain
the
Religion
and
Discipline
established
in
Anno
1580.
When
Episcopacie
was
condemned
;
but
likewise
intended
to
doe
so
:
because
they
have
distinguished
and
opposed
betweene
the
Religion
presently
professed
,
1638
mentioned
in
the
Proclamation
,
and
the
Religion
professed
in
Anno.
1580.
mentioned
in
their
act
;
and
by
that
opposition
of
now
and
then
,
they
reject
the
one
,
and
swear
the
other
:
otherwise
they
needed
no
declaration
:
which
notwithstanding
accompanies
their
subscriptions
,
and
is
acknowledged
by
the
Commissioner
in
the
second
line
,
to
be
an
act
explaining
the
Confession
,
forobedience
whereof
all
those
who
have
subscribed
that
Covenant
,
have
done
the
same
.
2.
Albeit
his
Majesty
did
not
conceive
any
difference
between
the
Religion
,
Doctrine
and
Discipline
now
profest
,
from
that
which
was
in
Anno
1580.
(
wherewith
his
Majestie
can
hardly
be
acquainted
,
without
perusing
the
records
of
Assemblies
)
yet
his
Majesties
reall
intention
was
to
maintaine
the
confession
of
Faith
professed
in
Anno
1580.
because
his
Royall
disigne
by
that
commandement
was
to
maintain
true
Christian
Religion
in
puritie
(
whereunto
Episcopacie
by
this
Kirk
was
ever
judged
and
condemned
as
prejudiciall
)
and
to
remove
the
fears
of
his
Majesties
good
Subjects
,
complaining
of
by-gone
innovatitions
,
and
apprehending
greater
changes
:
which
ends
are
only
obtained
by
subscription
of
the
Confession
as
it
was
Anno
1580.
And
no
wise
by
maintaining
the
Religion
now
presently
profest
;
because
the
corruptions
now
presently
received
in
this
Kirk
,
are
the
grounds
of
our
just
complaints
,
as
being
contrary
to
the
word
of
GOD
,
&
forsaid
confession
in
Anno
1580.
3.
We
must
distinguish
between
oathes
,
tendered
by
the
first
framers
of
the
Confession
,
the
whole
Kirk
,
who
have
power
to
interpret
and
explaine
the
same
,
and
oathes
required
,
to
be
renewed
by
the
suppreme
Magistrat
the
Kings
Majestie
,
who
as
custos
utriusque
tabulae
,
and
a
true
Son
of
the
Kirk
,
ought
to
receive
the
true
meaning
of
the
Kirk
,
and
cause
it
to
be
received
of
those
whom
God
hath
subjected
to
him
.
And
we
are
confident
that
his
Majestie
,
in
his
just
and
pious
disposition
,
will
never
take
away
the
benefite
of
that
holy
nationall
oath
,
and
confession
of
Faith
subscribed
by
his
Majesties
Father
of
blessed
memorie
1580.
and
now
lately
renewed
again
,
and
solemnly
sworn
by
the
Subjects
of
this
Kingdome
,
upon
the
pretence
of
any
intentions
repugnant
to
the
true
sense
of
that
confession
:
which
even
as
it
is
subscribed
by
the
Councell
,
doth
never
import
that
his
Majestie
was
framing
or
administring
any
new
confession
or
oath
,
but
only
injoyning
to
renew
the
old
confession
1580
and
therefore
unquestionably
should
be
taken
in
the
true
meaning
of
that
time
.
Fourthly
,
if
there
were
any
reall
opposition
betwixt
his
Majesties
Proclamation
and
the
act
of
explanation
made
by
his
Majesties
Commissioner
and
Councell
,
Yet
the
last
must
be
observed
and
prefered
before
the
first
,
because
the
first
is
his
privat
will
,
the
second
his
publick
,
and
judiciall
will
.
Et
posterior
derogat
priori
,
publica
privatae
.
And
albeit
we
do
not
now
expresse
that
the
Councell
did
subscribe
the
confession
of
Faith
in
obedience
to
a
mandat
,
where
there
was
any
contrariety
,
repugnancie
,
or
ambiguity
betwixt
the
mandat
and
the
Confession
it self
,
which
was
commanded
,
yet
the
Councell
making
an
act
that
they
did
subscribe
it
as
it
was
professed
1580.
and
declaring
publickly
that
this
was
their
own
meaning
,
both
they
and
such
of
his
Majesties
liedges
,
who
did
subscribe
in
obedience
of
their
charge
,
are
oblidged
to
observe
rem
juratam
,
and
the
reall
matter
of
the
oath
(
more
then
the
minde
and
mandat
of
the
prescriver
)
especially
seeing
it
is
no
new
Confession
,
but
the
renewed
Confession
of
the
whole
Kirk
of
Scotland
;
The
meaning
whereof
cannot
be
declared
nor
interpret
by
any
,
but
the
whole
Kirk
of
Scotland
who
now
upon
unanswrable
reasons
,
have
clearly
found
that
Episcopall
governement
,
was
then
abolished
and
abjured
:
It
followeth
by
good
consequence
,
that
the
Councell
did
both
virtually
and
verily
swear
,
yea
intend
to
swear
the
abjuration
of
Episcopacie
,
which
is
found
by
that
confession
1580.
&
the
discipline
of
the
Kirk
then
established
,
to
be
a
corrupt
government
in
this
Kirk
,
of
human
invention
,
wanting
warrand
from
the
word
of
God
,
tending
to
the
overthrow
of
this
Kirk
:
So
that
any
declaration
in
the
contrare
hereof
is
protestatio
contraria
facto
,
and
the
reasons
thereof
cannot
be
forceable
,
to
brangle
the
resolution
of
any
judicious
well
affected
Christian
,
if
he
will
patiently
read
and
ponder
,
without
preoccupation
,
these
following
answers
to
the
five
reasons
insert
in
that
declaration
.
The
first
aleadged
reason
is
this
,
that
his
Majestie
Answer
to
the
first
reason
.
could
not
command
an
oath
absolutly
unlawfull
:
but
it
is
absolutely
unlawfull
to
swear
against
any
thing
established
by
the
laws
of
the
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
if
the
same
be
not
repugnant
to
the
word
of
God
or
repealed
by
posteriour
laws
.
To
this
we
answer
,
First
.
The
Kings
Majestie
by
commanding
his
Subjects
to
renew
the
confession
of
Faith
for
mantaining
the
doctrine
and
discipline
profest
in
anno
1580.
hath
commanded
them
to
abjure
whatsoever
is
found
by
the
competent
Iudge
to
be
introduced
since
that
time
repugnant
thereto
,
albeit
by
the
corruption
of
times
it
were
countenanced
with
some
law
interveening
.
Secondly
,
the
Lords
of
Councell
and
Session
and
other
Subjects
have
subscribed
the
confession
of
Faith
as
it
was
1580.
not
only
without
any
restriction
of
it
to
the
present
laws
,
but
in
a
direct
opposition
to
what
is
presently
established
by
returning
from
the
present
corruptions
in
the
profession
,
tanquam
termino
a
quo
,
to
the
profession
1580.
tanquam
terminum
ad
quem
:
which
a
great
part
of
Councellours
and
other
Subjects
have
declared
to
be
their
meaning
.
Thirdly
,
Episcopacie
is
found
by
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
in
many
Assemblies
to
be
an
office
unwarranted
by
the
word
of
God
,
unlawfull
and
repugnant
thereto
:
so
that
the
abjuration
thereof
in
this
Kirk
is
lawfull
and
necessare
.
Fourthly
,
Episcopacie
was
never
restored
by
any
Assembly
of
this
Kirk
,
nor
these
Assemblies
wherein
it
was
condemned
,
repealed
,
without
the
which
the
same
could
not
be
established
by
a
Parliament
,
whose
power
doth
no
more
reach
to
the
placeing
officers
originally
in
the
Kirk
,
then
the
Kirks
power
to
the
making
states
men
in
the
common-wealth
.
Fifthly
,
the
laws
which
any
wayes
contribute
to
the
introduction
of
Episcopacie
,
do
only
extend
to
civill
priviledges
,
and
were
alwayes
protested
against
by
the
Kirk
,
as
contrarie
to
the
nationall
Covenant
of
this
land
.
Sixthly
,
if
any
Assembly
canbe
pretended
to
countenance
Episcopacie
or
other
corruptions
;
it
sufficeth
to
say
that
the
same
with
all
the
acts
thereof
is
declared
to
have
been
null
and
void
ab
initio
for
undeniable
reasons
as
the
act
at
more
length
proports
.
Seventhly
,
the
breach
of
our
nationall
Covenant
by
introduction
of
corruptions
thereby
abolished
,
hath
undoubtedly
in
high
measure
offended
God
:
and
therefore
at
the
renovation
of
that
Covenant
again
with
God
,
we
ought
not
only
to
abjure
all
these
innovations
,
but
hereafter
should
be
carefull
not
to
be
relapse
in
our
offence
.
Eighthly
,
in
no
Covenant
Episcopacie
is
expresly
or
specifice
abjured
,
before
all
Ecclesiasticall
laws
favouring
the
same
was
repealled
,
&
declared
null
,
but
only
virtually
and
generally
,
as
being
formerly
abjured
in
anno
1580.
And
as
the
tryall
hereof
was
referred
to
the
Assembly
,
as
the
only
Iudge
competent
,
so
now
when
the
Assembly
hath
declared
and
found
Presbyteriall
government
to
have
been
approven
,
and
Episcopall
government
condemned
,
abolished
and
abjured
in
anno
1580.
and
in
liew
of
perceiving
that
Episcopacie
is
of
an
Apostolick
institution
,
have
clearly
seen
that
it
is
justly
condemned
in
our
Kirk
,
as
the
invention
of
man
wanting
warrand
or
fundament
in
the
word
of
God
,
tending
to
the
overthrow
of
this
Kirk
,
Therefore
albeit
Episcopacie
had
been
abjured
expresly
in
the
renovation
of
this
Confession
commanded
by
his
Majestie
,
it
was
not
unlawfull
,
but
most
necessary
and
incumbent
to
us
all
,
who
are
tyed
by
that
nationall
Covenant
against
that
unlawfull
Hierarchicall
government
,
albeit
we
had
never
renewed
the
same
:
But
we
are
falsly
calumniat
to
have
condemned
the
name
of
a
Bishop
,
even
as
it
is
used
in
Scripture
,
which
the
act
of
Assembly
it self
,
sufficiently
refutes
,
by
allowing
St.
Pauls
Bishops
to-wit
Pastours
of
a
particular
flock
,
and
condemning
only
all
other
Bishops
brought
in
without
the
warrand
of
Scripture
.
The
second
reason
in
the
Declaration
is
,
that
the
Answer
to
the
second
reason
.
oath
for
preserving
the
discipline
and
government
of
the
Kirk
,
cannot
oblidge
after
the
alteration
and
change
of
that
discipline
and
government
:
and
seeing
the
Discipline
and
government
of
the
Kirk
is
not
only
alterable
,
but
changed
in
this
Kirk
,
we
are
not
tyed
by
that
oath
,
after
the
alteration
.
Wherunto
wee
answer
,
first
,
that
it
is
true
,
that
policie
and
order
in
ceremonies
is
temporarie
and
may
bee
changed
,
as
is
meaned
in
that
article
of
the
Confession
cited
in
the
declaration
:
But
a
Bishop
or
his
office
,
or
the
government
of
GODS
house
cannot
be
called
a
ceremony
,
nay
,
they
will
be
loath
to
be
vilified
by
that
appellation
:
but
if
it
be
a
ceremony
they
are
of
no
Apostolick
constitution
,
as
is
mentioned
in
the
first
reason
:
so
that
if
they
bee
lawfull
governours
in
GODS
house
,
warranted
by
his
word
,
they
are
not
alterable
:
and
so
this
second
reason
militats
not
for
them
,
if
their
office
be
changeable
,
and
accounted
among
alterable
ceremonies
:
they
are
well
exploded
from
our
Kirk
;
and
may
be
so
by
that
second
reason
of
the
declaration
.
2.
One
cause
of
generall
Councels
is
,
for
constituting
a
good
order
and
policie
in
ceremonies
:
which
is
grounded
upon
the
last
verse
of
the
14.
Chap.
to
the
1.
Corinth
.
willing
that
all
things
bee
done
decently
and
in
order
,
wherein
the
LORD
giveth
not
power
to
institute
new
officers
in
his
Kirk
,
but
commandeth
his
own
officers
to
exerce
their
functions
by
his
commandements
without
indecencie
,
or
confusion
,
in
the
variable
circumstances
thereof
,
to
bee
determined
according
to
the
present
occasions
of
edification
,
3.
In
the
15.
Chap.
of
the
same
confession
of
Faith
,
all
mens
inventions
in
matters
of
Religion
are
condemned
:
And
in
the
19
Chap.
Ecclesiasticall
discipline
uprightly
ministred
as
GODS
word
prescribeth
.
Matth
.
18.
1.
Cor
.
5.
is
set
down
as
the
third
essentiall
and
unchangeable
marke
of
the
true
Kirk
of
GOD
:
and
so
is
not
of
that
nature
with
temporarie
,
changeable
ceremonies
:
though
unwarrantably
ranked
with
them
in
the
declaration
.
4.
It
is
evident
at
our
first
reformation
what
policie
was
perpetuall
,
and
what
ceremonies
,
changeable
,
for
in
the
first
booke
of
Policie
compylled
that
same
yeare
with
the
Confession
,
9
head
is
expressed
a
two-fold
policie
of
the
Kirke
:
The
one
absolutely
necessary
in
all
Kirks
,
the
other
not
necessar
,
but
changeable
;
such
as
,
what
day
of
the
week
sermon
should
be
,
and
the
like
:
whereof
they
established
no
order
,
but
permitted
every
particular
Kirk
to
appoint
their
own
policie
,
as
they
thought
most
expedient
for
edification
:
if
parity
of
reason
will
make
Episcopacie
of
this
nature
,
let
all
men
judge
.
5.
Our
confession
speaketh
of
an
order
in
ceremonies
,
which
cannot
bee
appointed
for
all
ages
,
as
is
before
said
.
But
when
they
speak
of
the
office-bearers
in
the
Kirk
,
they
acknowledge
according
to
the
truth
,
that
Christ
himself
appointed
an
ordinare
constant
government
of
his
Kirk
by
his
four
ordinar
office-bearers
,
The
Pastor
,
Elder
,
Doctour
,
&
Deacon
,
to
administrat
the
same
perpetually
:
as
is
set
down
in
the
first
book
of
Discipline
,
and
in
the
treatise
before
the
Psalmes
,
which
was
drawn
up
at
that
same
time
,
and
allowed
by
the
same
persons
.
Like
as
in
the
year
of
God
,
1560.
when
that
confession
was
made
,
&
in
the
year
1567.
when
it
was
ratified
,
and
by
continuall
acts
of
Assembly
,
and
by
the
second
book
of
Discipline
:
The
government
of
Christs
Kirk
by
these
four
ordinarie
office-bearers
,
is
set
down
as
founded
only
upon
the
word
of
GOD
,
as
constant
,
unchangeable
,
&
perpetuall
:
and
as
that
holy
discipline
without
which
Gods
word
cannot
be
preserved
;
so
that
the
intruding
of
any
other
officer
in
Gods
house
was
accounted
an
offence
against
the
Lord
of
the
house
.
6.
By
our
oath
,
wee
are
obliged
to
continuein
obedience
of
discipline
as
well
as
doctrine
,
because
they
are
both
grounded
on
the
word
of
God
,
without
the
warrand
whereof
,
all
traditions
that
are
brought
in
are
abjured
,
&
the
discipline
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
is
set
down
in
the
book
of
policy
,
as
grounded
on
Godsword
&
commanded
to
continue
to
the
worlds
end
,
whereunto
we
have
sworn
,
and
cannot
without
perjury
to
God
,
gainsay
it
,
likeas
the
Assembly
ordaines
the
discipline
of
the
Kirk
to
be
subscribed
as
such
,
and
the
act
of
Parliament
1592
Ratifieth
the
discipline
of
the
Kirk
,
as
a
priviledge
granted
by
GOD
,
whereinto
the
Kings
prerogative
cannot
bee
prejudiciall
.
7.
It
carrieth
no
shew
of
argument
or
face
of
probabilitie
,
that
the
Kirk
and
reformers
of
Religion
which
condemneth
all
other
ordinar
officers
in
the
Kirk
,
but
these
foure
appointed
by
Christ
did
mean
under
the
name
of
variable
ceremonies
,
to
comprehend
and
admit
Episcopacy
,
which
frequently
they
condemne
,
as
an
invention
of
man
,
without
the
warrand
of
Gods
word
,
tending
to
the
overthrow
of
the
Kirk
and
puritie
of
Religion
.
8.
The
Prelats
themselves
will
not
grant
Episcopacie
to
bee
reakoned
in
the
orders
of
ceremonies
,
which
cannot
be
unchangeably
constitute
for
all
ages
,
times
,
and
places
,
but
are
temporall
as
devised
by
man
;
and
so
changeable
,
when
they
rather
foster
superstition
then
edifie
the
Kirk
,
but
herein
they
will
disclaime
the
benefit
of
this
second
reason
,
and
undoubtedly
affirme
,
that
Episcopall
government
,
not
only
may
be
,
but
should
be
,
and
was
appointed
for
all
ages
,
times
,
and
places
;
&
that
it
is
not
the
devise
of
man
temporall
and
changeable
,
but
deriveth
its
extraction
from
divine
Apostolick
,
at
the
least
Ecclesiasticall
,
perpetuall
and
necessar
institution
,
as
is
averred
in
the
first
reason
:
and
so
should
ever
be
unchangeable
.
9.
This
Kirk
hath
ever
condemned
all
such
as
held
the
discipline
,
and
policie
thereof
,
to
bee
indifferent
and
changeable
:
&
in
particular
in
An.
1581.
which
is
the
year
of
the
subscription
of
the
confession
of
Faith
,
and
book
of
policie
,
Mr.
Robert
Montgomery
is
accused
and
condemned
for
that
doctrine
.
10.
In
the
Assembly
1596.
upon
the
Kings
Majesties
proposition
,
and
demand
that
it
might
bee
lawfull
for
him
to
reason
or
move
doubts
,
in
any
point
of
the
externall
policie
,
government
,
or
discipline
of
the
Kirk
,
which
are
not
answered
,
affirmative
or
negative
in
the
scripture
.
The
Assembly
concluded
,
that
it
might
be
lawfull
for
his
Majestie
,
or
his
Commissioner
,
to
propone
any
point
to
the
generall
Assembly
in
matters
of
externall
government
,
alterable
,
according
to
the
circumstances
,
provyding
it
bee
done
in
right
time
and
place
,
Animo
edificandi
non
tentandi
:
But
as
for
the
essentiall
discipline
,
in
the
book
of
Policie
:
The
same
Assembly
desireth
the
Kings
Majestie
to
declare
before
his
Estates
,
that
he
never
intended
to
prejudge
the
same
.
11.
Albeit
it
were
granted
that
discipline
were
changeable
,
yet
now
seeing
by
the
Kings
Majesties
own
consent
,
we
have
sworn
to
maintaine
the
discipline
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
as
it
was
1580.
we
are
obliged
strictly
,
interposito
juramento
,
to
abide
by
that
discipline
specificè
:
at
least
till
it
be
lawfully
changed
by
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
in
her
free
generall
Assembly
,
which
can
never
bee
presupponed
:
because
in
rei
veritate
,
the
Discipline
,
as
well
as
the
doctrine
,
is
acknowledged
and
sworn
to
,
as
unchangeable
,
wherein
we
must
continue
all
the
dayes
of
our
life
:
and
defend
the
same
according
to
our
power
,
under
the
penaltie
of
procuring
deservedly
upon
our selves
,
all
the
curses
contained
in
Gods
word
.
12.
The
doctrine
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
condemned
Episcopall
,
and
re-established
Ptesbyteriall
government
perpetually
:
which
we
have
acknowledged
by
joyning
our selves
in
the
assertorie
part
of
our
oath
,
unto
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
in
doctrine
as
well
as
in
discipline
,
and
in
the
promissorie
part
thereof
by
swearing
to
continue
in
the
obedience
of
the
Discipline
,
as
well
as
Doctrine
:
to
show
that
Discipline
as
well
as
Doctrine
,
is
not
variable
,
nor
so
sworn
to
by
us
:
but
as
an
immutable
law
and
constitution
,
which
we
are
obliged
to
maintain
perpetually
.
The
third
reason
is
that
we
who
subscribed
the
Covenant
,
acknowledged
that
Episcopacie
was
not
Answer
to
the
third
reason
.
abjured
thereby
,
which
is
qualified
by
two
instances
.
First
that
the
Ministers
in
their
answers
to
the
Quaeres
of
Aberdeine
,
expressed
themselves
in
that
sense
,
holding
these
things
for
the
present
not
to
be
abjured
,
but
only
to
be
referred
to
the
tryall
of
a
free
generall
Assembly
.
Next
,
that
it
is
averred
in
our
last
reasons
against
the
subscription
urged
by
his
Majestie
,
that
this
oath
,
requyred
by
his
Majestie
,
doth
oblidge
the
takers
of
it
,
to
mantaine
Perth
articles
,
and
Episcopacie
.
This
needeth
no
answer
if
the
preceding
narration
,
and
the
whole
passages
of
the
businesse
were
considered
and
known
;
for
in
the
application
of
our
Covenant
,
we
did
not
expresly
&
specificè
,
abjure
Episcopacie
,
but
only
generally
and
virtually
,
by
abjuring
whatsoever
was
abjured
in
the
Confession
,
1580.
which
we
found
to
be
a
strong
band
,
lying
upon
us
to
bind
us
straitly
to
the
obedience
of
the
discipline
then
established
:
wherein
because
there
had
interveined
some
alterations
,
we
permitted
justly
the
tryall
thereof
to
the
Kirk
,
whether
Episcopacie
Perth
articles
,
and
other
innovations
were
not
condemned
and
abjured
by
the
said
oath
,
which
now
the
Assembly
after
carefull
search
and
examination
of
the
records
have
clearly
found
.
This
is
the
true
meaning
and
substance
of
the
answer
made
to
the
Quaeres
of
Aberdine
,
and
ought
also
to
be
the
ingenuous
meaning
of
the
Councellours
,
who
by
their
act
declared
they
subscribed
the
Confession
1580.
as
it
was
then
professed
:
which
is
consonant
to
our
generall
application
,
and
which
being
now
declared
by
their
mother
Kirk
,
they
ought
to
reverence
and
obey
,
and
not
upon
light
and
subtill
pretences
to
neglect
and
contemne
.
2.
For
the
second
instance
:
It
is
true
that
when
the
Councell
was
urged
to
subscribe
the
Confession
,
1580.
conforme
to
the
warrands
bearing
(
that
they
should
mantaine
the
Religion
now
presently
profest
)
we
justly
feared
,
that
the
same
being
subscribed
in
1638.
would
comprehend
Episcopacie
,
Perth
articles
,
and
all
other
corruptions
introduced
since
1580.
And
therefore
both
in
our
written
reasons
against
that
subscription
,
and
in
our
speeches
at
the
Councel
table
,
and
to
sundry
Councellours
in
private
,
we
dehorted
them
upon
that
reason
from
that
subscription
:
which
was
the
true
cause
why
the
Councell
being
convinced
with
that
reason
,
made
their
explanatorie
act
,
declaring
that
they
subscribed
the
Confession
according
to
the
meaning
1580.
and
as
it
was
then
profest
,
for
removing
of
that
doubt
.
3.
Albeit
by
the
meaning
of
the
prescryver
of
an
oath
,
the
swerer
were
tacitly
bound
to
mantaine
Episcopacie
,
Five
articles
of
Perth
,
and
such-like
,
yet
according
to
the
premitted
considerations
,
he
is
more
oblished
to
the
reality
rei
juratae
,
which
is
now
declared
and
found
to
abjure
Episcopacie
,
&c.
Nor
to
the
meaning
of
the
prescriver
or
his
own
either
,
being
contrare
to
the
explanation
of
the
soveraigne
Iudge
competent
.
The
fourth
reason
is
Sylogistically
urged
thus
:
It
Answer
to
the
fourth
reason
.
cannot
be
denied
but
that
oaths
ministred
unto
us
,
must
either
be
refused
or
else
taken
,
according
to
the
known
minde
,
professed
intention
,
and
expresse
command
of
authority
urging
the
same
.
But
it
is
notoriously
known
,
that
his
Majestie
,
not
only
in
his
Kingdomes
of
England
and
Ireland
,
is
a
mantainer
of
Episcopall
government
,
but
likewise
is
a
defender
,
and
mindes
to
continue
a
defender
thereof
in
his
Kingdome
of
Scotland
.
And
therefore
the
oath
being
taken
,
and
not
refused
,
must
be
sworn
conforme
to
his
Majesties
known
meaning
.
The
minor
is
confirmed
from
our
own
Assertions
.
To
this
it
is
answered
first
,
that
in
contradictorie
oaths
,
the
swerer
is
more
obliged
to
the
true
meaning
of
the
oath
,
clearly
exprest
therein
,
then
either
to
his
own
meaning
,
or
any
sense
of
the
prescryver
,
being
contrary
thereunto
.
Especially
in
this
case
,
where
there
is
no
new
oath
which
may
receive
any
new
meaning
,
but
the
renovation
of
the
old
oath
,
which
can
admit
no
new
destructive
sense
:
but
must
bee
sworn
conforme
to
the
genuine
originall
first
meaning
.
2.
That
oath
was
justly
refused
by
us
upon
that
ground
of
discrepance
amongst
many
others
;
&
such
like
,
was
not
received
by
the
Councell
,
till
they
declared
their
meaning
by
act
simul
&
semel
with
their
subscription
.
3.
We
do
not
meddle
with
the
Kirks
of
England
or
Ireland
,
but
recommends
to
them
the
paterne
shown
in
the
mount
:
all
our
arguments
and
proceedings
being
for
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
where
,
from
the
time
of
her
more
pure
reformation
then
of
her
sister
Kirks
,
Episcopacie
hath
ever
been
abolished
,
till
the
latter
times
of
corruption
.
So
that
though
his
Majestie
hath
hitherto
mantained
Episcopacie
in
Scotland
,
because
his
Majestie
wanted
the
means
to
be
informed
of
the
acts
of
this
Kirk
,
yet
we
know
that
God
hath
so
richly
replenished
his
Royall
breast
,
with
such
justice
and
pietie
,
that
when
his
Majestie
shall
receive
perfect
information
,
we
are
confident
that
He
will
never
desire
any
change
or
alteration
in
our
ancient
Kirk
government
and
discipline
.
Especially
now
when
his
Majestie
hath
caused
the
mantainance
thereof
to
be
religiously
sworn
.
The
fifth
and
last
reason
is
,
that
we
can
never
make
it
Answer
to
the
fifth
reason
.
appeare
,
that
Episcopal
government
,
at
the
first
time
of
administering
the
oath
was
abolished
;
the
very
words
of
that
confession
of
Faith
,
immediatly
after
the
beginning
of
it
being
these
:
received
,
beleeved
,
and
defended
by
many
and
sundry
notable
Kirks
and
Realmes
,
but
chiefly
by
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
the
Kings
Majestie
,
and
three
Estates
of
this
realme
,
as
Gods
eternall
truth
,
and
only
ground
of
our
salvation
.
Whereupon
is
inferred
that
Bishops
,
Abbots
and
Pryors
,
made
up
,
at
that
time
a
third
Estate
of
this
realme
,
which
gave
approbation
to
the
confession
of
Faith
:
and
therefore
this
third
Estate
did
not
abjure
Episcopacie
.
And
albeit
it
had
been
abolished
by
acts
of
Assembly
,
yet
it
was
not
so
by
act
of
Parliament
,
but
in
force
by
many
of
them
standing
unrepealed
,
which
are
annexed
to
the
reasons
.
Which
being
the
acts
of
a
Monarch
,
and
his
three
Estates
,
are
never
repealable
by
any
Ecclesiasticall
nationall
Synod
.
For
answer
hereunto
,
1.
It
doth
appeare
and
is
manifest
by
the
Registers
and
acts
of
Assembly
,
that
before
the
subscription
of
the
Confession
at
the
time
thereof
,
and
thereafter
:
That
Abbots
,
Priors
,
and
Bishops
were
so
clearly
,
evidently
,
and
expresly
condemned
in
this
kirk
,
That
the
best
wits
of
this
age
opposers
of
Episcopacy
cannot
yet
require
one
sillabe
to
be
added
for
farther
assurance
,
and
the
most
able
maintainers
thereof
could
not
pick
any
quarrell
to
the
clearnesse
of
the
expression
.
2.
The
clause
citted
in
the
reason
,
is
only
anent
the
doctine
,
and
not
anent
the
discipline
,
which
thereafter
is
determined
and
the
Hierarchie
detested
:
And
the
Discipline
of
the
Kirk
sworn
unto
.
3.
Albeit
that
clause
were
of
discipline
,
yet
it
maketh
nothing
for
Bishops
except
by
inference
,
that
they
are
comprehended
under
the
name
of
the
third
Estate
:
which
cannot
be
so
understood
,
for
collections
by
way
of
inferrence
or
ex
consequenti
,
cannot
bee
adduced
against
the
expresse
acts
of
the
time
:
wherein
the
makers
signifie
their
mindes
in
clear
termes
,
&
apertissime
dicendo
,
leaveth
no
place
to
presume
the
contrare
:
especially
in
this
kingdome
,
where
these
expressions
of
stylus
curiae
are
carefully
observed
without
change
:
which
may
be
seen
in
the
same
case
by
many
Parliaments
:
where
it
is
not
our
that
no
Prelate
was
present
,
or
allowed
▪
and
yet
the
acts
proporting
to
be
made
by
his
Majestie
and
three
Estates
are
interpreted
by
the
quotter
as
made
by
the
Prelats
with
others
.
4
Episcopacie
was
abolished
not
only
by
acts
of
Assembly
,
but
there
is
no
standing
laws
for
Episcopall
government
,
but
some
against
the
same
,
as
shall
bee
evident
in
the
answer
made
to
the
acts
of
Parliament
,
subjoyned
hereto
:
but
if
their
be
any
Acts
of
Parliament
standing
for
Episcopacie
,
the
Kings
Majestie
,
his
Commissioner
,
the
Councell
,
the
Collective-body
of
the
Kingdome
,
hath
actually
renunced
the
same
by
returning
to
the
doctrine
and
discipline
,
1580.
whereunto
Episcopacie
is
contrare
:
which
God-willing
may
also
be
inacted
at
the
next
Parliament
,
proclaimed
to
be
holden
by
his
Majestie
in
May
.
5.
The
acts
of
the
Assembly
,
and
the
book
of
Policie
in
the
1.
and
10.
chapter
,
puteth
clear
merches
betwixt
civill
and
Ecclesiasticall
jurisdiction
;
making
every
on
independent
in
matters
properly
belonging
to
their
own
judicatorie
,
and
every
one
subject
to
the
other
in
matters
properly
belonging
to
that
other
.
So
that
as
the
Assembly
cannot
make
civill
laws
nor
repeall
them
,
nor
imped
the
Parliament
from
making
or
repealing
civill
laws
,
no
more
can
the
Parliament
make
Ecclesiasticall
laws
originally
,
nor
repeall
,
or
hinder
the
lawfull
Assemblies
to
repeall
the
same
.
For
albeit
acts
of
the
Assembly
are
,
and
may
be
ratified
in
Parliament
,
that
is
,
only
that
the
civill
sanction
may
concurre
with
the
Ecclesiasticall
constitution
:
But
will
not
stop
the
Assembly
to
recall
their
own
act
:
which
being
annulled
by
them
,
the
civill
ratification
and
sanction
fals
ex
consequenti
.
For
to
mantaine
that
the
Kirk
may
not
repeall
her
own
acts
,
ratified
once
in
Parliament
,
is
so
derogatorie
to
Christs
prerogative
and
ordinance
,
to
the
liberty
of
the
Kirk
,
and
freedome
of
the
Assembly
,
to
the
nature
,
end
and
,
reason
of
all
Ecclesiasticall
jurisdiction
,
as
we
have
more
largely
cleared
in
the
Protestation
22.
September
last
)
that
we
beleeve
few
or
none
will
be
of
that
opinion
.
All
these
Five
objections
and
many
more
was
agitate
and
discussed
in
the
Assembly
,
before
the
act
anent
Episcopacie
was
made
.
And
seeing
the
generall
Assembly
of
the
Kirk
of
Conclusion
.
Scotland
,
indicted
by
his
Majestie
now
holden
at
Glasgow
,
which
is
the
only
Iudge
competent
and
fit
interpreter
to
remove
and
explaine
all
doubts
,
ary
sing
upon
the
confession
of
Faith
,
hath
after
long
,
religious
and
mature
declaration
,
exponed
the
same
,
and
clearly
found
that
Episcopall
government
in
this
Kirk
,
amongst
other
corruptions
,
is
abjured
by
the
confession
of
Faith
,
as
the
same
was
profest
within
this
Kingdome
,
hath
discharged
all
subscription
to
the
Covenant
,
subscribed
and
interpreted
by
his
Majesties
Commissioner
,
hath
commanded
the
Covenant
subscribed
in
Februare
with
the
application
to
be
now
subscribed
according
to
her
present
determination
:
therefore
we
trust
that
the
knowledge
hereof
,
will
be
a
sufficient
warning
to
all
good
Christians
and
Patriots
,
that
they
subscribe
not
the
one
,
and
that
they
subscribe
the
other
,
according
to
the
genuine
and
true
meaning
thereof
,
declared
by
the
Kirk
allennerly
,
and
of
no
contrary
incompatible
sense
,
as
they
would
eshew
the
crime
and
danger
of
a
contradictory
oath
,
and
we
would
most
humbly
and
earnestly
beg
of
his
Sacred
Majestie
,
from
the
bottome
of
our
hearts
,
that
his
Majestie
would
be
graciously
pleased
to
command
,
that
the
same
may
be
so
subscribed
,
conforme
to
the
declared
explanation
of
the
Kirk
;
which
would
prove
the
greatest
happinesse
and
joy
that
ever
befell
these
disconsolated
Subjects
of
this
nation
,
who
(
though
unjustly
branded
with
many
calumnies
)
yet
never
have
,
nor
ever
shal
swerve
from
our
loyalty
due
to
the
Lords
anoynted
:
But
would
readily
imbrace
any
occasion
to
imploy
our
lives
and
for
tunes
for
his
Majesties
service
and
honour
:
who
(
we
heartily
pray
God
)
may
long
&
happily
ring
over
us
.
There
is
annexed
to
this
Declaration
a
quotation
Anent
acts
of
Parliament
.
of
sundry
acts
of
Parliament
,
to
prove
that
Episcopall
government
was
not
abolished
in
the
year
1580.
whereunto
albeit
there
is
no
necessity
of
answer
,
seeing
the
meaning
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
in
her
Confession
of
Faith
is
only
to
be
sought
from
her self
,
and
the
registers
of
her
Assemblies
,
and
not
from
the
Parliament
,
yet
the
same
shall
be
specially
answered
in
the
order
that
they
are
alledged
:
after
these
two
generals
are
offered
to
the
Reader
his
consideration
.
1.
After
the
reformation
of
this
Kingdome
,
the
Kirk
was
still
wrestling
against
all
corruptions
&
especially
against
Episcopacie
.
But
through
they
clearly
&
frequently
condemned
the
same
,
yet
the
power
of
the
enemies
of
reformation
withstood
them
long
:
so
that
her
own
policy
could
not
be
obtained
ratified
expresly
&
specifice
in
Parliament
,
till
the
year
of
God
1592.
which
abrogateth
all
those
preceeding
acts
,
alledged
in
the
contrare
.
2.
That
acts
of
Parliament
can
no
more
make
Ecclesiasticall
offices
,
nor
give
Ecclesiasticall
priviledges
,
nor
the
acts
of
Assembly
can
establish
civill
offices
of
Estate
,
or
grant
to
them
civill
priviledges
;
each
Iudicatorie
being
properly
confined
within
their
own
spheres
.
But
before
the
acts
of
Parliament
be
particularly
Answer
to
the
acts
1567.
marked
and
cited
,
there
be
two
reasons
prefixed
:
the
one
taken
from
some
acts
of
Parliament
1567.
cap
.
2.
3.
6.
and
cap
.
68.
Par.
1579.
The
other
from
the
oath
ministred
to
the
King
,
at
his
coronation
,
for
the
act
of
Parliament
1567.
Bearing
that
no
Bishop
nor
other
Prelate
in
this
Realme
,
use
any
jurisdiction
in
time
coming
by
the
Bishop
of
Romes
authority
,
It
is
evident
hereby
that
Episcopacie
is
altogether
condemned
,
as
all
other
Prelacie
was
:
for
before
that
time
they
had
no
jurisdiction
but
from
the
Pope
:
and
therefore
being
discharged
to
execute
that
;
they
are
discharged
by
the
act
to
execute
any
at
all
.
That
this
is
the
true
meaning
and
scope
of
that
act
is
manifest
:
because
the
Kirk
in
the
book
of
common
order
,
and
in
the
first
book
of
discipline
at
that
same
time
,
acknowledgeth
no
other
ordinarie
office
bearers
appointed
by
Christ
in
Ecclesiaconstituta
.
But
the
Pastor
,
Doctour
,
Elder
and
Deacon
:
and
in
her
Assemblies
at
that
same
time
,
was
still
censuring
these
who
were
called
or
designed
Bishops
by
reason
of
their
benefices
,
as
is
instructed
by
the
acts
printed
before
the
book
of
discipline
.
And
therefore
in
the
act
of
Councell
,
1560.
made
in
the
same
year
by
these
same
persons
,
ratifying
the
first
book
of
discipline
,
they
provided
only
that
Bishops
,
Abbots
,
Pryors
,
&c.
Being
protestants
,
brook
their
revenews
during
their
life-times
:
they
sustaining
Ministers
in
the
mean
time
.
2.
In
the
year
1566.
which
preeceds
that
Parliament
,
the
Kirk
of
this
Kingdome
approved
the
Confession
of
Helvetia
;
wherein
the
paritie
of
Ministers
is
preferred
as
Gods
ordinance
warranded
by
his
word
,
to
Episcopacie
,
as
an
humane
consuetude
.
3.
Because
at
that
time
the
Queen
had
restored
the
Archbishop
of
St.
Andrews
;
therefore
the
Kirk
supplicated
the
Nobilitie
of
the
Kingdome
,
against
that
restitution
,
which
they
condemne
as
the
curing
of
the
head
of
the
beast
once
wounded
within
this
land
.
Wherein
they
expresly
ground
themselves
upon
the
said
act
of
Parliament
being
before
made
in
the
year
1560.
as
a
certane
abrogation
of
the
Arch-bishops
authority
.
4.
In
the
2.
book
of
discipline
chap.
11.
the
kirk
useth
the
same
act
of
parliament
as
an
abrogation
of
the
Papisticall
Kirk
,
and
Papisticall
jurisdiction
,
and
thereby
of
Episcopall
jurisdiction
and
power
.
5.
The
Kirk
thereafter
in
the
same
chapter
declared
their
uniformity
of
this
meaning
by
urging
the
act
of
Parliament
,
1567.
printed
amongst
the
black
acts
and
renewed
in
the
Parlament
holden
1579.
(
which
immediatly
followeth
the
act
here
cited
)
declaring
that
no
other
Ecclesiasticall
jurisdiction
shall
be
used
within
this
Realme
,
but
that
which
is
and
shall
bee
in
the
reformed
Kirke
and
floweth
therefrom
:
and
they
urge
that
none
under
the
abused
titles
in
Papistrie
,
of
Prelats
&c.
attempt
to
clame
the
benefite
of
any
act
of
Parliament
,
having
no
commission
of
the
reformed
Kirk
within
this
Realme
.
Whereby
our
Kirk
declared
all
Episcopall
jurisdiction
to
bee
Papisticall
.
Which
is
the
true
meaning
of
the
word
,
his
Hirarchie
in
the
short
confession
.
For
their
jurisdiction
could
flow
from
none
other
but
from
the
Pope
:
Seeing
it
flows
not
from
the
Kirk
:
but
was
abolished
,
and
condemned
by
them
:
as
is
clear
by
the
Registers
of
the
Assembly
.
6.
The
acts
do
abolish
all
Papisticall
jurisdiction
:
And
therefore
all
Episcopall
jurisdiction
,
because
Episcopall
policy
and
jurisdiction
is
Papisticall
:
as
is
acknowledged
by
many
,
&
specially
by
Doctor
Poklingtun
chaplane
to
the
Bishop
of
Canterburie
:
who
deduceth
a
continuall
lineall
succession
from
Peter
through
the
whole
Popes
,
unto
the
present
Arch-bishop
of
Canterburie
:
and
by
the
quotter
himself
,
who
alledgeth
(
albeit
falsly
)
that
this
Kirk
retained
the
Papisticall
Policie
and
government
.
6.
Where
it
is
said
in
the
reason
;
that
our
Kirk
did
not
innovat
any
thing
in
that
Policie
which
they
found
in
the
Kirk
before
the
reformation
:
the
same
is
controlled
by
the
book
of
Common
prayer
,
first
book
of
Discipline
,
and
acts
of
the
Assemblies
.
And
for
the
6.
act
1567.
and
the
68.
act
1579.
The
same
doth
not
only
not
mention
Bishops
,
but
declareth
Anent
the
sixth
act
1567.
the
true
Kirk
to
consist
only
of
Ministers
of
the
Gospel
then
living
,
and
these
who
thereafter
should
rise
;
agreeing
with
them
,
in
doctrine
and
administration
of
the
Sacraments
,
and
the
people
,
as
the
members
thereof
,
which
directly
excludeth
Bishops
:
against
whom
the
doctrine
and
practise
of
this
Kirk
,
continually
sounded
:
especially
at
that
time
.
For
in
the
government
of
this
Kirk
by
weekly
meeting
of
Ministers
Elders
,
and
reformed
townes
from
the
year
1560
to
the
year
1576
(
except
the
interim
of
the
pretended
convention
at
Leeth
1572.
)
and
from
the
year
1575.
to
the
year
1581.
The
Assemblies
for
the
most
part
were
imployed
in
abolishing
the
corruptions
of
Episcopacie
,
and
in
establishing
the
setled
Policie
:
which
was
agreed
upon
,
1578.
In
the
second
book
of
Discipline
.
In
the
which
acts
of
Assembly
and
book
of
Discipline
is
set
down
at
large
the
doctrine
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
anent
that
discipline
,
as
grounded
and
well
warranded
in
the
word
of
God
,
and
against
Episcopall
jurisdiction
,
as
an
unlawfull
humane
invention
:
So
that
Episcopacie
being
contrare
to
the
doctrine
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
1579.
The
Bishops
disagreeing
from
the
Ministers
of
the
Evangel
then
living
,
in
doctrine
and
in
the
use
and
administration
of
the
Sacraments
,
are
declared
by
the
said
acts
to
be
no
members
of
this
Kirk
,
and
the
same
acts
cited
for
them
do
sufficiently
evince
that
Episcopacie
was
still
condemned
,
notwithstanding
all
opposition
made
in
the
contrare
.
As
for
the
Kings
oath
,
the
same
containeth
no
mention
of
Bishops
,
but
by
the
contrary
,
the
King
is
Anent
the
Kings
oath
.
obliged
thereby
to
maintain
the
true
Religion
of
Iesus
Christ
,
the
preaching
of
his
holy
word
,
and
right
administration
of
the
Sacraments
,
then
received
and
preached
within
this
Realme
.
And
seeing
it
is
cleared
by
the
preceeding
relation
,
that
Bishops
were
never
allowed
,
but
oppugned
by
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
that
oath
doth
not
allow
,
but
exclude
Episcopacie
which
is
also
more
prespicuous
in
the
short
confession
1580.
and
1581.
when
the
Kirk
set
down
her
constant
policie
in
Doctrine
and
Discipline
grounded
upon
the
word
of
God
,
wherein
the
Hierarchie
is
abjured
as
contrary
thereto
;
and
craved
an
oath
from
his
Majestie
for
maintenance
thereof
,
which
now
also
our
gracious
Soveraigne
in
the
judgement
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
is
obliged
to
maintain
,
as
being
founded
upon
the
word
of
GOD
,
and
exclusive
of
Episcopacie
as
repugnant
thereto
.
The
acts
of
Parliament
thereafter
particularly
cited
are
these
mentioned
in
order
.
The
24.
act
1567.
ratifying
all
civill
privileges
formerly
granted
to
the
spirituall
estate
,
and
the
35.
act
1571.
Ratifying
all
acts
made
anent
the
freedome
,
and
libertie
of
the
true
Kirk
:
the
same
cannot
be
extended
to
the
establishing
of
Episcopacie
because
it
is
not
mentioned
in
these
acts
,
but
by
the
contrary
was
abolished
by
the
acts
of
the
Assembly
and
Parliament
,
before
mentioned
,
so
that
the
priviledges
therein
mentioned
,
are
granted
to
such
Kirk-men
as
then
were
received
by
the
Kirk
and
Kingdome
:
and
the
freedome
of
the
Kirk
must
bee
interpret
by
her
own
judgement
:
who
thought
ever
Episcopall
jurisdiction
an
heavie
bondage
:
and
yet
those
priviledges
can
inferre
no
spirituall
jurisdiction
,
but
only
civill
priviledges
;
some
immunities
and
exemptions
granted
for
the
goods
and
persons
of
Kirk-men
as
is
cleare
,
1.
act
.
Iames
1.
Par.
1.
and
26
,
act
.
Par.
2.
Iames
1.
and
4.
act
Par.
3.
Iames
2.
with
many
others
.
It
is
here
to
be
observed
,
that
the
carefull
evolver
of
these
acts
of
Parliament
,
hath
omitted
to
cite
the
7.
act
.
1.
Parliament
,
of
King
Iames
6.
bearing
the
examination
and
admission
of
Ministers
,
to
be
only
in
the
power
of
the
Kirk
,
then
openly
and
publickly
profest
;
and
presentations
to
bee
made
to
Superintendents
,
or
others
having
commission
from
the
Kirk
,
&
appealleth
from
them
,
to
the
Superintendents
and
ministers
of
the
Province
,
and
appealleth
from
these
to
the
generall
Assembly
:
in
all
which
gradations
no
mention
of
Bishops
;
but
they
in
effect
excluded
by
that
contrare
distinction
of
the
Kirk
then
openly
profest
:
because
they
were
discharged
by
the
foresaid
second
act
1567.
and
Superintendents
were
then
permitted
like
temporarie
Evangelists
for
the
present
necessitie
,
declared
in
the
first
book
of
discipline
ad
ecclesiam
constituendam
;
but
was
abrogate
from
1575.
that
the
constant
Policie
of
Ecclesia
constituta
began
to
be
established
.
As
for
the
acts
of
Parliament
,
1572.
and
1573.
It
Anent
the
acts
1572.
&
1573.
is
known
by
the
records
of
the
time
,
that
the
Regent
then
laboured
hard
to
bring
in
Arch-bishops
,
and
Bishops
,
who
were
not
dead
,
but
standing
de
facto
provided
to
the
power
of
these
titulars
of
benefices
,
to
fortifie
his
own
designes
,
and
counter-ballance
the
authoritie
of
Ministers
,
pressing
the
puritie
of
reformation
:
and
so
cannot
be
honourably
alleadged
for
the
Bishops
at
this
time
:
and
yet
it
was
done
not
by
authoritie
,
but
by
warrand
of
some
Ministers
of
his
own
party
conveened
at
Leeth
:
and
was
only
done
for
an
interim
,
and
protested
against
by
the
next
Assembly
;
and
yet
neverthelesse
by
the
saids
acts
of
Parliament
,
the
Arch-bishops
,
Bishops
,
Superintendents
,
or
Commissioners
of
Dyoces
or
Provinces
,
are
joyned
together
(
which
is
wrongously
omitted
in
the
quottation
)
to
show
that
no
Arch-bishop
or
Bishop
,
qua
tales
had
any
power
,
but
only
being
de
facto
standing
provided
in
the
title
,
they
were
capable
of
a
Commission
from
the
Kirk
,
which
sometimes
they
obtained
,
and
in
the
book
of
Assembly
are
named
such
as
are
called
Bishops
,
and
were
under
the
Discipline
of
the
Kirk
:
and
in
the
same
Superintendents
possessours
and
titulars
of
prelacies
,
as
well
as
Arch-bishops
and
Bishops
,
are
ordained
to
be
called
and
conveened
for
that
effect
before
the
generall
Assembly
of
the
Kirk
:
And
yet
none
can
say
,
That
the
offices
of
Abbots
Pryors
,
&c.
were
then
retained
;
how
beit
the
benefices
were
not
extinct
;
and
few
will
grant
,
that
when
the
Arch-bishops
and
Bishops
office
was
in
vigour
,
they
thought
themselves
subject
to
the
generall
Assembly
:
as
they
are
by
the
said
act
which
is
also
fraudfully
omitted
in
the
quottation
.
As
for
the
acts
of
Parliament
1578.
and
1579.
It
is
answered
that
the
Kirk
in
this
meane
Anent
the
acts
1578.
and
1579.
time
,
from
the
year
1575.
was
busied
in
abrogating
Episcopacie
,
and
establishing
the
constant
policie
,
as
is
clear
by
the
printed
acts
of
Assembly
before
the
book
of
Discipline
,
and
unprinted
acts
of
Parliament
:
The
Kirk
by
her
Commissioners
daily
reasoning
and
agreeing
with
the
Kings
Majestie
and
his
Commissioners
upon
these
heads
of
policie
,
whereupon
the
Parliament
,
by
the
said
69.
act
1579
declareth
there
is
none
other
jurisdiction
ecclesiasticall
to
bee
acknowledged
,
but
that
which
is
in
this
reformed
Kirk
,
and
floweth
there-from
,
which
extinguisheth
Episcopacie
;
because
it
doeth
not
flow
from
this
reformed
Kirk
:
neither
can
produce
its
chartor
from
her
:
for
besides
that
it
was
abolished
by
the
foresaids
acts
1567.
It
was
condemned
also
in
the
book
of
Policie
,
and
in
the
generall
Assembly
holden
at
Dundie
,
1580.
and
their
whole
estate
spirituall
,
and
temporall
condemned
in
the
Assembly
at
Glasgow
1581.
and
so
acknowledged
by
his
Majesties
Commissioner
in
the
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
1581.
so
that
by
this
act
of
Parliam
.
1579.
The
Bishops
are
so
abolished
,
that
unlesse
they
be
established
by
lawfull
Assemblies
of
the
Kirk
,
no
act
of
Parliament
since
sen
can
conduce
for
their
establishment
:
seeing
this
act
with
the
other
acts
for
their
abolition
,
standeth
yet
unrepealled
.
And
farther
for
the
act
of
Parliament
1578.
if
the
same
contribute
any
thing
,
for
Episcopacy
,
it
must
either
be
because
Bishops
are
there
mentioned
,
or
for
the
power
thereby
conferred
upon
them
:
But
both
these
are
weak
grounds
.
The
first
because
there
is
no
Bishop
there
named
,
but
such
as
stood
provided
de
facto
on
life
:
which
is
an
disignation
of
the
benefice
,
which
was
not
then
extinct
;
and
not
of
the
office
which
was
extinct
.
The
power
conferred
upon
them
by
the
said
act
can
give
no
strength
to
the
argument
:
because
there
is
no
jurisdiction
granted
thereby
to
them
,
but
only
power
to
visit
Hospitals
:
which
the
Parliam
.
might
have
granted
to
any
person
:
but
was
most
proper
to
these
idle
titulars
of
benefices
,
who
might
best
attend
the
same
,
or
imploy
means
for
their
reparation
.
And
this
charge
is
likewise
communicate
by
act
of
Parliament
to
all
Chancellours
of
this
Kingdome
for
the
time
being
:
And
as
to
the
71.
act
1579.
we
repeat
the
former
answers
that
Superintendents
and
Commissioners
are
there
joyned
with
the
Bishops
;
to
show
that
no
power
is
granted
unto
them
as
Bishops
,
but
Commissioners
from
the
Kirk
,
and
the
name
is
still
used
,
because
the
benefice
was
not
extinct
,
but
they
were
known
by
that
appellation
.
The
acts
of
Parliament
1581.
were
better
alledged
Anent
the
act
1581.
for
Assemblies
then
Bishops
,
for
it
is
an
expresse
ratification
of
the
former
acts
of
abolition
of
Bishops
,
&
abrogation
of
all
acts
or
constitutions
,
cannons
civil
or
municipall
contrare
to
the
Religion
then
presently
profest
within
this
kingdom
:
which
is
not
only
clearly
exprest
in
the
words
:
but
if
they
were
doubtsome
(
as
they
are
not
)
were
manifest
for
these
reasons
.
First
,
the
Assembly
holden
at
Edinburgh
,
about
the
very
same
day
,
honoured
with
the
presence
of
his
Majesties
Commissioner
,
is
acknowledged
by
him
to
have
condemned
Episcopacie
whereunto
temporall
jurisdiction
is
annexed
:
and
the
Assembly
declaring
that
function
to
be
against
the
word
of
God
and
acts
of
the
Kirk
,
thereupon
did
supplicat
the
Parliament
,
that
they
should
make
no
acts
repugnant
to
the
word
of
God
,
especially
concerning
Bishops
.
Secondly
,
the
King
and
Estates
by
that
act
ratifieth
all
acts
made
for
mantainance
of
the
libertie
of
the
true
Kirk
of
God
,
presently
professed
within
this
Realme
and
puritie
therof
:
which
present
profession
can
be
no
other
,
then
that
which
was
received
by
the
Kirk
and
Assembly
then
presently
sitting
so
near
the
Parliament
at
Edinburgh
,
which
had
approven
the
Presbyteriall
government
,
condemned
the
Episcopall
,
and
ratified
the
short
confession
simul
&
semel
,
wherein
the
Estates
had
sworn
to
the
Presbyteriall
and
abjured
Episcopall
government
.
Thirdly
,
this
ratification
of
the
former
acts
of
Parliament
must
be
interpreted
,
according
to
the
words
thereof
,
to
be
in
all
points
,
which
are
not
prejudiciall
to
that
purity
of
Religion
and
liberty
of
the
Kirk
presently
professed
within
this
Realme
.
And
at
this
time
the
whole
Estats
had
subscribed
the
short
Confession
,
and
so
sworn
to
the
discipline
,
set
down
in
the
book
of
discipline
,
which
by
this
act
is
ratified
in
the
first
place
,
before
any
speciall
enumeration
of
particular
acts
.
Fourthly
,
it
hath
been
formerly
showne
that
in
the
preceeding
acts
of
Parliament
where
Arch-bishops
or
Bishops
are
named
,
the
same
hath
been
by
reason
of
their
benefice
,
and
not
their
office
:
which
the
Parliament
could
not
give
them
being
abrogate
by
Assembly
:
or
having
intended
really
to
give
them
any
place
,
would
not
have
joyned
Superintendents
and
other
Commissioners
with
them
:
or
otherwise
they
are
named
as
having
equall
power
with
the
Superintendents
and
other
Commissioners
,
as
in
the
convention
at
Leeth
;
and
conforme
to
the
time
,
especially
1572.
and
1573.
Wherein
some
titulars
or
possessors
of
prelacies
,
so
called
in
the
46.
act
of
the
Parliament
1572.
had
a
commission
from
the
Kirk
like
unto
Superintendents
,
which
was
not
fully
abrogate
untill
1580.
But
all
this
was
without
prejudice
of
the
Kirk
her
libertie
,
to
recall
her
own
commission
from
these
who
were
provided
to
prelacies
;
and
to
condemne
their
Episcopall
offices
,
whereunto
they
ascrived
the
power
;
which
they
really
had
by
their
commission
:
as
the
Kirk
did
upon
good
reasons
abrogate
the
office
of
Superintendents
without
impunging
of
the
saids
act
of
Parliament
(
which
were
never
rescinded
till
1592
)
whereby
it
is
evident
,
that
though
this
act
of
Parliament
1581.
ratifie
the
former
acts
wherein
Arch-bishops
,
Bishops
,
Superintendents
,
or
other
Commissioners
of
the
Kirk
are
named
,
yet
seeing
the
saids
acts
are
alternative
conceived
,
the
vigour
and
efficacie
thereof
subsists
by
this
ratification
in
the
last
alternative
;
viz.
Commissioners
from
the
Kirk
,
Dyoces
or
Province
:
seeing
the
remanent
were
formerly
condemned
:
especially
by
this
Assembly
of
Edinburgh
holden
the
time
of
the
Parliament
.
Fifthly
,
this
ratification
1581.
of
the
former
acts
made
in
favours
of
the
true
Religion
repeating
only
the
titles
of
these
acts
and
not
themselves
,
cannot
import
any
corroboration
of
the
offices
under
the
〈◇〉
mentioned
in
these
former
acts
:
because
this
ratification
,
can
only
be
extended
to
the
matter
,
and
not
to
the
designation
of
the
persons
,
exprest
in
the
former
acts
.
which
is
only
personall
and
circumstantiall
as
for
instance
,
this
act
1581.
could
not
confer
any
power
or
imployment
upon
Superintendents
:
because
that
office
was
then
abrogate
;
and
out
of
the
Kirk
.
But
the
true
meaning
of
the
act
is
;
that
ratifying
the
substance
and
matter
in
favours
of
the
Kirk
and
Religion
,
it
doth
intrust
the
execution
to
these
whom
the
Kirk
shall
lawfully
authorize
with
commission
for
that
end
,
which
is
more
manifest
in
the
114.
act
Par.
12.
1592.
wherein
this
act
1581.
and
all
the
acts
therein
contained
are
ratified
quo
ad
materiam
:
and
yet
all
Arch-bishops
and
Commissioners
are
discharged
and
all
Ecclesiasticall
matters
subjected
to
Presbyteries
.
Sixthly
,
it
cannot
probably
agree
with
reason
that
by
this
ratification
the
Parliament
,
above
their
power
would
indevoure
to
establish
in
the
Kirk
any
function
so
recently
condemned
of
before
by
the
Assemblies
at
Dundie
1580.
and
at
Glasgow
and
Edinburgh
,
1581.
immediatly
before
this
Parliament
.
The
acts
of
Parliament
1584.
are
of
severall
natures
.
But
they
were
protested
against
,
by
the
Ministers
Anent
the
act
1584.
and
the
third
Estat
of
Parliament
.
of
Edinburgh
in
the
name
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
at
the
mercate
crosse
of
Edinburgh
,
when
they
were
proclamed
and
as
they
were
made
in
that
time
which
was
called
the
houre
of
darknesse
in
this
Kirk
,
tirrannized
by
the
Earle
of
Arran
,
so
are
they
expresly
repealed
1592.
cap
.
114.
Anent
the
act
of
Parliament
1584.
For
the
three
Estates
,
and
so
furth
.
To
answer
:
Primo
,
that
the
Kirk
from
the
year
of
God
1580.
1581.
that
the
Confession
was
subscribed
,
unto
the
year
1597.
all
this
time
was
by
continuall
acts
condemning
the
office
of
Bishops
,
their
spirituall
,
their
temporall
,
their
whole
estate
,
their
confusion
of
civill
and
Ecclesiasticall
jurisdiction
,
and
craving
in
Councell
and
Parliament
the
dissolution
of
Prelacies
and
the
erection
of
Presbyteries
.
2.
De
facto
the
former
Bishops
being
continually
processed
and
sentenced
by
the
Kirk
,
these
who
presumed
to
usurp
that
office
condemned
by
the
Kirk
,
namely
Mr.
Patrick
Adamson
,
and
Mr.
Robert
Mountgomrie
in
the
year
1582.
1584.
1586.
they
were
deprived
and
excommunicate
by
this
Kirk
before
the
Parliament
,
1587.
3.
De
facto
no
Ecclesiasticall
Bishop
voted
in
Parliament
but
Mountgomrie
and
Adamson
,
who
were
taken
in
by
the
Earle
of
Arran
,
unto
the
Parliament
holden
in
May
at
Edinburgh
1584.
Wherein
the
three
Estates
ratifieth
the
honour
and
dignitie
of
the
three
Estates
,
so
that
as
these
two
Bishops
cannot
bee
called
the
third
Estate
which
doth
ratifie
,
so
the
Estate
of
Bishops
,
cannot
be
called
the
third
Estate
,
which
is
ratified
:
especially
seeing
be
that
same
Parliament
in
the
132
,
act
.
Bishops
of
the
Diocie
are
but
nominate
the
Kings
Commissioners
.
And
in
the
last
act
of
that
same
Parliament
,
printed
of
old
in
black
letter
,
there
is
set
down
the
Kings
Commission
granted
to
the
said
pretended
Bishop
Adamson
.
4.
From
1581
,
till
the
year
1597.
the
quotter
doeth
not
cite
nor
can
cite
any
act
of
Parliament
expresly
nominating
any
ecclesiasticall
Bishop
but
that
in
the
1584.
wherein
he
is
named
as
one
amongst
other
the
Kings
Commissioners
,
whereof
some
were
meere
secular
persons
.
5.
It
is
clear
by
the
first
act
of
the
ninth
Parliament
1584.
and
the
eleventh
act
of
the
10.
Parliament
1585.
that
Bishopricks
,
Prelacies
,
Abbacies
,
Pryories
,
Nunries
,
were
then
thought
to
bee
alike
in
the
Kings
hands
,
were
granted
to
whatsoever
persons
being
his
subjects
,
albeit
they
brooked
no
office
in
the
Kirk
:
so
that
some
of
these
lord-ships
and
Barronies
were
errected
before
1587.
and
excluded
from
the
annexation
.
6.
As
the
Kirk
had
ever
been
craving
the
dissolution
of
Prelacies
,
and
condemning
the
temporall
as
well
as
the
spirituall
Estate
of
Bishops
,
by
their
act
of
the
Assembly
1581.
and
by
their
censure
of
the
Presbyterie
of
Striviling
for
admitting
Montgomrie
to
the
temporality
of
the
Bishoprick
of
Glasgow
,
and
censure
of
Mountgomrie
for
aspyring
thereto
,
contrare
to
the
word
of
God
and
acts
of
the
Kirk
in
the
Assembly
1587.
Iuni
.
So
in
the
11.
Parl
.
of
King
Iames
the
sixt
29.
of
Iuly
1587.
29.
act
.
The
three
Estates
of
Parliament
annexeth
to
the
crown
,
all
Lordships
and
Barronies
pertaining
to
whatsoever
,
Archbishops
,
or
Bishops
,
Abbots
,
Pryors
,
Nunnes
,
and
Munkes
:
reserving
alwayes
to
Archbishops
,
Bishops
,
Abbots
,
Pryors
,
Pryoresses
,
commendators
,
and
others
possessours
of
great
Benefices
of
the
estate
of
Prelates
,
and
which
before
had
or
hath
vote
in
Parliament
,
the
principall
Castles
and
Fortalices
:
whereby
it
is
clear
:
that
the
stylus
curiae
naming
three
Estats
did
no
wayes
include
Ministers
being
Bishops
:
seeing
no
ecclesiasticall
Bishops
,
sate
in
that
Parliament
,
nor
could
sit
:
because
the
only
two
Bishops
of
the
time
Adamson
and
Montgomery
,
were
before
depryved
and
excommunicat
,
and
certainly
they
neither
would
nor
could
have
sitten
as
an
Estate
in
Parliament
to
abrogate
their
own
estate
and
lordships
,
and
temporall
land
,
where-upon
that
act
acknowledgeth
any
right
they
had
,
did
depend
.
2.
It
is
clear
that
Arch-bishops
or
Bishops
,
Abbots
,
Pryors
,
&c.
all
alike
voted
in
Parliament
of
old
,
not
by
reason
of
their
ecclesiasticall
office
,
but
by
reason
of
their
great
benefices
and
lordships
:
which
here
is
said
to
have
had
vote
in
Parliament
:
for
that
cannot
be
relative
to
the
persons
,
as
unto
Pryoresses
:
but
unto
the
benefices
.
So
that
Ministers
voted
not
as
Ministers
in
name
of
the
Kirk
,
but
as
possessours
of
these
great
benefices
or
Barronies
:
and
others
who
were
not
ecclesiasticall
persons
being
titulars
,
and
possessours
of
these
great
benefices
both
communi
stylo
were
called
,
Bishops
,
Abbots
,
&c.
by
vertue
of
the
benefice
without
any
office
,
in
the
rolls
of
Parliament
,
and
in
the
act
of
Assembly
1587.
The
Bishoprick
of
Cathnes
is
said
to
vaike
by
decease
of
Robert
Earle
of
March
,
the
Kings
Uncle
:
And
the
Assembly
in
their
letter
to
the
King
declareth
,
to
be
against
the
word
of
GOD
and
acts
of
the
Kirk
,
to
present
and
admit
any
Minister
to
that
Bishoprick
,
as
also
some
of
these
titulars
,
and
possessours
of
the
benefices
,
albeit
they
had
no
ecclesiasticall
office
,
did
some
times
ryde
and
vote
in
Parliament
.
3.
It
is
clear
that
the
three
Estats
by
taking
away
from
Archbishops
,
and
Bishops
,
their
lordships
Barronies
,
and
temporall
lands
,
they
took
away
their
vote
in
parliament
,
which
doth
not
subsist
,
but
in
and
by
the
benefice
,
and
therefore
ecclesiasticall
persons
separat
to
the
Gospel
for
want
of
their
great
benefices
,
had
no
vote
in
Parliament
,
till
the
1597.
(
albeit
all
the
interveened
acts
are
made
by
the
three
Estates
,
)
wherein
the
Kings
Majestie
restoreth
Ministers
to
the
titles
and
dignities
of
Prelacies
,
which
showeth
that
before
they
were
disponed
to
others
then
Ministers
;
and
provideth
that
Ministers
presented
to
these
titles
and
dignities
,
and
to
the
benefice
of
Bishopricks
,
shall
have
vote
in
Parliament
:
which
showeth
that
the
benefice
and
not
the
office
giveth
right
to
vote
in
Parliament
,
like
as
the
very
act
of
Parliament
1606.
acknowledgeth
,
that
by
the
act
of
annexation
of
the
temporality
of
benefice
to
the
Crown
1587.
the
estate
of
Bishops
were
indirectly
abolished
:
and
therefore
they
behoved
to
rescind
the
act
of
annexation
anent
the
benefice
,
and
restore
them
to
these
titles
,
and
dignities
,
before
Ministers
could
vote
in
Parliament
,
but
these
acts
also
are
hereafter
answered
.
7.
But
as
for
130.
act
1584.
no
Bishop
is
therein
mentioned
:
and
yet
it
is
adduced
for
Bishops
,
because
the
three
Estates
are
therein
named
,
under
one
of
which
the
Prelate
claimeth
to
bee
comprehended
,
but
why
more
he
then
Abots
,
and
Pryors
formerly
abolished
,
as
well
as
Episcopacie
?
why
more
by
that
act
,
then
many
former
made
when
Bishops
neither
rode
,
sate
,
nor
voted
in
Parliament
:
but
were
expugned
out
of
this
Kirk
,
and
yet
the
acts
were
all
made
by
the
three
Estates
,
which
albeit
it
needeth
none
other
demonstration
then
that
it
is
stylus
curiae
,
carefully
observed
in
this
Kingdome
:
Yet
the
truth
is
,
that
the
Nobilitie
,
Barrons
,
and
Burrows
were
the
three
Estates
of
this
Kingdome
,
many
hunder
years
after
Christianity
,
before
any
Bishops
was
in
this
Kindome
,
as
is
observed
by
Buchanan
and
Boetius
,
and
acknowledged
by
Lesly
in
his
Chronicles
:
and
after
the
Bishops
were
abrogat
expresly
the
three
Estates
of
Parliament
did
continue
,
and
make
all
acts
of
Parliament
.
Yea
,
after
the
1592.
where
Bishops
were
discharged
,
for
if
Bishops
were
an
Estate
,
there
behoved
to
be
foure
Estates
of
Parliment
;
as
there
are
so
many
named
in
the
Commission
granted
by
King
IAMES
,
and
King
CHARLES
,
viz.
The
Clargie
,
Nobilitie
,
Barrons
,
and
Borrows
,
and
that
as
ecclesiasticall
persons
separate
to
the
Gospel
,
since
the
reformation
,
were
never
warranted
to
voice
in
Parliament
,
while
.
1597.
So
on
the
other
part
,
the
Barrons
are
,
and
have
been
,
as
an
Estate
of
parliament
in
uncontravered
possession
of
voting
in
Parliament
,
conforme
to
the
101.
act
Parl
.
7.
King
IAMES
the
first
,
renewed
again
in
the
Parliament
1585.
and
1587.
act
113.
wherein
precepts
of
the
Chancelarie
are
ordained
to
bee
directed
to
the
Barrons
as
unto
an
Estate
of
Parliament
:
even
as
they
shall
be
direct
unto
other
Estates
,
to
wit
,
The
Nobilitie
and
Borrows
:
which
in
that
act
is
mentioned
.
So
in
this
same
act
of
Parliament
(
which
in
the
narrative
relateth
the
bygone
great
decay
of
the
eclesiasticall
Estate
)
There
are
exprest
three
compleat
Estates
in
Parliament
,
The
Nobilitie
,
Barrons
,
and
Borrows
.
And
as
in
law
the
three
Estates
are
intire
without
Bishops
or
Ministers
voters
in
Parliament
,
So
also
,
it
is
most
expedient
,
and
necessar
for
the
libertie
of
the
Kirk
,
honour
of
the
King
,
and
peace
of
this
kingdome
:
That
no
Ministers
vote
in
Parliament
,
as
is
more
clearly
and
largely
proved
in
the
reasons
of
the
Protestation
,
given
into
Parliament
against
the
same
,
1606.
And
in
the
act
of
this
Assembly
against
civill
places
of
Kirk-men
.
As
for
the
131.
act
1584.
no
Bishop
is
therein
mentioned
to
get
any
benefite
thereby
,
and
far
lesse
can
the
same
reach
to
the
prejudice
of
the
late
Assembly
,
which
was
indicted
by
his
Majestie
,
and
is
an
ordinare
judicatorie
allowed
by
the
laws
of
God
and
man
:
like
as
it
is
answered
in
our
protestation
,
more
largely
.
And
for
the
132.
and
133.
act
of
the
said
Parliament
1584.
there
is
no
Ecclesiasticall
priviledge
or
authority
thereby
granted
to
Bishops
as
Bishops
;
but
only
a
power
of
cognition
:
wherein
the
Parliament
hath
joyned
others
the
Kings
Commissioners
with
them
,
only
as
the
Kings
Commissioners
:
and
granted
the
same
unto
seculare
persons
with
them
:
but
the
King
could
never
provide
them
to
the
office
and
jurisdiction
of
Bishops
,
which
was
abolished
by
many
acts
of
Parliament
and
Assemblies
before
written
.
The
23.
act
1587.
worketh
directly
against
Bishops
:
being
a
generall
ratification
of
all
acts
formerly
made
Anent
the
act
1587.
anent
the
religion
presently
profest
in
this
kingdome
:
which
must
include
the
acts
abolishing
Episcopacie
;
but
especialy
,
seeing
in
the
same
Parliament
1587.
temporall
livings
are
takin
from
the
Bishops
,
as
well
as
the
office
was
1567.
And
the
same
act
undoubtedly
was
granted
in
the
same
meaning
,
wherein
the
Kirk
did
crave
it
;
who
that
same
year
had
often
condemned
Episcopall
government
,
as
contraire
to
Gods
word
,
and
the
libertie
of
the
Kirk
,
and
approved
Presbyteriall
government
,
as
flowing
from
the
pure
fountaine
of
Gods
word
.
It
faleth
in
here
to
be
remarked
that
the
act
114.
anno
1592.
is
never
alleadged
:
and
that
because
it
not
only
Anent
the
act
1592.
revocks
in
particular
the
foresaid
acts
1584.
but
in
generall
all
other
acts
contrary
to
that
discipline
then
established
,
and
in
particulare
,
the
Assemblies
,
Presbytries
and
Synods
,
with
the
discipline
and
jurisdiction
of
this
Kirk
,
are
ratified
and
established
,
as
most
just
and
Godly
,
not
withstanding
whatsoever
statutes
,
acts
,
cannons
,
civill
or
municipall
laws
made
in
the
contrare
:
whereunto
his
Majesties
prerogative
is
declared
to
be
no
wayes
prejudiciall
.
Further
the
said
act
abrogates
all
acts
granting
commission
to
Bishops
,
and
other
Iudges
constitute
in
Ecclesiasticall
causes
;
and
ordaineth
presentation
to
benefices
to
be
direct
to
Presbyteries
,
with
power
to
give
collation
thereupon
:
And
so
containeth
a
ratification
of
the
heads
of
Policie
set
down
in
the
second
book
of
discipline
.
Which
act
is
renewed
act
60.
anno
1593.
and
the
power
of
Presbyteries
acknowledged
1594.
act
129.
and
was
never
rescinded
expresly
in
totum
;
but
only
in
part
by
the
ratification
of
the
act
of
Glasgow
.
Which
now
cannot
be
respected
;
but
falleth
ex
consequenti
:
seeing
that
Assembly
of
Glasgow
is
now
upon
just
and
infallable
reasons
declared
to
have
been
null
ab
initio
:
and
so
this
act
of
Parliament
,
wisely
omitted
by
the
collecter
to
the
Commissioners
grace
might
serve
alone
,
without
our
preceeding
speciall
answers
,
for
clearing
the
whole
preceeding
acts
.
The
23.
act
1597.
granteth
the
priviledge
of
a
voice
Anent
the
acts
1597.
in
Parliament
to
the
whole
Kirk
;
and
under
that
name
to
Abbots
,
or
other
persons
provided
to
prelacies
,
as
well
as
Bishops
:
even
as
in
time
of
papistrie
.
So
as
Sr.
Robert
Spottiswood
,
Abbot
of
New-abbay
road
thereafter
in
Parliament
:
which
was
both
unwarrantable
and
unusuall
.
Which
doth
nothing
contribute
for
the
Bishops
advantage
,
because
albeit
the
benefice
was
not
extinct
,
yet
neither
the
King
nor
the
Parliament
might
give
them
the
office
so
oft
condemned
by
this
Kirk
:
which
is
also
acknowledged
in
the
same
act
;
because
after
the
granting
to
them
of
the
said
voice
,
the
Parliament
remiteth
them
to
the
King
and
the
Assembly
,
concerning
their
office
in
their
spirituall
policie
and
government
in
the
Kirk
.
2.
The
said
act
beareth
expresly
to
be
but
prejudice
of
the
jurisdiction
&
discipline
of
the
Kirk
,
established
by
acts
of
Parliament
made
in
any
time
preceeding
,
and
permitted
by
the
said
acts
to
all
provinciall
and
generall
Assemblies
,
and
other
whatsoever
Presbyteries
and
Sessions
of
the
Kirk
:
and
so
the
same
cannot
derogat
from
the
former
acts
ratifying
the
present
discipline
of
the
Kirk
,
especially
the
said
act
1592.
nor
yet
from
the
acts
of
the
Assembly
abjuring
Episcopacie
.
3.
The
priviledge
is
granted
upon
condition
they
be
actuall
Pastors
and
Ministers
.
And
so
we
refer
to
the
world
and
themselves
,
if
with
good
consciences
they
may
clame
the
benefice
of
that
act
.
4.
That
priviledge
was
obtruded
,
and
pretended
to
be
introduced
in
favours
of
the
Kirk
:
who
may
and
hath
renounced
the
same
,
as
being
incompatible
with
their
spirituall
function
:
as
the
act
of
the
Assembly
at
more
length
beareth
,
upon
undeniable
reasons
.
5.
When
voice
in
Parliament
was
first
plausible
obtruded
upon
the
Kirk
,
it
was
neither
proponded
nor
tolerated
in
other
tearms
then
that
only
such
should
have
vote
in
Parliament
,
as
had
commission
from
the
Kirk
.
So
that
not
as
Bishops
,
but
as
Ministers
,
Commissioners
from
the
Kirk
,
they
had
vote
in
Parliament
.
Like
as
the
Assembly
at
Montrose
,
1600.
being
so
hardly
prest
by
authority
,
that
they
could
not
get
it
altogether
refused
(
albeit
in
their
conference
at
Haly-rud-house
,
1599.
they
proponed
unanswerable
reasons
against
this
,
and
all
other
civill
places
of
Pastours
)
set
down
cautions
,
binding
the
Ministers
voters
in
parliament
,
to
bee
insert
in
the
act
of
Parliament
subsequent
:
which
was
omitted
notwithstanding
of
the
Bishops
oath
and
dutie
in
the
contrare
;
for
the
breach
whereof
they
are
now
most
justly
censured
.
6.
The
ratificatorie
acts
of
the
priviledges
of
the
Kirk
and
Discipline
thereof
then
profest
,
are
not
thereby
abrogat
,
but
notwithstanding
thereof
must
stand
in
force
,
because
it
is
ever
understood
,
and
frequently
provyded
in
Parliament
,
that
all
acts
thereof
are
made
salvo
jure
cujuslibet
;
farre
more
salvo
jure
ecclesiae
&
sponsae
Christi
,
when
she
is
robbed
of
her
right
without
audience
:
especially
seeing
her
right
,
is
usually
ratified
in
the
first
act
of
every
Parliament
.
7
Albeit
it
were
granted
,
that
by
this
Act
of
Parliament
,
or
any
whatsoever
the
Prelates
had
voice
in
Parliament
,
yet
that
doth
not
exeime
them
from
Ecclesiastick
censure
,
nor
forefault
the
Kirks
right
,
whereby
she
may
condemne
them
for
their
transgressions
:
as
now
this
Assembly
most
justly
hath
done
,
for
by
their
own
caveats
,
whosoever
is
ecclesiastically
censured
by
Presbyteries
and
provinciall
Assemblies
,
ipso
facto
loseth
his
benefice
and
vote
in
Parliament
.
8.
Further
,
the
Bishops
in
their
declinatour
professe
they
never
had
commission
from
this
Kirk
to
voice
for
her
in
Parliament
,
according
to
the
cautions
set
down
in
the
Assembly
at
Montrose
:
for
the
which
cautions
that
Assembly
was
never
challenged
,
as
trinching
upon
the
third
Estate
.
The
act
of
parliament
1606.
is
coincident
with
the
nature
of
the
preceeding
acts
,
for
albeit
the
Anent
the
act
1606.
King
and
parliament
might
have
reponed
them
to
their
rents
,
teends
,
lands
,
&c.
which
were
annexed
to
the
Crown
;
yea
,
might
have
disponed
to
them
any
part
of
the
patrimonie
of
the
Crown
,
If
lordly
titles
and
civill
places
in
the
persons
of
pastours
separat
to
the
Gospel
,
had
been
lawfull
,
yet
could
not
give
them
the
spirituall
office
,
and
jurisdiction
spirituall
,
which
was
abolished
and
abjured
by
many
preceeding
acts
of
Assembly
and
parliament
forecited
.
Et
quod
illud
tantum
agebatur
,
is
evident
by
the
whole
straine
of
the
Act
,
reponing
them
,
for
remeed
of
their
contempt
and
povertie
to
their
dignities
,
priviledges
,
livings
,
rents
,
lands
,
and
teinds
:
and
this
alwayes
limited
,
as
was
competent
to
them
,
since
the
reformation
of
Religion
in
the
reformed
Kirk
:
From
which
time
their
office
and
jurisdiction
spirituall
was
alwayes
extinct
.
Which
is
evidently
acknowledged
in
the
act
of
Parliament
1592.
and
expresly
in
the
act
of
parliament
1597.
granting
voice
in
parliament
to
Ministers
.
Which
albeit
it
was
the
first
step
to
Episcopacie
,
yet
the
parliament
thereby
hath
remitted
the
office
of
Bishops
in
their
spirituall
policie
and
government
(
as
not
pertaining
to
their
civill
place
and
jurisdiction
)
to
the
King
and
the
generall
Assembly
of
Ministers
,
as
properly
belonging
to
them
,
but
prejudice
alwayes
of
the
jurisdiction
and
discipline
of
the
Kirk
,
permitted
by
many
acts
of
Parliament
,
(
whereof
that
1592.
forecited
is
one
)
to
generall
provinciall
Assemblies
,
Presbyteries
and
Sessions
of
the
Kirk
,
which
were
never
prejudged
neither
by
the
act
1606.
nor
by
the
act
1609.
albeit
corruption
was
then
fast
advancing
;
till
the
year
1612
at
which
time
first
,
and
never
before
,
the
King
and
Estates
had
taken
the
advice
of
the
pretended
Assembly
at
Glasgow
,
anent
their
office
and
spirituall
jurisdiction
formerly
remitted
to
them
:
as
is
cleare
in
the
act
of
Parliament
1612.
relative
to
that
remit
in
the
Parliament
1597.
which
for
that
cause
is
also
omitted
by
the
quotter
.
Likeas
also
the
act
of
Parliament
1609.
restoreth
them
only
to
temporall
jurisdiction
,
and
priviledges
,
Anent
the
act
1609.
lawfully
pertaining
to
them
and
flowing
from
his
Majestie
,
as
any
other
ordinare
jurisdiction
doth
:
with
reservation
of
the
Kings
supremacie
and
prerogative
therein
:
which
can
no
wayes
comprehend
their
Ecclesiasticall
office
,
because
the
same
is
not
a
temporall
jurisdiction
,
neither
did
lawfully
pertaine
to
them
,
but
by
the
law
of
God
,
and
acts
of
this
Kirk
after
reformation
:
and
by
the
act
1592.
was
abrogat
and
taken
from
them
:
and
the
Ecclesiasticall
power
established
in
Presbyteries
.
So
that
if
it
be
an
Ecclesiasticall
office
,
it
cannot
flow
from
the
King
,
who
cannot
make
a
Minister
,
Doctor
,
Elder
or
Deacon
in
the
Kirk
;
albeit
he
may
present
a
Minister
made
by
the
KING
of
Kings
to
the
Kirk
:
neither
can
the
Parliament
institute
originally
any
Ecclesiasticall
office
in
the
Kirk
,
as
is
before
said
.
Further
the
intended
scope
of
that
act
is
only
the
restitution
of
Commissariats
and
temporall
jurisdiction
flowing
from
his
Majestie
:
as
is
clear
by
the
act
it self
,
bearing
that
they
shall
brook
all
priviledges
and
jurisdictions
granted
to
them
by
his
Majestie
,
and
redintegrates
them
to
their
former
authority
and
jurisdiction
,
lawfully
pertaining
to
them
,
alwayes
flowing
from
his
Majestie
(
from
whom
only
temporall
jurisdiction
doth
flow
)
which
is
only
the
jurisdiction
of
Commissers
in
temporall
causes
,
and
no
wayes
any
spirituall
jurisdiction
competent
ratione
officii
:
which
by
Gods
word
and
the
laws
of
the
Kingdome
was
abjured
in
them
,
and
established
in
Assemblies
Presbyteries
,
&c.
as
is
many
times
before
repeated
.
But
to
convince
them
further
it
is
notor
that
both
1606
,
and
1609.
they
road
in
Parliament
,
&
by
their
own
voices
and
the
iniquity
of
the
time
,
made
the
said
acts
without
inserting
the
cautions
made
at
Montrose
,
without
any
commission
from
the
Kirk
,
contraire
to
the
said
cautions
and
their
own
oath
given
for
observance
thereof
,
against
which
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
did
protest
solemnly
,
clearing
unanswerably
,
not
only
the
unlawfulnesse
of
their
Ecclesiastick
Episcopall
function
;
but
also
of
the
civill
places
in
persons
of
Pastors
,
from
Gods
word
,
our
confession
of
Faith
,
1580.
acts
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
;
but
this
protestation
being
rejected
by
them
was
printed
to
the
view
of
the
world
.
And
as
for
the
act
of
Parliameat
1617.
it
cannot
Anent
the
act
1617.
set
down
consecration
to
the
office
,
without
a
preceeding
act
of
the
Kirk
:
which
is
not
aleadged
:
but
by
the
contraire
,
the
Kirk
,
had
before
condemned
that
office
,
and
did
particularly
protest
against
that
act
of
Parliament
.
Moreover
this
act
is
builded
upon
the
supposed
ground
of
Glasgow
Assembly
1610.
which
for
infallable
reasons
is
now
annulled
:
and
so
not
only
this
act
1617.
but
all
after
acts
,
ratifying
the
same
,
fall
ex
consequenti
;
both
by
the
light
of
reason
,
law
and
practise
of
this
Kingdome
.
For
when
the
principall
act
or
right
ratified
doth
fall
,
the
subsequent
ratification
falleth
eo
ipso
:
especially
in
this
case
,
when
civill
laws
in
Ecclesiasticall
matters
,
cannot
be
made
originally
,
nor
subsist
after
the
abolition
of
the
Ecclesiasticall
constitutions
,
which
they
ordaine
under
civill
sanction
to
be
obeyed
:
and
yet
being
once
annulled
they
cannot
be
obeyed
.
And
further
even
that
corrupt
Assembly
of
Glasgow
1610.
which
is
now
declared
to
have
been
null
ab
initio
,
did
never
restore
the
office
of
a
diocesian
Bishop
before
condemned
in
this
Kirk
;
but
did
too
far
enlarge
and
extend
the
power
of
these
who
were
provided
to
the
benifice
of
Bishops
;
and
yet
alwayes
under
cautions
and
limitations
sworn
unto
:
which
they
never
observed
;
and
upon
condition
of
their
subjection
for
censure
to
yearly
generall
Assemblies
:
which
they
have
not
keeped
,
but
impeded
,
and
so
they
ought
not
to
clame
the
benefice
of
these
acts
of
Parliament
concluded
by
their
own
voyces
,
and
protested
against
by
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
and
violated
by
themselves
.
And
last
,
for
answer
to
all
acts
of
Parliament
whatsoever
,
let
the
Christian
Reader
consider
,
if
,
as
the
Conclusion
.
Assembly
lately
conveened
by
his
Majesties
indiction
in
the
name
of
Iesus
Christ
,
should
judge
(
and
hath
proceeded
)
by
the
word
of
God
alone
;
and
not
by
acts
of
Parliament
:
so
we
are
oblidged
by
our
oath
made
to
God
,
to
returne
to
the
doctrine
and
discipline
of
this
Kirk
1580.
and
renounce
all
subsequent
acts
contrary
thereunto
,
and
prejudiciall
to
the
puritie
of
reformation
and
the
Kirk
,
in
whose
favours
any
pretended
priviledges
is
granted
,
and
that
out
of
experience
of
reall
prejudice
,
and
the
pungent
sins
of
our
oath
and
danger
of
perjurie
;
under
which
this
Kingdome
lieth
:
for
the
which
we
ardently
deprecat
Gods
wrath
,
&
beg
mercy
to
every
one
of
us
who
are
guilty
;
and
must
still
continue
our
earnest
and
humble
supplications
to
his
Majestie
for
redresse
:
as
we
shall
do
our
petitions
to
God
,
for
preserving
the
sacred
person
of
our
dread
Soveraigne
,
and
perpetuating
his
reigne
and
his
Royall
posterity
over
this
land
so
long
as
the
world
indureth
.
Revised
according
to
the
ordinance
of
the
generall
Assembly
,
by
me
Mr.
A.
Ihonston
Clerk
thereto
:
Edinb
.
14.
of
Feb.
1639.
FINIS
.