The ansvveres of some brethren of the ministerie to the replyes of the ministers and professours of divinitie in Aberdeene, concerning the late convenant.
         Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
      
       
         
           1638
        
      
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             The ansvveres of some brethren of the ministerie to the replyes of the ministers and professours of divinitie in Aberdeene, concerning the late convenant.
             Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
             Dickson, David, 1583?-1663.
          
           [44] p.
           
             [J. Wreittoun?],
             [Edinburgh?] printed:
             1638.
          
           
             Signed at end: Master Alexander Hamilton, Master David Dickson.
             Imprint suggested by STC (2nd ed.).
             Signatures: [pi]² *⁴ [A]²(-A1) B-I².
             Reproduction of original in the Harvard University Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Covenanters.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           ANSVVERES
           OF
           SOME
           BRETHREN
           
             OF
             THE
             MINISTERIE
          
           .
           TO
           THE
           REPLYES
           OF
           THE
           MINISTERS
           
             and
             Professours
             of
             Divinitie
          
           in
           ABERDEENE
           :
           CONCERNING
           THE
           LATE
           COVENANT
           .
        
         
           2
           :
           CHRON.
           15.
           15.
           
        
         
           
             And
             all
          
           IVDA
           
             rejoyced
             at
             the
             Oath
             :
             For
             they
             had
             sworne
             with
             all
             their
             heart
             ,
             and
             sought
             Him
             with
             their
             whole
             desire
             :
             and
             Hee
             was
             found
             of
             them
             .
          
        
         
         
           Printed
           the
           yeare
           of
           God
           ,
           1638.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           TO
           THE
           CHRISTIAN
           READER
           .
        
         
           THat
           you
           maye
           know
           our
           Proceedings
           ,
           how
           wee
           are
           brought
           upon
           the
           Stage
           ,
           and
           con●…rie
           to
           our
           expectation
           ,
           are
           put
           in
           print
           .
           Comming
           to
           Abe●…dede
           on
           Fryday
           the
           afternoone
           ,
           wee
           received
           ,
           the
           Demands
           of
           our
           
             Reverend
             Brethren
          
           that
           night
           late
           :
           and
           ,
           for
           the
           greater
           expedition
           ,
           without
           delay
           ,
           wee
           returned
           our
           summarie
           Answers
           on
           Saturday
           at
           night
           .
           On
           the
           
             Lords
             Day
          
           following
           ,
           wee
           desired
           to
           expresse
           our-selves
           to
           the
           People
           in
           presence
           of
           the
           Ministerie
           ,
           but
           the
           Pulpits
           and
           Kirks
           were
           altogether
           refused
           ;
           and
           therefore
           in
           the
           most
           convenient
           place
           wee
           could
           have
           ,
           
             sub
             dio
          
           ,
           and
           at
           such
           houres
           as
           were
           vacant
           from
           the
           ordinarie
           exercises
           of
           publicke
           Worship
           ;
           wee
           delivered
           our
           Message
           in
           the
           Audience
           of
           manie
           .
           After
           our
           last
           Sermon
           ,
           towards
           Evening
           ,
           wee
           found
           that
           our
           labour
           was
           not
           in
           vaine
           in
           the
           LORD
           ,
           for
           diverse
           persons
           ,
           of
           speciall
           note
           ,
           both
           for
           place
           and
           wisedome
           ,
           with
           willing
           heart
           ,
           &
           great
           readinesse
           of
           minde
           did
           publickly
           put
           their
           hands
           to
           the
           COUENANT
           .
           Having
           the
           weeke
           following
           seene
           some
           parts
           of
           the
           Countrey
           ,
           (
           where
           besides
           the
           Presbyteries
           Alford
           and
           Deare
           ,
           who
           had
           subscribed
           before
           ,
           the
           Moderator
           ,
           &
           diverse
           of
           the
           Presbyterie
           of
           Aberdene
           ,
           the
           Presbyterie
           of
           Turreff
           ,
           after
           they
           were
           satisfied
           in
           some
           scruples
           ,
           did
           also
           subscribe
           )
           wee
           returned
           the
           next
           Saturday
           to
           Aberdene
           ;
           where
           finding
           that
           some
           others
           had
           subscribed
           that
           week
           ,
           we
           resolved
           to
           preach
           upon
           the
           morne
           .
           That
           night
           wee
           received
           a
           Reply
           ,
           unto
           which
           before
           our
           returne
           home
           ,
           wee
           have
           made
           an
           Answere
           .
           All
           these
           we
           desire
           may
           bee
           unpartially
           considered
           :
           and
           if
           it
           shall
           please
           the
           LODD
           ,
           that
           any
           light
           shall
           come
           from
           our
           labour
           unto
           thy
           minde
           ,
           let
           it
           bee
           ascribed
           not
           unto
           us
           ,
           (
           who
           neither
           had
           time
           nor
           helps
           for
           such
           a
           taske
           )
           but
           to
           the
           brightnesse
           of
           the
           Trueth
           ,
           and
           Cause
           it selfe
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Father
           of
           Lights
           :
           to
           whom
           bee
           all
           Glorie
           .
        
         
         
           VVHat
           did
           prodeed
           from
           our
           Penne
           in
           our
           Answ●…
           to
           the
           D.
           D.
           of
           Aberdeene
           ,
           concerning
           the
           late
           Declaration
           given
           to
           his
           Majesties
           Commissioner
           ,
           did
           flow
           from
           minds
           filled
           with
           a
           zeale
           to
           the
           peace
           of
           this
           Kirk
           &
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           from
           our
           earnest
           desires
           of
           a
           perfect
           harmonie
           ,
           betwixt
           the
           King
           and
           his
           Subjects
           against
           all
           Mistakings
           .
           This
           zeale
           of
           ours
           wee
           confesse
           made
           us
           studie
           more
           ,
           how
           to
           decline
           and
           to
           keepe
           our selves
           from
           touching
           such
           of
           the
           D.
           D.
           demands
           as
           were
           thornie
           ,
           than
           howe
           to
           walke
           safely
           through
           them
           .
           And
           likewise
           to
           make
           manifest
           to
           his
           Majesties
           good
           Subjects
           in
           all
           places
           whether
           the
           D.
           D.
           demands
           ,
           and
           our
           answeres
           should
           happen
           to
           come
           .
           That
           matters
           inclined
           to
           pacification
           ,
           and
           were
           in
           a
           faire
           way
           off
           setling
           :
           for
           which
           peaceable
           intentions
           we
           could
           conceive
           nothing
           to
           bee
           more
           behovefull
           ,
           than
           by
           word
           and
           write
           to
           make
           knowne
           to
           all
           men
           the
           forsaid
           declaration
           ,
           which
           his
           Majesties
           loyall
           Subjects
           presented
           to
           his
           Majesties
           Commissionar
           ,
           for
           clearing
           their
           Covenant
           of
           all
           unlawfull
           Combination
           against
           Authoritie
           .
           And
           by
           so
           doing
           ,
           to
           stoppe
           the
           mouthes
           of
           our
           Adversaries
           ,
           and
           to
           stay
           all
           their
           obloquies
           .
           In
           using
           of
           this
           meane
           ,
           it
           was
           far
           from
           our
           thoughts
           to
           wound
           anye
           man
           ,
           or
           to
           write
           anye
           word
           ,
           which
           might
           give
           the
           smallest
           offence
           to
           the
           meanest
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Subjects
           ,
           Hoping
           rather
           that
           these
           our
           proceedings
           should
           have
           beene
           more
           acceptable
           to
           Authoritie
           ,
           more
           approven
           of
           the
           wife
           and
           men
           of
           understanding
           ,
           and
           more
           aggreable
           unto
           the
           minds
           of
           such
           as
           are
           for
           peace
           ;
           than
           rashly
           and
           unadvisedly
           to
           have
           gone
           on
           in
           a
           Dispute
           of
           
             State
             questions
          
           ,
           which
           hardly
           at
           any
           time
           hath
           beene
           profitable
           for
           peace
           ,
           and
           which
           at
           this
           time
           seemed
           to
           us
           (
           to
           say
           no
           further
           )
           most
           unseasonable
           &
           impertinent
           .
           Yet
           knowing
           that
           it
           were
           not
           only
           base
           and
           shamefull
           ,
           but
           in
           our
           persons
           ,
           and
           in
           our
           proceedings
           in
           this
           cause
           ,
           a
           very
           great
           incongruitie
           ,
           and
           in
           it selfe
           sinfull
           ,
           to
           speake
           wickedly
           for
           GOD
           ,
           and
           to
           talke
           deceitfullie
           for
           him
           ,
           for
           that
           were
           as
           one
           man
           mocketh
           another
           so
           to
           mocke
           him
           .
           Iob.
           13.
           7.
           9.
           and
           to
           make
           iniquitie
           a
           meane
           to
           promove
           piet●…e
           ,
           
           (
           a
           policie
           which
           wee
           have
           not
           learned
           ,
           )
           as
           if
           GOD
           could
           bee
           served
           with
           our
           sinnes
           .
           Wee
           have
           made
           heere
           a
           briefe
           relation
           of
           the
           reasons
           &
           grounds
           ,
           where-upon
           wee
           have
           in
           our
           answeres
           confidently
           affirmed
           ,
           that
           his
           Majesties
           Commissionar
           did
           accept
           ,
           and
           was
           well
           pleased
           with
           the
           late
           Declaration
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           His
           G.
           was
           most
           earnest
           to
           have
           the
           late
           Covenant
           so
           solemnely
           sworne
           ,
           and
           so
           universally
           subscribed
           to
           bee
           rendred
           ,
           or
           rescinded
           ,
           and
           did
           propone
           plausible
           reasons
           for
           that
           effect
           .
           But
           this
           by
           such
           strong
           impediments
           as
           were
           at
           that
           time
           represented
           ,
           and
           are
           now
           extant
           in
           print
           ,
           being
           impossible
           to
           us
           to
           doe
           ,
           except
           wee
           wold
           sin
           highly
           against
           God.
           His
           G.
           afterward
           declared
           that
           the
           Kings
           Majesty
           was
           most
           willing
           to
           indict
           an
           Assembly
           &
           call
           a
           Parliament
           ,
           but
           that
           our
           Covenant
           in
           the
           clause
           of
           mutuall
           defence
           ,
           was
           a
           combination
           against
           Authoritie
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           had
           sworne
           to
           defend
           one
           another
           in
           our
           owne
           private
           quarrells
           ,
           aswel
           as
           in
           the
           cause
           of
           Religion
           .
           This
           his
           G.
           desired
           to
           bee
           removed
           ,
           as
           a
           maine
           hinderance
           of
           the
           obtaining
           of
           our
           desires
           ,
           and
           without
           the
           removall
           whereof
           an
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           Parliament
           could
           not
           be
           indicted
           .
           When
           this
           motion
           of
           a
           Declaration
           was
           first
           proponed
           to
           the
           severall
           meetings
           the
           greater
           part
           was
           against
           it
           :
           because
           no
           Declaration
           ,
           containing
           ●…ye
           thing
           contrarie
           to
           the
           Covenant
           could
           bee
           granted
           ,
           and
           an
           explanation
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           the
           meaning
           whereof
           seemed
           to
           be
           plaine
           enough
           ,
           would
           no
           more
           please
           than
           the
           Covenant
           it self
           :
           but
           by
           the
           earnest
           dealing
           of
           some
           Noblemen
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Counsell
           sent
           from
           the
           Commissioner
           ,
           with
           some
           Commissioners
           sent
           from
           everie
           meeting
           ,
           It
           was
           thought
           meet
           in
           end
           ,
           that
           a
           Supplication
           containing
           a
           Declaration
           should
           bee
           formed
           ,
           which
           at
           last
           his
           G.
           did
           receive
           at
           the
           hands
           of
           the
           Supplicants
           ,
           and
           upon
           the
           receiving
           thereof
           promised
           to
           deale
           with
           the
           Kings
           Majestie
           for
           obtaining
           a
           free
           Assembly
           and
           Parliament
           ,
           which
           he
           refused
           to
           undertake
           without
           this
           Declaration
           .
           Thus
           by
           the
           very
           nature
           and
           course
           of
           our
           Proceedings
           about
           this
           point
           ,
           it
           
           is
           manifest
           that
           the
           Declaration
           was
           ,
           at
           least
           in
           this
           farre
           satisfactorie
           to
           the
           Commissioner
           himselfe
           ,
           that
           hee
           did
           promise
           to
           mediate
           for
           an
           Assembly
           and
           Parliament
           ,
           which
           was
           both
           the
           summe
           of
           our
           desires
           ,
           and
           the
           onely
           end
           of
           this
           Declaration
           .
           So
           that
           no
           man
           could
           in
           any
           reason
           think
           that
           we
           should
           have
           wronged
           him
           in
           affirming
           that
           his
           G.
           did
           accept
           ,
           and
           was
           well
           pleased
           with
           that
           Declaration
           since
           upon
           the
           sight
           ,
           receiving
           ,
           and
           hearing
           thereof
           ,
           he
           promised
           to
           doe
           his
           best
           endeavours
           with
           his
           Majestie
           for
           obtaining
           what
           was
           petitioned
           by
           us
           ,
           which
           before
           and
           without
           it
           ,
           his
           G.
           had
           utterly
           refused
           to
           doe
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           three
           Noble-men
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Counsell
           who
           were
           imployed
           by
           his
           G.
           about
           this
           Declaration
           ,
           did
           repare
           ordinarly
           to
           him
           for
           advysing
           what
           forme
           of
           Declaration
           would
           best
           please
           ,
           and
           give
           best
           satisfaction
           .
           And
           we
           had
           great
           reason
           to
           think
           that
           the
           forme
           which
           pleased
           their
           Lorships
           should
           not
           be
           displeasing
           ,
           or
           unacceptable
           to
           his
           G.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           After
           that
           diverse
           formes
           of
           Declaration
           were
           drawn
           up
           ,
           and
           none
           of
           them
           was
           found
           to
           give
           satisfaction
           :
           at
           last
           it
           was
           thought
           good
           ,
           that
           one
           should
           bee
           formed
           by
           waye
           of
           Supplication
           for
           a
           generall
           Assembly
           and
           Parliament
           .
        
         
           And
           because
           the
           maine
           hinderance
           of
           obtaining
           thereof
           ,
           was
           that
           our
           Covenant
           was
           suspect
           to
           be
           a
           combination
           against
           Authoritie
           ,
           it
           was
           found
           necessare
           that
           this
           impediment
           should
           bee
           removed
           by
           declaring
           that
           no
           such
           thing
           was
           intended
           in
           the
           Covenant
           .
           This
           forme
           of
           Supplication
           did
           first
           please
           the
           three
           Noble-men
           ,
           and
           thereafter
           ,
           diverse
           parts
           and
           expressions
           of
           it
           were
           corrected
           by
           his
           G.
           particular
           direction
           ,
           which
           are
           still
           keeped
           in
           remembrance
           ,
           &
           in
           the
           notes
           of
           the
           Noblemen
           and
           others
           at
           that
           time
           imployed
           about
           this
           work
           frō
           their
           several
           meetings
           .
           This
           made
           us
           to
           think
           that
           his
           G.
           was
           well
           pleased
           with
           so
           much
           as
           was
           corrected
           by
           himself
           ,
           and
           that
           his
           G.
           would
           have
           also
           corrected
           other
           parts
           &
           expressions
           thereof
           ,
           if
           hee
           had
           not
           bene
           well
           pleased
           with
           them
           :
           and
           therfore
           made
           
           us
           secure
           that
           his
           G.
           would
           no
           have
           offended
           that
           we
           or
           any
           other
           ,
           shuld
           have
           affi●…
           so
           much
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Wee
           have
           reason
           to
           think
           that
           the
           first
           Declaration
           which
           was
           showne
           to
           the
           Petitioners
           by
           the
           three
           Noblemen
           sent
           from
           his
           G.
           to
           negotiate
           with
           them
           ,
           would
           have
           given
           satisfaction
           ;
           why
           then
           shall
           wee
           not
           think
           ,
           that
           the
           Supplication
           mended
           by
           his
           owne
           particular
           direction
           ,
           not
           in
           the
           Petitorie
           part
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           Declaration
           which
           it
           contained
           ,
           might
           in
           like
           manner
           satisfie
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Among
           other
           partes
           of
           the
           Declaration
           which
           were
           mended
           by
           the
           Commissioners
           direction
           ,
           One
           was
           in
           the
           beginning
           thereof
           ,
           where
           ,
           in
           place
           of
           that
           which
           was
           first
           written
           
             That
             the
             Kings
             Majestie
             bad
             conceived
             the
             Confession
             of
             Fayth
          
           and
           
             Covenant
             lately
             renewed
             by
             us
             his
             Majesties
             Subjects
             to
             bee
             an
             unlawfull
             combination
             against
             Authoritie
             :
          
           His
           G.
           would
           have
           it
           changed
           thus
           ,
           
             That
             his
             Majesties
             Commissioner
             hath
             conceived
             the
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Wee
           might
           therefore
           have
           imagined
           that
           the
           Kings
           Majestie
           possibly
           would
           not
           have
           beene
           pleased
           with
           our
           Declaration
           ,
           but
           it
           could
           not
           so
           much
           as
           enter
           in
           our
           minds
           that
           his
           Majesties
           Commissioner
           ,
           who
           would
           have
           the
           words
           to
           expresse
           his
           owne
           dislike
           ,
           and
           not
           the
           Kings
           ,
           should
           not
           for
           his
           owne
           part
           beene
           pleased
           with
           it
           ,
           or
           bee
           offended
           with
           us
           ,
           for
           affirming
           so
           much
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           There
           was
           some
           reasoning
           between
           the
           three
           Counsellers
           and
           the
           Petitioners
           ,
           whether
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Declaration
           should
           bee
           thus
           conceived
           ,
           
             amaine
             Hinderance
          
           ,
           or
           ,
           
             the
             mains
             Hinderance
          
           ,
           for
           which
           later
           conception
           the
           Petitioners
           did
           plead
           ,
           That
           this
           which
           was
           the
           maine
           hinderance
           being
           removed
           by
           their
           declaration
           ,
           for
           which
           end
           they
           were
           moved
           to
           make
           it
           ,
           ther
           might
           bee
           no
           more
           hinderances
           afterward
           ,
           or
           at
           lest
           so
           small
           ones
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           easily
           be
           put
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ;
           and
           the
           trueth
           is
           ,
           that
           since
           the
           removall
           of
           that
           main
           hinderance
           ,
           we
           have
           heard
           of
           no
           particulare
           hinderance
           from
           the
           contents
           of
           the
           Covenant
           .
           This
           also
           did
           make
           us
           to
           say
           with
           the
           greater
           confidence
           that
           the
           Declaration
           did
           please
           .
        
         
         
           7.
           
           When
           the
           Declaration
           was
           received
           by
           his
           Majesties
           Commissioner
           ,
           was
           read
           openly
           ,
           and
           was
           confirmed
           heartily
           by
           the
           oath
           of
           the
           petitioner
           .
           His
           G.
           declared
           that
           hee
           verily
           believed
           that
           they
           meaned
           what
           they
           spake
           ,
           that
           hee
           hoped
           what
           they
           had
           written
           should
           prove
           satisfactorie
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           and
           that
           hee
           would
           against
           the
           time
           appointed
           do
           his
           best
           endeavours
           with
           his
           Majestie
           for
           obtaining
           our
           desires
           ,
           which
           could
           not
           but
           make
           us
           conceive
           that
           his
           G.
           was
           satisfied
           with
           it
           himself
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           Although
           all
           the
           companies
           of
           petitioners
           could
           not
           bee
           present
           to
           hear
           with
           their
           own
           eares
           ,
           the
           words
           that
           were
           spoken
           ,
           yet
           all
           of
           them
           had
           so
           much
           as
           we
           have
           written
           ,
           reported
           unto
           them
           ,
           not
           by
           uncertaine
           rumour
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           faithfulnesse
           of
           their
           Commissioners
           ;
           and
           upon
           the
           certaintie
           of
           this
           report
           ,
           and
           certaine
           evidences
           of
           the
           trueth
           ,
           they
           rested
           satisfied
           ,
           and
           were
           put
           in
           hope
           of
           a
           generall
           Assembly
           at
           the
           Commissioner
           his
           returne
           .
           Which
           hath
           made
           them
           also
           now
           in
           their
           answers
           to
           the
           last
           of
           the
           late
           propositions
           made
           unto
           them
           by
           his
           Majesties
           Commissioner
           after
           his
           returne
           ,
           to
           affirme
           ,
           that
           his
           G.
           accepted
           their
           Declaration
           as
           the
           most
           ready
           &
           powerfull
           mean
           ,
           which
           could
           come
           within
           the
           compasse
           of
           their
           thoughts
           ,
           for
           clearing
           them
           of
           that
           objected
           Combination
           ,
           lykeas
           they
           have
           testified
           no
           lesse
           in
           their
           letters
           to
           others
           .
           So
           that
           if
           wee
           have
           erred
           in
           our
           affirmation
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           erred
           alone
           ,
           but
           have
           beene
           carried
           awaye
           with
           the
           common
           errour
           of
           so
           many
           as
           were
           heere
           conveened
           ,
           without
           exception
           of
           any
           one
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           As
           it
           is
           verie
           unbeseeming
           our
           profession
           &
           calling
           ,
           so
           was
           it
           verie
           far
           from
           our
           minde
           &
           desire
           ,
           in
           our
           answers
           to
           touch
           the
           honourable
           Lords
           of
           Counsell
           ,
           or
           any
           in
           authoritie
           under
           his
           sacred
           Majestie
           .
           If
           the
           Act
           of
           approbation
           with
           the
           Subscriptions
           thereof
           ,
           (
           the
           ground
           of
           the
           missive
           )
           was
           torne
           and
           rescinded
           and
           the
           missive
           it selfe
           ,
           once
           thought
           fitte
           to
           bee
           sent
           ,
           was
           returned
           and
           promise
           given
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           not
           be
           sent
           ,
           there
           was
           no
           lesse
           done
           than
           was
           assevered
           by
           us
           .
           What
           reason
           wee
           had
           to
           affirme
           that
           this
           
           was
           done
           upon
           the
           Supplication
           &
           complaint
           of
           the
           lieges
           ,
           may
           appeare
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           remembred
           ,
           First
           ,
           that
           some
           of
           the
           honourable
           Lords
           of
           ●…unsell
           after
           they
           were
           informed
           by
           the
           supplicants
           what
           p●…udices
           were
           done
           to
           their
           cause
           by
           the
           Act
           approving
           the
           Proclamation
           ,
           were
           passionatly
           desirous
           to
           have
           the
           Act
           rescinded
           ,
           and
           did
           declare
           that
           they
           would
           not
           spare
           to
           deale
           with
           the
           Commissioner
           for
           that
           effect
           .
           2.
           
           When
           it
           was
           requyred
           by
           the
           Supplicants
           ,
           that
           another
           Act
           should
           bee
           made
           bearing
           ,
           that
           by
           their
           subscribing
           the
           Proclamation
           they
           had
           not
           given
           their
           Approbation
           to
           it
           ,
           It
           was
           often
           and
           at
           large
           answered
           ,
           that
           they
           did
           not
           by
           their
           Subscription
           approve
           the
           Proclamation
           ,
           but
           onely
           gave
           warrant
           thereby
           to
           the
           Clerke
           for
           registration
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Herauld
           for
           publishing
           the
           same
           .
           And
           thirdly
           the
           Supplicants
           presented
           a
           petition
           containing
           the
           reasons
           of
           their
           desires
           ,
           and
           could
           not
           bee
           satisfied
           ,
           except
           upon
           these
           reasons
           the
           Act
           were
           rescinded
           ,
           and
           the
           missive
           stayed
           .
           This
           Supplication
           was
           received
           by
           the
           Commissioner
           ,
           was
           openly
           reade
           ,
           and
           answere
           was
           given
           by
           his
           G.
           that
           their
           desire
           should
           be
           satisfied
           .
           All
           this
           in
           substance
           was
           knowne
           to
           many
           thousands
           before
           any
           word
           was
           seene
           from
           our
           penne
           ,
           neither
           had
           anye
           thing
           written
           by
           us
           come
           to
           the
           sight
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           if
           it
           had
           not
           beene
           put
           to
           the
           Presse
           by
           the
           D.
           D.
           
        
         
           So
           much
           have
           wee
           beene
           constrained
           to
           say
           for
           vindicating
           our selves
           ,
           who
           esteeme
           it
           to
           bee
           our
           chiefest
           comfort
           and
           greatest
           glory
           ,
           that
           wee
           plead
           for
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           trueth
           of
           Religion
           and
           desire
           neither
           in
           our
           plea
           nor
           in
           our
           preaching
           for
           the
           defence
           of
           the
           trueth
           to
           alledge
           any
           un●…ueth
           .
           We
           have
           written
           nothing
           before
           ,
           or
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           from
           an
           humour
           to
           contradict
           any
           man
           ,
           or
           to
           wrong
           the
           meanest
           far
           lesse
           any
           of
           the
           honorable
           Lords
           of
           his
           Majestices
           Counsell
           ,
           &
           least
           of
           all
           his
           Maiesties
           high
           Commissioner
           But
           doe
           confesse
           that
           there
           was
           much
           insisting
           great
           working
           on
           both
           sides
           ;
           &
           many
           meetings
           ▪
           before
           the
           forme
           of
           Declaration
           could
           bee
           agreed
           upon
           ,
           and
           received
           :
           And
           wee
           
           doe
           believe
           also
           that
           the
           rescinding
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           so
           vehemently
           urged
           ,
           was
           that
           which
           would
           have
           given
           him
           ,
           as
           his
           Majesties
           Commissioner
           ,
           greatest
           satisfaction
           ,
           Neither
           are
           wee
           ignorant
           that
           Partly
           through
           the
           malignancie
           of
           Sycophants
           watching
           all
           opportunities
           to
           promove
           their
           owne
           projects
           ;
           Partly
           through
           the
           rubs
           and
           difficulties
           which
           occurre
           in
           working
           of
           great
           maters
           to
           their
           wished
           ends
           ;
           and
           Partly
           through
           the
           busie
           and
           overweaning
           conceit
           of
           some
           who
           would
           seeme
           to
           bee
           somewhat
           that
           they
           may
           warme
           themselves
           at
           a
           combustion
           ,
           and
           who
           are
           readie
           to
           raise
           suspitions
           against
           the
           wisest
           and
           best
           affected
           to
           Authoritie
           ;
           much
           must
           beewritten
           and
           spoken
           
             per
             ragioni
             di
             stato
          
           ,
           which
           otherwise
           would
           not
           bee
           thought
           so
           necessarie
           .
           Yet
           cannot
           wee
           conceive
           but
           the
           acceptance
           of
           the
           Declaration
           of
           the
           loyaltie
           of
           his
           Majesties
           subjects
           set
           down
           in
           writ
           ,
           and
           seconded
           by
           oath
           ,
           was
           good
           service
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           that
           labouring
           with
           his
           Majestie
           to
           possesse
           his
           royall
           heart
           with
           the
           best
           conceptions
           and
           constructions
           of
           the
           actions
           of
           his
           well
           meaning
           ,
           and
           honest
           hearted
           Subjects
           ,
           deser●…eth
           from
           them
           the
           increase
           of
           that
           respect
           ,
           and
           honour
           which
           they
           owe
           to
           all
           whom
           God
           honoureth
           to
           bee
           instruments
           of
           good
           and
           happinesse
           to
           this
           Kirke
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           which
           the
           LORD
           establish
           under
           his
           Majesties
           long
           and
           prosperous
           reigne
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           TO
           THE
           READER
           .
        
         
           
             GOod
             Reader
          
           ,
           what
           could
           not
           be
           performed
           by
           us
           in
           Printing
           or
           Answeres
           severally
           after
           their
           owne
           Replyes
           ,
           let
           it
           bee
           supplyed
           by
           thy selfe
           in
           reading
           .
           And
           if
           there
           bee
           any
           part
           of
           our
           Answers
           which
           seemeth
           not
           to
           be
           relative
           to
           the
           Replyes
           ,
           let
           it
           bee
           imputed
           to
           the
           
             D.
             D.
          
           whose
           printed
           Copie
           agrieth
           not
           with
           that
           ,
           which
           in
           wr●…t
           was
           sent
           unto
           us
           under
           their
           hands
           ,
           &
           unto
           which
           our
           Answeres
           were
           made
           .
           Neither
           is
           it
           our
           fault
           that
           our
           answeres
           have
           not
           come
           to
           light
           before
           this
           tyme
           ,
           we
           having
           sent
           the
           same
           ,
           without
           the
           changing
           of
           one
           word
           to
           bee
           printed
           at
           Aberdene
           ,
           before
           our
           comming
           from
           that
           part
           of
           the
           Countrie
           :
           This
           must
           bee
           ascribed
           to
           the
           ordinary
           difficulties
           and
           hinderances
           ,
           which
           use
           to
           oppose
           the
           Trueth
           and
           a
           good
           cause
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           which
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           meete
           now
           to
           specifie
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           
             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
             ,
             
             nd
             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
             .
          
           
             VVEE
             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
             recōmended
             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
             cōfirmation
             of
             the
             said
             doctrine
             which
             wee
             neither
             deny
             ,
             nor
             affirme
             ,
             to
             bee
             imported
             in
             the
             olde
             Covenant
             ,
             but
             onelie
             in
             the
             interpretation
             thereof
             ,
             wee
             de
             clare
             .
             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
             upō
             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
             
               inten
               tion
            
             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
            
             .