Generall demands concerning the late covenant propounded by the ministers and professors of divinitie in Aberdene, to some reverend brethren, who came thither to recommend the late covenant to them, and to those who are committed to their charge. Together with the answers of those reverend brethren to the said demands. As also the replyes of the foresaid ministers and professors to their answers.
      
       
         
           1638
        
      
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             Generall demands concerning the late covenant propounded by the ministers and professors of divinitie in Aberdene, to some reverend brethren, who came thither to recommend the late covenant to them, and to those who are committed to their charge. Together with the answers of those reverend brethren to the said demands. As also the replyes of the foresaid ministers and professors to their answers.
             Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
             Forbes, John, 1593-1648.
             Hamilton, James Hamilton, Duke of, 1606-1649.
          
           [18], 37, [1] p.
           
             Printed by Robert Young, His Majesties printer for Scotland,
             [London] :
             Anno 1638.
          
           
             The answers are signed by Alexander Henderson, David Dickson, and Andrew Cant. The replies are signed by John Forbes and five others.
             P.[1]: "Imprinted by His Majesties printer for Scotland. Anno 1638." This is followed by the title page, and a vindication by James Hamilton, Duke of Hamilton, beginning "It will, no doubt, seem strange to see my name in print..".
             Folger Shakespeare Library copy identified as STC 66a in reel guide.
             Reproduction of the originals in the Union Theological Seminary (New York, N.Y.). Library of the Folger Shakespeare Library.
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         eng
      
       
         
           Church of Scotland -- Early works to 1800.
           Covenanters -- Scotland -- 17th century -- Early works to 1800.
           Aberdeen (Scotland) -- Church history -- 17th century -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           GENERALL
           DEMANDS
           CONCERNING
           THE
           LATE
           COVENANT
           :
           Propounded
           by
           the
           Ministers
           and
           Professors
           of
           Divinity
           in
           Aberdene
           ,
           to
           some
           Reverend
           Brethren
           ,
           who
           came
           thither
           to
           recommend
           the
           late
           Covenant
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           those
           who
           are
           committed
           to
           their
           charge
           .
           TOGETHER
           WITH
           The
           ANSWERS
           of
           those
           Reverend
           Brethren
           to
           the
           said
           DEMANDS
           .
           AS
           ALSO
           The
           REPLYES
           of
           the
           foresaid
           Ministers
           and
           Professors
           to
           their
           ANSWERS
           .
        
         
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             Sanctifie
             the
             Lord
             God
             in
             your
             hearts
             ,
             and
             be
             ready
             alwayes
             to
             give
             an
             answer
             to
             every
             man
             that
             asketh
             you
             a
             reason
             of
             the
             hope
             that
             is
             in
             you
             ,
             with
             meeknesse
             and
             fear
             :
          
           
             Having
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
             that
             whereas
             they
             speak
             evil
             of
             you
             ,
             as
             of
             evil
             doers
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             ashamed
             that
             falsly
             accuse
             your
             good
             conversation
             in
             Christ.
             
          
        
         
           Printed
           by
           ROBERT
           YOUNG
           ,
           His
           Majesties
           Printer
           for
           Scotland
           .
           
             Anno
          
           1638.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           IT
           will
           ,
           no
           doubt
           ,
           seeme
           strange
           to
           see
           my
           name
           in
           print
           ,
           standing
           so
           neare
           these
           men
           who
           are
           Interlocutors
           in
           the
           succeeding
           pages
           ,
           their
           profession
           and
           mine
           being
           of
           such
           different
           natures
           ;
           But
           I
           shall
           entreat
           the
           ingenuous
           reader
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           the
           necessitie
           of
           this
           my
           doing
           .
        
         
           I
           am
           by
           the
           three
           Answerers
           to
           these
           Demands
           wronged
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           an
           injurie
           of
           an
           high
           nature
           ,
           challenged
           in
           writing
           to
           have
           done
           that
           ,
           which
           God
           doth
           know
           never
           entred
           
           into
           my
           thoughts
           ;
           and
           for
           any
           thing
           the
           answerers
           did
           or
           doe
           know
           ,
           never
           came
           into
           my
           minde
           .
           And
           though
           by
           the
           law
           of
           challenges
           ,
           they
           having
           challenged
           me
           ,
           I
           may
           choose
           the
           weapons
           (
           which
           certainely
           should
           have
           beene
           in
           another
           kinde
           ,
           had
           the
           challengers
           beene
           of
           another
           profession
           )
           yet
           being
           men
           of
           so
           holy
           a
           function
           ,
           I
           have
           thought
           good
           to
           make
           choyce
           of
           their
           own
           weapons
           ;
           and
           by
           my
           pen
           to
           doe
           out
           that
           blot
           ,
           which
           they
           by
           their
           pen
           have
           laid
           upon
           me
           .
           And
           I
           have
           thought
           it
           fit
           to
           doe
           it
           in
           a
           scedule
           annexed
           to
           this
           booke
           (
           which
           for
           that
           cause
           only
           I
           have
           caused
           to
           be
           here
           reprinted
           )
           that
           where
           mens
           mindes
           perhaps
           may
           be
           poysoned
           by
           swallowing
           an
           untruth
           in
           their
           answers
           ,
           so
           deeply
           wounding
           my
           honour
           and
           loyaltie
           ;
           
           this
           antidote
           might
           be
           ready
           at
           hand
           to
           cure
           them
           ,
           before
           they
           should
           be
           fully
           tainted
           with
           it
           :
           As
           likewise
           supposing
           that
           if
           they
           should
           be
           printed
           severally
           ,
           many
           might
           meet
           with
           their
           answers
           alone
           ,
           which
           might
           leave
           in
           them
           a
           bad
           impression
           of
           me
           ;
           if
           they
           should
           not
           be
           attended
           with
           this
           just
           and
           true
           expression
           of
           mine
           .
        
         
           The
           injuries
           wherewith
           I
           am
           violated
           by
           the
           three
           answerers
           ,
           are
           of
           two
           sorts
           :
           One
           of
           them
           strikes
           me
           alone
           ,
           as
           his
           sacred
           MAJESTIES
           high
           Commissioner
           ;
           The
           other
           wounds
           me
           as
           his
           MAJESTIES
           Counsellour
           ;
           and
           with
           me
           all
           of
           that
           honourable
           boord
           .
           The
           former
           is
           this
           ,
        
         
           They
           deliver
           affirmatively
           ,
           That
           the
           declaration
           which
           they
           tendered
           mee
           of
           their
           late
           Covenant
           ,
           was
           such
           as
           I
           
           accepted
           ,
           and
           was
           well
           pleased
           with
           .
           And
           this
           they
           set
           down
           twice
           for
           failing
           ;
           In
           their
           answer
           to
           the
           first
           demand
           towards
           the
           end
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           answer
           to
           the
           third
           demand
           a
           little
           before
           the
           middle
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           that
           with
           such
           confidence
           ,
           as
           truly
           I
           cannot
           with
           any
           justice
           blame
           the
           reader
           for
           beleeving
           of
           it
           ,
           when
           it
           fell
           from
           the
           pens
           of
           these
           men
           ,
           whose
           profession
           is
           the
           teaching
           of
           truth
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           shall
           desire
           the
           readers
           to
           suffer
           themselves
           (
           notwithstanding
           the
           prejudice
           of
           these
           mens
           persons
           )
           to
           be
           undeceived
           by
           a
           plaine
           averment
           of
           truth
           .
        
         
           I
           am
           confident
           none
           of
           these
           three
           answerers
           ever
           heard
           me
           say
           so
           ,
           nor
           will
           they
           say
           they
           did
           .
           If
           they
           but
           heard
           it
           from
           others
           (
           which
           I
           do
           verily
           
           beleeve
           they
           did
           not
           ,
           and
           shall
           do
           so
           still
           ,
           till
           they
           avouch
           their
           authors
           )
           sure
           no
           man
           can
           choose
           but
           misse
           in
           them
           that
           civill
           prudence
           ,
           which
           will
           not
           allow
           any
           discreet
           man
           to
           affirme
           that
           of
           any
           other
           ;
           much
           lesse
           of
           a
           person
           of
           my
           qualitie
           ,
           and
           at
           this
           time
           of
           my
           place
           ;
           the
           foundation
           whereof
           shall
           be
           so
           frail
           and
           slipperie
           ,
           as
           report
           ,
           which
           is
           alwaies
           uncertaine
           ,
           and
           most
           times
           false
           .
        
         
           For
           clearing
           the
           truth
           ,
           I
           doe
           averre
           upon
           mine
           Honour
           that
           I
           never
           said
           so
           ,
           I
           never
           thought
           so
           .
           And
           though
           that
           that
           Declaration
           was
           much
           bettered
           by
           the
           industrie
           of
           some
           well
           affected
           (
           from
           what
           was
           first
           intended
           )
           yet
           it
           gave
           me
           not
           satisfaction
           :
           and
           I
           dare
           boldly
           affirme
           ,
           I
           never
           said
           it
           would
           give
           my
           Master
           the
           KINGS
           
           MAJESTY
           any
           .
           My
           justifiers
           in
           this
           ,
           shall
           be
           these
           Noblemen
           ,
           Gentlemen
           ,
           and
           others
           to
           whom
           I
           ever
           spoke
           ,
           either
           publickly
           ,
           or
           in
           private
           .
           I
           was
           indeed
           content
           to
           catch
           at
           any
           thing
           I
           could
           ,
           when
           I
           could
           not
           obtaine
           what
           I
           would
           ;
           as
           being
           willing
           to
           doe
           my
           countrey-men
           that
           respect
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           utmost
           of
           my
           power
           to
           recommend
           to
           my
           gracious
           Master
           ,
           with
           all
           favourable
           construction
           ,
           even
           that
           which
           I
           then
           thought
           ,
           and
           did
           know
           fell
           short
           of
           just
           and
           home
           satisfaction
           .
           †
           And
           here
           ,
           I
           doe
           confesse
           ,
           I
           cannot
           charge
           it
           for
           a
           faultie
           mistake
           upon
           the
           readers
           of
           these
           asseverations
           of
           the
           three
           answerers
           ,
           if
           they
           should
           ,
           before
           this
           my
           declaration
           ,
           conceive
           that
           his
           MAJESTIE
           were
           in
           all
           probabilitie
           
           like
           to
           rest
           satisfied
           with
           that
           declaration
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ;
           having
           it
           delivered
           to
           them
           from
           men
           whom
           they
           have
           in
           all
           this
           businesse
           beleeved
           as
           much
           as
           themselves
           ,
           that
           his
           MAJESTIES
           Commissioner
           ,
           who
           in
           all
           likelihood
           did
           know
           his
           MAJESTIES
           minde
           best
           ,
           did
           rest
           satisfied
           with
           it
           .
        
         
           But
           his
           MAJESTY
           hath
           just
           reason
           to
           charge
           me
           ,
           if
           these
           asseverations
           were
           true
           ;
           as
           I
           have
           good
           reason
           to
           vindicate
           my selfe
           ,
           they
           being
           not
           true
           .
           The
           truth
           is
           ,
           if
           these
           asseverations
           be
           true
           ,
           I
           doe
           professe
           to
           the
           whole
           world
           ,
           that
           his
           MAJESTY
           hath
           a
           most
           just
           cause
           to
           discharge
           himselfe
           of
           mee
           ,
           and
           my
           service
           ,
           and
           to
           discharge
           mee
           of
           all
           trust
           in
           this
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           negotiation
           For
           I
           professe
           ,
           that
           I
           knowing
           his
           MAJESTIES
           constant
           mislike
           of
           
           the
           said
           Covenant
           ,
           it
           must
           bewray
           in
           me
           ,
           either
           breach
           of
           trust
           ,
           or
           want
           of
           judgement
           ;
           if
           I
           should
           goe
           about
           to
           make
           either
           my self
           ,
           or
           the
           world
           beleeve
           ,
           that
           my
           Master
           could
           receive
           satisfaction
           by
           such
           an
           explanation
           .
        
         
           And
           here
           I
           cannot
           dissemble
           ,
           but
           must
           ask
           leave
           to
           vent
           my self
           thus
           far
           .
           Had
           these
           wrongs
           beene
           put
           upon
           me
           by
           the
           pens
           of
           other
           men
           ,
           and
           not
           of
           these
           whose
           professions
           I
           am
           forward
           and
           willing
           to
           beleeve
           (
           because
           I
           would
           have
           it
           so
           )
           will
           not
           suffer
           them
           to
           embrace
           wilfull
           and
           malicious
           designes
           :
           I
           should
           justly
           have
           doubted
           ,
           that
           there
           had
           been
           some
           men
           in
           this
           kingdome
           ,
           who
           being
           afraid
           of
           a
           setling
           and
           peaceable
           conclusion
           of
           this
           businesse
           ,
           had
           gone
           about
           to
           raise
           in
           my
           royall
           and
           gracious
           Master
           a
           jelousie
           of
           my
           
           slacknesse
           in
           my
           King
           and
           Countries
           service
           ,
           that
           so
           I
           might
           be
           called
           back
           ,
           
             re
             infecta
             .
          
        
         
           If
           any
           such
           enemies
           there
           be
           to
           the
           peace
           of
           this
           miserable
           distracted
           Church
           and
           State
           ,
           I
           beseech
           God
           in
           time
           to
           discover
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           all
           may
           end
           ,
           in
           covering
           them
           with
           shame
           and
           confusion
           .
           The
           summe
           of
           all
           I
           will
           say
           of
           this
           personall
           wrong
           offered
           to
           my self
           ,
           is
           this
           ;
           If
           these
           reverend
           and
           learned
           Gentlemen
           ,
           the
           Answerers
           ,
           in
           these
           untrue
           aspersions
           intended
           any
           harme
           to
           me
           ,
           I
           shall
           only
           now
           requite
           them
           with
           a
           cast
           of
           their
           own
           calling
           ;
           I
           pray
           God
           forgive
           them
           .
           If
           they
           intended
           me
           no
           harm
           ,
           then
           I
           do
           expect
           that
           they
           will
           give
           my self
           and
           the
           world
           satisfaction
           ,
           in
           clearing
           me
           that
           I
           gave
           them
           no
           ground
           for
           these
           their
           asseverations
           .
           
           And
           so
           being
           confident
           of
           his
           MAJESTIES
           goodnesse
           to
           all
           his
           ministers
           ;
           amongst
           the
           rest
           ,
           to
           the
           meanest
           of
           them
           ,
           my self
           ,
           especially
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           never
           be
           shaken
           in
           the
           opinion
           of
           my
           loyall
           and
           constant
           service
           ,
           upon
           such
           slight
           ,
           light
           ,
           and
           groundlesse
           reports
           :
           I
           will
           say
           no
           more
           of
           that
           first
           point
           .
        
         
           For
           that
           which
           concerneth
           my selfe
           as
           a
           Counsellour
           ,
           and
           the
           rest
           of
           that
           honourable
           Boord
           ,
           averred
           by
           the
           three
           answerers
           ,
           in
           their
           answers
           to
           the
           third
           and
           fourteenth
           demand
           ;
           I
           do
           here
           protest
           before
           Almighty
           God
           ,
           that
           none
           of
           the
           allegations
           alledged
           by
           the
           three
           answerers
           ,
           nor
           any
           petition
           given
           me
           by
           the
           supplicants
           ,
           moved
           me
           to
           give
           way
           ,
           that
           the
           order
           of
           the
           Councell
           table
           should
           not
           passe
           into
           
           an
           act
           :
           for
           I
           did
           then
           ,
           and
           doe
           now
           avow
           ,
           that
           I
           then
           was
           ,
           and
           now
           am
           fully
           satisfied
           with
           his
           MAJESTIES
           most
           gracious
           declaration
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           my
           opinion
           all
           ought
           to
           have
           thought
           themselves
           sufficiently
           freed
           from
           fears
           of
           innovations
           .
           But
           the
           true
           reason
           was
           this
           ,
           I
           was
           so
           tenderly
           affectioned
           towards
           the
           peace
           of
           my
           Country
           ,
           that
           I
           gave
           way
           to
           that
           ,
           which
           many
           of
           honourable
           qualitie
           assured
           me
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           not
           done
           ,
           a
           present
           rupture
           might
           follow
           ,
           and
           so
           consequently
           the
           ruine
           of
           this
           Kingdome
           ;
           which
           I
           was
           resolved
           to
           keep
           off
           so
           long
           as
           possibly
           I
           could
           ,
           retaining
           my
           fidelitie
           to
           my
           Master
           .
           VVhich
           care
           of
           mine
           I
           finde
           but
           slenderly
           required
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           made
           an
           argument
           to
           perswade
           his
           MAJESTIES
           good
           subjects
           to
           do
           that
           
           which
           is
           so
           displeasing
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           so
           unsafe
           for
           them
           .
           And
           yet
           even
           in
           this
           passage
           ,
           it
           would
           have
           beene
           expected
           from
           men
           of
           that
           profession
           ,
           that
           nothing
           should
           have
           passed
           but
           undoubted
           truth
           .
           In
           which
           point
           too
           they
           have
           failed
           ,
           either
           as
           I
           hope
           by
           a
           mistaking
           ,
           or
           a
           mis-informing
           .
           For
           the
           Missive
           once
           thought
           fit
           to
           be
           sent
           to
           his
           MAJESTY
           was
           never
           rent
           ,
           but
           remaineth
           yet
           as
           it
           was
           :
           and
           wee
           did
           not
           send
           it
           ,
           because
           wee
           did
           not
           thinke
           ,
           thanks
           to
           his
           MAJESTY
           would
           be
           seasonable
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           whole
           Kingdome
           ,
           when
           we
           knew
           his
           MAJESTIE
           ,
           by
           the
           last
           proceedings
           of
           many
           ,
           and
           protestations
           made
           against
           his
           royall
           declaration
           (
           pretended
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           whole
           country
           )
           could
           not
           receive
           satisfaction
           .
        
         
         
           To
           conclude
           ,
           notwithstanding
           this
           personall
           wrong
           offered
           to
           me
           his
           MAJESTIES
           high
           Commissioner
           ,
           I
           will
           carefully
           ;
           cheerfully
           ,
           and
           constantly
           go
           on
           with
           this
           great
           businesse
           ,
           wherewith
           he
           hath
           intrusted
           me
           .
           VVhich
           as
           I
           pray
           God
           that
           it
           may
           prosper
           under
           my
           hands
           ;
           so
           I
           praise
           God
           that
           he
           hath
           given
           me
           so
           cheerfull
           and
           willing
           a
           heart
           to
           go
           on
           in
           it
           ;
           that
           if
           my
           life
           could
           procure
           the
           peace
           of
           this
           torn
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           to
           the
           contentment
           of
           my
           royall
           Master
           ,
           and
           comfort
           of
           his
           distracted
           subjects
           ;
           he
           who
           knoweth
           all
           things
           ,
           knoweth
           likewise
           this
           truth
           ;
           It
           is
           the
           sacrifice
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           in
           which
           I
           would
           most
           glorie
           ,
           and
           which
           I
           would
           most
           sincerely
           offer
           up
           to
           God
           ,
           my
           King
           and
           Countrey
           .
        
         
           
             HAMMILTON
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           GENERALL
           DEMANDS
           CONCERNING
           THE
           LATE
           COVENANT
           :
           Propounded
           by
           the
           Ministers
           and
           Professors
           of
           Divinity
           in
           Aberdene
           ,
           to
           some
           Reverend
           Brethren
           ,
           who
           came
           thither
           to
           recommend
           the
           late
           Covenant
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           those
           who
           are
           committed
           to
           their
           charge
           .
           TOGETHER
           WITH
           The
           ANSWERS
           of
           those
           Reverend
           Brethren
           to
           the
           said
           DEMANDS
           .
           AS
           ALSO
           The
           REPLYES
           of
           the
           foresaid
           Ministers
           and
           Professors
           to
           their
           ANSWERS
           .
        
         
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             Sanctifie
             the
             Lord
             God
             in
             your
             hearts
             ,
             and
             be
             ready
             alwayes
             to
             give
             an
             answer
             to
             every
             man
             that
             asketh
             you
             a
             reason
             of
             the
             hope
             that
             is
             in
             you
             ,
             with
             meeknesse
             and
             fear
             :
          
           
             Having
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
             that
             whereas
             they
             speak
             evil
             of
             you
             ,
             as
             of
             evil
             doers
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             ashamed
             that
             falsly
             accuse
             your
             good
             conversation
             in
             Christ.
             
          
        
         
           Printed
           by
           ROBERT
           YOUNG
           ,
           His
           Majesties
           Printer
           for
           Scotland
           .
           
             Anno
          
           1638.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           GENERALL
           DEMANDS
           CONCERNING
           THE
           LATE
           COVENANT
           ;
           Together
           with
           Answers
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           Replies
           to
           those
           Answers
           .
        
         
           
             THE
             FIRST
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             BY
             what
             power
             ,
             or
             warrant
             ,
             these
             our
             Reverend
             Bretheren
             can
             sute
             of
             us
             ,
             or
             of
             our
             people
             ,
             
               subscription
            
             to
             this
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             ;
             not
             being
             sent
             by
             his
             Majestie
             ,
             or
             by
             the
             Lords
             of
             Councell
             ,
             nor
             by
             any
             Nationall
             Synod
             of
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
             nor
             by
             any
             Judicatorie
             established
             in
             it
             ?
             And
             ,
             How
             they
             can
             enforce
             upon
             us
             ,
             or
             upon
             our
             people
             ,
             who
             are
             no
             wayes
             subject
             unto
             them
             ,
             their
             interpretation
             of
             the
             articles
             of
             the
             
               negative
               confession
            
             ?
             In
             respect
             whereof
             ,
             as
             also
             in
             respect
             of
             that
             band
             of
             mutuall
             defence
             against
             all
             persons
             whatsoever
             ,
             this
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             is
             substantially
             different
             from
             that
             which
             was
             subscribed
             by
             the
             King
             and
             his
             subjects
             ,
             
               Anno
            
             1580.
             and
             1581.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             WE
             are
             not
             come
             hither
             to
             usurpe
             the
             authoritie
             of
             any
             civill
             or
             spirituall
             judicatorie
             ,
             or
             to
             enforce
             upon
             our
             
               reverend
               Brethren
               ,
            
             and
             the
             people
             committed
             to
             their
             charge
             ,
             the
             
               subscription
            
             of
             the
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             or
             the
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             the
             Articles
             of
             that
             
               Confession
            
             which
             is
             called
             
               negative
               ,
            
             or
             whatsoever
             else
             of
             that
             kinde
             :
             but
             are
             sent
             to
             represent
             unto
             them
             ,
             in
             all
             humilitie
             ,
             the
             present
             case
             and
             condition
             of
             this
             kirk
             and
             kingdome
             ;
             crying
             for
             help
             at
             their
             hands
             also
             :
             and
             ,
             in
             brotherly
             love
             ,
             to
             exhort
             and
             intreat
             ,
             that
             they
             will
             be
             pleased
             to
             contribute
             their
             best
             endevours
             ,
             for
             extinguishing
             the
             common
             combustion
             ,
             which
             by
             joyning
             with
             almost
             the
             whole
             kirk
             and
             kingdome
             in
             the
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             we
             trust
             they
             may
             lawfully
             do
             ,
             without
             prejudice
             to
             the
             Kings
             Majestie
             ,
             or
             to
             any
             lawfull
             judicatorie
             ,
             or
             to
             that
             
               Confession
               of
               faith
            
             above
             mentioned
             :
             Since
             the
             sound
             interpretation
             and
             application
             thereof
             ,
             to
             the
             errours
             of
             our
             times
             ,
             can
             make
             no
             substantiall
             change
             ,
             and
             the
             band
             of
             mutuall
             defence
             ,
             wherein
             wee
             oblige
             our selves
             ,
             To
             defend
             the
             true
             religion
             ,
             and
             the
             Kings
             Majesties
             person
             ,
             and
             authoritie
             ,
             against
             all
             persons
             whatsoever
             ,
             is
             joyned
             ,
             at
             first
             ,
             with
             the
             
               Confession
               of
               faith
               .
            
             Like
             as
             his
             Majesties
             Commissioner
             objecting
             ,
             That
             our
             
               Covenant
            
             was
             suspect
             to
             be
             an
             unlawfull
             combination
             against
             Authoritie
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             the
             main
             hinderance
             of
             obtaining
             our
             desires
             ,
             hath
             accepted
             ,
             and
             was
             well
             pleased
             with
             our
             Declaration
             ;
             bearing
             ,
             That
             we
             have
             solemnly
             sworn
             ,
             to
             the
             uttermost
             of
             our
             power
             ,
             with
             our
             means
             and
             lives
             ,
             to
             stand
             to
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             Kings
             majestie
             as
             of
             
               Gods
               Vicegerent
               ,
            
             set
             over
             us
             ,
             for
             the
             maintenance
             of
             
               Religion
               ,
            
             and
             ministration
             of
             
               Justice
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             WE
             have
             ,
             
               Reverend
               Brethren
               ,
            
             sufficiently
             considered
             and
             examined
             your
             answers
             to
             our
             Demands
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             expected
             full
             satisfaction
             to
             all
             our
             scruples
             and
             doubts
             concerning
             the
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             :
             But
             truly
             ,
             in
             modesty
             and
             brotherly
             love
             ,
             we
             tell
             you
             ,
             that
             your
             answers
             (
             whatsoever
             you
             think
             of
             them
             your selves
             )
             have
             not
             given
             us
             that
             satisfaction
             which
             we
             expected
             .
             We
             know
             that
             some
             who
             rashly
             condemne
             every
             thing
             which
             is
             said
             or
             written
             contrarie
             to
             the
             cause
             which
             they
             maintain
             ,
             will
             boldly
             say
             of
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             closed
             our
             eyes
             against
             a
             clear
             and
             ingyring
             light
             :
             But
             first
             ,
             we
             say
             with
             JOB
             ,
             
               Our
               witnesse
               is
               in
               heaven
               ,
               and
               our
               record
               is
               on
               high
               .
            
             That
             Lord
             who
             only
             seeth
             the
             secrets
             of
             hearts
             ,
             knoweth
             ,
             that
             we
             love
             his
             truth
             ,
             and
             are
             ready
             ,
             so
             soon
             as
             it
             shall
             be
             shown
             unto
             us
             ,
             to
             embrace
             and
             professe
             it
             before
             the
             world
             .
             Next
             ,
             we
             appeal
             to
             the
             consciences
             of
             all
             impartiall
             readers
             ,
             who
             shall
             have
             occasion
             to
             weigh
             and
             consider
             maturely
             the
             weight
             of
             our
             arguments
             ,
             and
             of
             these
             answeres
             which
             it
             hath
             pleased
             you
             to
             give
             us
             :
             wishing
             them
             ,
             yea
             ,
             most
             humbly
             and
             earnestly
             intreating
             them
             ,
             to
             judge
             both
             of
             your
             writings
             and
             ours
             without
             prejudice
             ,
             or
             any
             partiall
             respect
             .
             Yea
             ,
             we
             are
             confident
             ,
             that
             ye
             also
             ,
             of
             whose
             love
             to
             the
             truth
             of
             GOD
             we
             are
             perswaded
             ,
             will
             after
             better
             advisement
             ,
             and
             more
             mature
             consideration
             of
             the
             matters
             debated
             ,
             acknowledge
             that
             we
             are
             not
             against
             the
             truth
             ,
             but
             for
             it
             .
             The
             Lord
             open
             your
             eyes
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             clearly
             see
             that
             truth
             for
             which
             we
             stand
             .
          
           
             WE
             objected
             to
             you
             ,
             
               Reverend
               Brethren
               ,
            
             that
             you
             had
             not
             a
             calling
             to
             urge
             us
             to
             the
             subscription
             of
             the
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             from
             any
             acknowledged
             authoritie
             ,
             or
             lawfull
             Judicatorie
             established
             in
             this
             Church
             or
             Kingdome
             :
             to
             which
             objection
             ye
             answere
             not
             here
             particularly
             ,
             as
             we
             expected
             .
             
             And
             whereas
             you
             say
             ,
             That
             you
             are
             come
             to
             exhort
             us
             ,
             and
             our
             people
             ,
             in
             all
             humility
             ,
             to
             joyn
             with
             you
             ;
             How
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             without
             our
             consent
             ,
             and
             against
             our
             will
             ,
             not
             having
             lawfull
             authority
             ,
             which
             you
             seem
             here
             not
             to
             acclaime
             to
             your selves
             ,
             you
             have
             publickly
             preached
             to
             our
             people
             ,
             within
             our
             Congregation
             ?
             which
             is
             a
             thing
             repugnant
             to
             those
             places
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             in
             the
             which
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             recommendeth
             to
             Elders
             ,
             or
             Pastors
             ,
             the
             care
             of
             those
             flocks
             ,
             
               over
               which
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               hath
               made
               them
               over-seers
               ,
            
             Acts
             20.28
             .
             1
             Pet.
             5.2
             .
             as
             also
             telleth
             us
             ,
             That
             the
             Pastors
             whom
             the
             flock
             must
             
               know
               ,
            
             and
             to
             whom
             they
             must
             
               submit
               themselves
               ,
            
             do
             
               watch
               over
               the
               souls
               of
               that
               flock
               ,
               and
               must
               give
               account
               for
               them
               ,
            
             1.
             
             Thessal
             .
             5.12
             .
             Hebr.
             13.17
             .
             It
             is
             also
             contrarie
             to
             the
             laws
             of
             the
             Christian
             Church
             in
             all
             ages
             .
             For
             by
             the
             ancient
             Canons
             ,
             Pastors
             are
             commanded
             to
             containe
             themselves
             within
             the
             limits
             of
             their
             own
             charge
             ;
             and
             not
             to
             presume
             to
             exercise
             Pastorall
             office
             in
             another
             Pastors
             Diocesse
             ,
             or
             Parioch
             ,
             without
             leave
             :
             As
             also
             ,
             they
             forbid
             Pastors
             to
             receive
             to
             divine
             service
             any
             man
             of
             another
             Parioch
             ,
             that
             commeth
             in
             contempt
             of
             his
             own
             Pastor
             .
             
               Concil
               .
               Nicen.
            
             1.
             
             
               Oecum
               .
            
             1.
             
             
               Can.
            
             16
             
               Concil
               .
            
             2.
             
             
               Oecum
               .
               Constantinop
               .
               Can.
            
             2.
             
             
               Concil
               .
               Carthag
               .
            
             2
             
               Can.
            
             11.
             
             
               Concil
               .
               Carthag
               .
            
             3.
             
             
               Can.
            
             20.
             
             
               Concil
               .
               Chalced.
               Oecum
               .
            
             4.
             
             
               Can.
            
             13.
             
             
               Concil
               .
               Nicen.
            
             2.
             
             
               Can.
            
             10.
             
             
               Concil
               .
               Tribur
               .
               Can.
            
             28.
             
             
               Concil
               .
               Nannet
               .
               Cap.
            
             1.
             
             
               &
            
             2.
             
             ¶
             2.
             
             We
             did
             not
             without
             reason
             say
             ,
             That
             you
             ,
             and
             others
             of
             your
             confederation
             ,
             enforce
             your
             interpretation
             of
             the
             
               Negative
               confession
            
             upon
             others
             ;
             seeing
             we
             hear
             ,
             that
             some
             Pastors
             and
             Prelates
             are
             forced
             to
             flee
             to
             forraigne
             countreys
             ,
             for
             fear
             of
             their
             lives
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             refused
             the
             said
             
               interpretation
            
             ;
             and
             those
             who
             have
             stayed
             in
             the
             countrey
             ,
             dare
             scarcely
             appear
             in
             the
             high
             wayes
             ,
             or
             streets
             ;
             and
             are
             threatned
             ,
             That
             their
             stipends
             shall
             not
             be
             payed
             unto
             them
             ,
             untill
             they
             subscribe
             your
             
               Covenant
               .
            
             ¶
             3.
             
             Whereas
             you
             do
             in
             brotherly
             love
             exhort
             ,
             and
             entreat
             us
             to
             contribute
             our
             best
             endeavours
             ,
             for
             extinguishing
             the
             common
             combustion
             ;
             we
             praising
             God
             for
             your
             pious
             zeal
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             lovingnesse
             and
             modesty
             of
             your
             speeches
             ,
             
             (
             wherein
             by
             Gods
             help
             we
             shall
             labour
             to
             keep
             correspondence
             with
             you
             ;
             that
             both
             we
             and
             you
             may
             shew
             our selves
             to
             have
             learned
             of
             Christ
             ,
             
               Meeknesse
               ,
               and
               lowlinesse
               of
               heart
               )
            
             we
             most
             willingly
             promise
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             by
             all
             means
             which
             our
             consciences
             will
             permit
             us
             to
             use
             ;
             as
             also
             to
             joyn
             our
             most
             humble
             and
             hearty
             prayers
             with
             yours
             ,
             That
             it
             may
             please
             God
             in
             this
             dangerous
             exigent
             ,
             To
             
               do
               good
               in
               his
               good
               pleasure
               to
               our
               Sion
               ,
               and
               to
               build
               up
               the
               wals
               of
               our
               Ierusalem
               .
            
             ¶
             4.
             
             We
             may
             justly
             say
             ,
             That
             this
             
               new
               Covenant
            
             is
             substantially
             different
             from
             the
             
               old
               ,
            
             which
             was
             made
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             in
             respect
             it
             not
             only
             containeth
             that
             
               old
               covenant
               ,
            
             or
             
               confession
               ,
            
             which
             was
             allowed
             by
             two
             
               generall
               assemblies
               ,
            
             but
             also
             your
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             it
             ,
             which
             ,
             as
             yet
             ,
             hath
             no
             such
             authority
             ,
             or
             approbation
             .
             ¶
             5.
             
             No
             band
             of
             mutuall
             defence
             ,
             
               against
               all
               persons
               whatsoever
               ,
            
             is
             expressed
             in
             the
             
               Covenant
            
             made
             1581.
             
             And
             although
             it
             were
             ,
             yet
             the
             case
             is
             very
             unlike
             :
             For
             subjects
             may
             make
             such
             a
             
               Covenant
            
             of
             
               mutuall
               defence
            
             by
             armes
             ,
             with
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             King
             ,
             who
             only
             under
             God
             ,
             hath
             the
             power
             of
             armes
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             sword
             ,
             in
             this
             kingdome
             .
             But
             they
             who
             made
             this
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             had
             not
             his
             consent
             ,
             as
             that
             former
             or
             
               old
               Covenant
            
             had
             :
             which
             is
             a
             thing
             so
             evident
             ,
             that
             no
             man
             can
             call
             it
             in
             question
             .
             ¶
             6.
             
             As
             for
             that
             which
             you
             affirm
             here
             ,
             That
             my
             Lord
             Commissioner
             his
             Grace
             was
             well
             satisfied
             with
             your
             
               declaration
            
             ;
             it
             becommeth
             not
             us
             to
             pry
             narrowly
             into
             his
             
               Graces
            
             doings
             :
             but
             truly
             we
             have
             more
             than
             reason
             to
             pry
             most
             narrowly
             into
             the
             words
             of
             a
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             which
             is
             offered
             unto
             us
             ,
             to
             be
             sworn
             ,
             and
             subscribed
             ,
             left
             we
             abuse
             ,
             and
             prophane
             the
             sacred
             name
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             tye
             our selves
             to
             the
             doing
             of
             any
             thing
             which
             is
             displeasing
             unto
             him
             .
             Last
             of
             all
             ;
             whereas
             ye
             desire
             us
             to
             joyn
             our selves
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             rest
             of
             your
             confederacie
             ,
             who
             are
             (
             as
             you
             affirm
             )
             
               almost
               the
               whole
               Church
               and
               Kingdome
               :
            
             Truly
             we
             cannot
             but
             reverence
             such
             a
             multitude
             of
             our
             reverend
             brethren
             ▪
             and
             dear
             countrey-men
             ,
             and
             are
             ready
             to
             be
             
               followers
               of
               them
               ,
               in
               so
               far
               as
               they
               are
               followers
               of
               Christ
               :
            
             But
             neither
             can
             we
             
               do
               any
               thing
               against
               the
               truth
               ,
            
             neither
             can
             we
             
             attribute
             so
             much
             authoritie
             to
             their
             multitude
             ,
             as
             otherwise
             we
             would
             ,
             in
             respect
             there
             hath
             been
             so
             much
             dealing
             for
             
               subscriptions
               ,
            
             in
             all
             quarters
             of
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
             and
             so
             many
             have
             been
             threatned
             ,
             to
             give
             their
             consent
             ,
             as
             we
             are
             most
             credibly
             informed
             .
          
        
         
           
             THE
             II.
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             or
             no
             we
             ought
             to
             subscribe
             the
             foresaid
             covenant
             ,
             seeing
             all
             covenants
             of
             mutuall
             defence
             ,
             by
             force
             of
             armes
             ,
             made
             amongst
             subjects
             of
             any
             degree
             ,
             upon
             whatsoever
             colour
             or
             pretence
             ,
             without
             the
             Kings
             Majestie
             or
             his
             Successours
             privitie
             and
             consent
             ,
             are
             expresly
             forbidden
             by
             King
             JAMES
             of
             blessed
             memorie
             ,
             and
             the
             three
             Estates
             of
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
             in
             the
             parliament
             holden
             at
             Linlithgow
             ,
             
               Anno.
            
             1585
             ?
          
        
         
           
             ANSVVER
             .
          
           
             THe
             act
             of
             Parliament
             forbiddeth
             in
             the
             first
             part
             ,
             leagues
             and
             bands
             of
             maintenance
             privily
             made
             ,
             such
             as
             are
             called
             bands
             of
             Manrent
             ,
             as
             the
             act
             in
             Queen
             
               Maries
            
             time
             ,
             to
             which
             it
             hath
             relation
             ,
             doth
             bear
             .
             And
             in
             the
             second
             part
             ,
             only
             such
             ,
             as
             tend
             to
             the
             publick
             disturbance
             of
             the
             peace
             of
             the
             Realme
             by
             moving
             sedition
             .
             But
             no
             act
             of
             Parliament
             doth
             discharge
             ,
             nor
             can
             any
             just
             law
             forbid
             ,
             Conventions
             ,
             or
             Covenants
             in
             the
             generall
             ;
             or
             such
             Covenants
             in
             speciall
             as
             are
             made
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             amongst
             our selves
             ;
             not
             for
             any
             mans
             particular
             ,
             but
             for
             the
             common
             benefit
             of
             all
             ;
             not
             to
             move
             sedition
             ,
             but
             to
             perserve
             peace
             ,
             &
             to
             prevent
             trouble
             :
             which
             by
             all
             probability
             had
             been
             to
             many
             ,
             before
             this
             time
             ,
             too
             sensible
             ,
             if
             this
             course
             had
             not
             been
             taken
             .
             
               Conventions
            
             and
             
               Covenants
            
             (
             in
             the
             judgement
             of
             
               Jurisconsults
            
             )
             are
             to
             be
             esteemed
             and
             judged
             of
             ,
             according
             
             to
             their
             diverse
             ends
             ,
             good
             or
             bad
             :
             which
             made
             King
             
               James
            
             of
             happie
             memorie
             to
             take
             it
             for
             an
             undoubted
             maxime
             ,
             That
             
               pro
               aris
               &
               focis
               ,
               &
               pro
               patre
               patriae
               ,
            
             the
             whole
             body
             of
             the
             Common-wealth
             should
             stirre
             at
             once
             :
             not
             any
             more
             as
             divided
             members
             ,
             but
             as
             one
             consolidate
             lump
             .
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             IN
             that
             second
             part
             of
             that
             act
             of
             Parliament
             ,
             holden
             at
             
               Linlithgow
               ,
               Anno
            
             1585.
             are
             forbidden
             ,
             
               All
               leagues
               or
               bands
               of
               mutuall
               defence
               ,
               which
               are
               made
               without
               the
               privitie
               and
               consent
               of
               the
               King
               ,
               under
               the
               pain
               to
               be
               holden
               and
               execute
               as
               movers
               of
               sedition
               and
               unquietnesse
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             Wherefore
             we
             can
             no
             wayes
             think
             ,
             that
             any
             bands
             or
             leagues
             
               of
               mutuall
               defence
               ,
               by
               force
               of
               armes
               ,
            
             are
             there
             permitted
             ,
             (
             that
             is
             ,
             not
             forbidden
             )
             seeing
             first
             the
             words
             of
             the
             act
             are
             so
             generall
             :
             for
             in
             it
             are
             discharged
             
               All
               bands
               made
               amongst
               subjects
               of
               any
               degree
               ,
               upon
               any
               colour
               whatsoever
               ,
               without
               his
               Highn●sse
               ,
               or
               his
               Successours
               privitie
               and
               consent
               had
               and
               obtained
               thereunto
               .
            
             Next
             ,
             all
             such
             bands
             are
             declared
             to
             be
             
               seditious
               ,
            
             and
             perturbative
             of
             the
             publick
             peace
             of
             the
             Realme
             :
             or
             ,
             which
             is
             all
             one
             ,
             are
             appointed
             to
             bee
             esteemed
             so
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
             we
             cannot
             see
             how
             any
             bands
             of
             that
             kinde
             can
             be
             excepted
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             not
             seditious
             .
             2.
             
             We
             doubt
             not
             ,
             but
             the
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             being
             considered
             according
             to
             the
             main
             intention
             of
             those
             pious
             and
             generous
             Gentlemen
             ,
             Barons
             ,
             and
             others
             our
             dear
             countreymen
             ,
             who
             made
             it
             ,
             especially
             our
             reverend
             brethren
             of
             the
             holy
             ministery
             ,
             is
             a
             
               Covenant
            
             made
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             proceeding
             from
             a
             zealous
             respect
             to
             Gods
             glory
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             puritie
             of
             the
             Gospel
             in
             this
             Church
             and
             Kingdome
             :
             But
             we
             cannot
             finde
             a
             warrant
             in
             our
             consciences
             to
             grant
             ,
             That
             such
             
               Covenants
               ,
            
             in
             so
             farre
             as
             they
             import
             
               mutuall
               defence
               ,
               against
               all
               persons
               whatsever
               ,
            
             none
             being
             excepted
             ,
             no
             ,
             not
             the
             King
             ,
             (
             as
             it
             seemeth
             unto
             us
             ,
             by
             the
             words
             of
             your
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             but
             far
             more
             by
             
             the
             words
             of
             your
             
               late
               Protestation
               ,
            
             the
             28
             of
             
               Iune
            
             ;
             wherein
             you
             promise
             
               mutuall
               defence
               against
               all
               externall
               or
               internall
               invasion
               ,
            
             menaced
             in
             his
             Majesties
             last
             
               Proclamation
            
             )
             are
             not
             forbidden
             by
             any
             band
             ,
             nor
             justly
             yet
             can
             be
             forbidden
             .
             For
             first
             ,
             we
             have
             alreadie
             shown
             ,
             That
             they
             are
             forbidden
             in
             the
             foresaid
             act
             of
             
               Parliament
               ,
               Anno
            
             1585.
             2.
             
             No
             warfare
             ;
             and
             consequently
             ,
             no
             
               covenant
               ,
            
             importing
             warfare
             ,
             is
             lawfull
             ,
             without
             just
             Authoritie
             ;
             which
             ,
             we
             are
             perswaded
             ,
             is
             onely
             in
             the
             supreme
             Magistrate
             ,
             and
             in
             those
             who
             have
             power
             and
             imployment
             from
             him
             ,
             to
             take
             armes
             :
             yea
             ,
             so
             farre
             as
             we
             know
             ,
             all
             moderate
             men
             ,
             who
             duely
             respect
             Authority
             ,
             will
             say
             ,
             That
             it
             is
             so
             in
             all
             
               Kingdomes
               ,
               and
               Monarchies
               ,
               properly
               so
               called
            
             :
             (
             of
             which
             nature
             is
             this
             his
             Majesties
             most
             ancient
             Kingdome
             )
             And
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             altogether
             unlawfull
             to
             subjects
             in
             such
             Kingdomes
             ,
             to
             take
             armes
             against
             their
             Prince
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             ,
             that
             famous
             and
             most
             learned
             Doctour
             
               Rivetus
               ,
            
             in
             a
             late
             
               Treatise
            
             called
             
               Iesuita
               vapulans
               ,
            
             speaking
             of
             the
             judgment
             of
             
               Buchanan
               ,
            
             and
             others
             ,
             who
             taught
             ,
             That
             subjects
             might
             take
             armes
             against
             their
             Prince
             ,
             in
             extraordinary
             cases
             ,
             and
             extreme
             dangers
             of
             the
             Religion
             ,
             and
             Common-wealth
             ;
             professeth
             first
             ,
             That
             he
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             
               Protestants
               ,
            
             condemne
             such
             doctrine
             .
             
               Secondly
               ,
            
             That
             this
             errour
             did
             proceed
             from
             a
             mistaking
             of
             the
             government
             of
             the
             
               Scotish
               Kingdome
               ,
            
             as
             if
             it
             were
             not
             truely
             and
             properly
             
               Monarchicall
               .
               Thirdly
               ,
            
             That
             the
             rashnesse
             of
             those
             writers
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             ascribed
             partly
             to
             the
             hard
             and
             perilous
             times
             of
             persecution
             ,
             wherein
             they
             lived
             ,
             and
             partly
             ,
             
               Scotorum
               praefervido
               ingenis
               ,
               &
               ad
               audendum
               prompto
               .
            
             Thus
             he
             writeth
             in
             the
             13.
             
             Chap.
             of
             the
             said
             book
             ,
             Pag.
             274.
             and
             275.
             answering
             to
             the
             Recrimination
             of
             a
             
               Iesuit
               ,
            
             who
             had
             affirmed
             ,
             That
             
               Buchanan
               ,
               Knox
               ,
            
             and
             
               Goodman
               ,
            
             had
             written
             as
             boldly
             for
             the
             rebellion
             of
             Subjects
             against
             Princes
             ,
             as
             any
             of
             their
             order
             at
             any
             time
             had
             done
             .
             A
             thing
             much
             to
             be
             noted
             by
             us
             at
             this
             time
             ,
             lest
             we
             any
             more
             give
             that
             advantage
             to
             
               Iesuites
               ,
            
             to
             make
             
               Apologie
            
             for
             their
             rebellious
             doctrines
             and
             practises
             .
             3.
             
             Not
             only
             making
             of
             
               Covenants
               ,
            
             but
             also
             all
             other
             actions
             ,
             are
             to
             be
             
             esteemed
             and
             judged
             of
             ,
             first
             ,
             by
             the
             equitie
             of
             the
             subject
             ,
             and
             matter
             ;
             then
             ,
             by
             the
             end
             :
             for
             if
             the
             matter
             pactioned
             (
             that
             is
             ,
             which
             the
             parties
             mutually
             do
             promise
             )
             be
             justly
             forbidden
             ,
             by
             a
             lawfull
             Authoritie
             ,
             and
             consequently
             be
             unlawfull
             in
             it self
             ;
             then
             the
             goodnesse
             of
             the
             end
             ,
             or
             project
             ,
             cannot
             make
             the
             paction
             ,
             or
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             or
             lawfull
             .
          
        
         
           
             THE
             III.
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             IF
             it
             be
             alledged
             ,
             That
             in
             extreme
             and
             most
             dangerous
             cases
             ,
             such
             acts
             of
             Parliament
             may
             be
             contraveened
             ;
             
               Quaeritur
               ,
            
             Whether
             there
             be
             now
             such
             extreme
             case
             ,
             seeing
             we
             have
             his
             Majestie
             ,
             in
             his
             former
             Proclamations
             ,
             avowing
             ,
             protesting
             ,
             declaring
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             last
             Proclamation
             taking
             God
             to
             witnesse
             ,
             that
             he
             never
             intended
             any
             innovation
             of
             Religion
             ;
             and
             also
             seeing
             he
             hath
             removed
             alreadie
             all
             that
             which
             made
             men
             fear
             novations
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             Service
             book
             ,
             book
             of
             Canons
             ,
             and
             the
             alledged
             exorbitancie
             of
             the
             new
             high
             Commission
             .
          
        
         
           
             ANSVVER
             .
          
           
             IF
             the
             removing
             of
             the
             
               Service
               book
               ,
               book
               of
               Canons
               ,
            
             and
             the
             limitation
             of
             the
             vast
             power
             of
             the
             high
             
               Commission
               ,
            
             containing
             so
             much
             superstition
             ,
             and
             tyranny
             of
             Prelates
             ,
             be
             a
             benefit
             to
             this
             Kirk
             and
             Kingdome
             ,
             we
             ought
             ,
             under
             God
             ,
             to
             ascribe
             the
             same
             to
             the
             peaceable
             meetings
             ,
             humble
             supplications
             ,
             and
             religious
             covenanting
             of
             the
             subjects
             ;
             which
             have
             given
             information
             to
             his
             Majestie
             ,
             and
             have
             procured
             from
             his
             justice
             and
             goodnesse
             so
             great
             favour
             ,
             as
             is
             thankfully
             acknowledged
             in
             the
             last
             
               Protestation
            
             :
             which
             doth
             also
             expresse
             the
             many
             particulars
             ,
             wherein
             his
             Majesties
             late
             
               Proclamation
            
             
             is
             not
             satisfactorie
             .
             And
             therefore
             the
             Lords
             of
             his
             Majesties
             privie
             Councel
             ,
             upon
             the
             
               supplication
            
             and
             
               complaint
            
             of
             his
             Lieges
             ,
             were
             moved
             to
             rescind
             the
             act
             of
             the
             
               Approbation
            
             of
             the
             foresaid
             
               Proclamation
               ,
            
             and
             to
             rend
             the
             subscribed
             Missive
             ,
             which
             was
             to
             be
             sent
             therewith
             to
             his
             Majestie
             .
             We
             are
             confident
             ,
             that
             the
             
               Declaration
            
             wherewith
             his
             Majesties
             Commissioner
             was
             so
             well
             pleased
             ,
             will
             also
             give
             satisfaction
             to
             our
             reverend
             brethren
             ;
             and
             that
             they
             will
             not
             think
             it
             convenient
             for
             them
             to
             give
             further
             approbation
             to
             the
             
               Proclamation
               ,
            
             than
             the
             Councel
             hath
             done
             ,
             although
             all
             of
             us
             ought
             ,
             with
             thankfulnesse
             ,
             to
             acknowledge
             his
             Majesties
             benignitie
             .
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             WE
             will
             not
             here
             dispute
             what
             hath
             been
             the
             maine
             or
             principall
             cause
             moving
             his
             sacred
             Majesty
             to
             discharge
             the
             
               Service
               booke
               ,
            
             and
             other
             things
             which
             occasioned
             the
             present
             perturbation
             of
             our
             Church
             ;
             nor
             yet
             whether
             or
             not
             his
             Majesties
             proclamation
             may
             give
             full
             satisfaction
             to
             all
             the
             feares
             and
             doubts
             of
             his
             subjects
             .
             For
             our selves
             ,
             we
             professe
             ,
             that
             upon
             his
             Majesties
             declaration
             ,
             and
             gracious
             promise
             contained
             in
             his
             Majesties
             last
             proclamation
             ,
             we
             beleeve
             ,
             first
             ,
             That
             his
             Majesty
             
               never
               intended
               innovation
               in
               religion
               :
               Secondly
               ,
            
             That
             he
             will
             
               maintain
               the
               true
               Protestant
               religion
               ,
               all
               the
               dayes
               of
               his
               life
               :
            
             which
             we
             pray
             God
             to
             continue
             long
             .
             
               Thirdly
               ,
            
             That
             all
             acts
             made
             in
             favours
             of
             the
             
               Service
               boook
               ,
            
             &c.
             are
             discharged
             .
             
               Fourthly
               ,
            
             That
             he
             will
             never
             urge
             the
             receiving
             
               of
               the
               Service
               book
               ,
               Book
               of
               Canons
               ,
            
             &c.
             
               nor
               any
               other
               thing
               of
               that
               nature
               ,
               but
               by
               such
               a
               fair
               and
               legall
               way
               ,
               as
               shall
               satisfie
               all
               his
               subjects
               .
            
             And
             thence
             we
             do
             collect
             ,
             that
             which
             we
             affirmed
             before
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             That
             there
             is
             no
             such
             extraordinary
             or
             extreme
             case
             ,
             as
             might
             give
             occasion
             to
             subjects
             to
             make
             such
             a
             band
             ,
             as
             is
             directly
             forbidden
             by
             the
             foresaid
             act
             of
             parliament
             ,
             and
             to
             contraveen
             it
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             ,
             as
             may
             seeme
             to
             import
             a
             resisting
             of
             Authority
             by
             force
             of
             armes
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             THE
             IIII.
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             COncerning
             that
             interpretation
             of
             the
             negative
             confession
             ,
             which
             is
             urged
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             wherein
             the
             articles
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             and
             Episcopacie
             ,
             are
             declared
             to
             be
             abjured
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             all
             the
             points
             of
             Poperie
             ,
             which
             are
             therein
             expresly
             and
             distinctly
             mentioned
             ;
             
               Quaeritur
               ,
            
             Who
             are
             the
             interpreters
             of
             that
             confession
             ?
             that
             is
             ,
             Whether
             all
             the
             subscribers
             ,
             or
             only
             those
             Ministers
             conveened
             in
             
               Edinburgh
               ,
            
             in
             the
             end
             of
             February
             ,
             who
             set
             it
             down
             ?
             If
             all
             the
             subscribers
             ;
             then
             what
             reason
             have
             we
             to
             receive
             an
             interpretation
             of
             that
             confession
             from
             la●cks
             ,
             ignorant
             people
             ,
             and
             children
             ?
             If
             only
             those
             Ministers
             conveened
             then
             in
             
               Edinburgh
            
             ;
             then
             seeing
             no
             man
             should
             take
             an
             honour
             to
             himself
             ,
             but
             he
             who
             is
             called
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             
               Aaron
               ,
            
             Heb.
             5.4
             .
             what
             power
             and
             authority
             had
             they
             over
             their
             brethren
             ,
             to
             give
             out
             a
             judiciall
             interpretation
             of
             these
             articles
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             to
             inforce
             their
             interpretation
             of
             these
             articles
             upon
             them
             ?
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             THe
             subscribers
             are
             here
             mis-interpreted
             in
             two
             points
             ,
             very
             materiall
             :
             One
             is
             ,
             that
             they
             presume
             upon
             power
             ,
             or
             authority
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             to
             give
             out
             a
             judicial
             interpretation
             of
             the
             articles
             of
             the
             
               confession
               ,
            
             and
             to
             enforce
             the
             same
             upon
             others
             :
             whereas
             they
             only
             intended
             to
             make
             known
             their
             own
             meaning
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             minde
             of
             our
             Reformers
             ;
             and
             in
             charity
             to
             propound
             and
             recommend
             the
             same
             to
             others
             ,
             who
             might
             be
             made
             willing
             to
             embrace
             it
             :
             Although
             it
             be
             true
             also
             ,
             that
             very
             great
             numbers
             of
             Ministers
             were
             conveened
             ,
             and
             testified
             their
             consent
             as
             that
             time
             :
             And
             although
             the
             private
             judgment
             of
             those
             who
             are
             called
             
               laicks
               ,
            
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             mis-regarded
             .
             For
             it
             is
             confessed
             ,
             That
             an
             interpretation
             ,
             which
             is
             private
             
               ratione
               
               personae
               ,
            
             may
             be
             more
             than
             private
             ,
             
               ratione
               medii
               .
            
             The
             other
             ,
             which
             being
             observed
             ,
             will
             answer
             diverse
             of
             the
             following
             
               demands
               ,
            
             That
             the
             articles
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             and
             of
             
               Episcopall
               government
               ,
            
             are
             declared
             to
             be
             abjured
             ,
             as
             points
             of
             
               Poperie
               ,
            
             or
             as
             
               Popish
               novations
            
             :
             where
             as
             the
             words
             of
             the
             
               Covenant
            
             put
             a
             difference
             betwixt
             two
             sorts
             of
             
               novations
            
             :
             one
             is
             of
             such
             as
             are
             already
             introduced
             in
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             concerning
             those
             ,
             whatsoever
             be
             the
             judgement
             of
             the
             subscribers
             ,
             which
             to
             every
             one
             is
             left
             free
             ,
             by
             the
             words
             of
             the
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             they
             are
             onely
             bound
             to
             forbear
             the
             practise
             of
             them
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             present
             exigence
             of
             the
             
               Kirk
               ,
            
             till
             they
             be
             tried
             ,
             and
             allowed
             in
             a
             free
             
               Generall
               assembly
               .
            
             The
             other
             sort
             is
             of
             such
             
               novations
               ,
            
             as
             are
             particularly
             supplicated
             against
             ,
             and
             complained
             upon
             ;
             as
             the
             
               Service
               book
               ,
            
             and
             
               Canons
               ,
            
             &c.
             which
             are
             abjured
             ,
             as
             containing
             points
             of
             
               Poperie
               .
            
             And
             this
             we
             avouch
             ,
             from
             our
             certain
             knowledge
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             true
             meaning
             of
             the
             controverted
             words
             of
             the
             
               Covenant
               .
            
             And
             therefore
             humbly
             intreat
             ,
             That
             no
             man
             any
             more
             ,
             upon
             this
             scruple
             ,
             with-hold
             his
             testimony
             .
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             AS
             for
             the
             first
             of
             these
             two
             mistakings
             :
             If
             you
             have
             not
             given
             out
             that
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             the
             
               negative
               confession
            
             judicially
             ,
             but
             only
             have
             
               made
               known
            
             your
             own
             meaning
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             minde
             of
             the
             Reformers
             ,
             as
             you
             alledge
             ;
             then
             ,
             first
             ,
             your
             
               interpretation
            
             hath
             no
             obligatory
             power
             over
             others
             ;
             and
             consequently
             you
             ought
             not
             to
             obtrude
             your
             
               interpretation
            
             upon
             us
             ,
             more
             then
             we
             doe
             our
             
               interpretation
            
             thereof
             upon
             you
             .
             Neither
             ought
             any
             man
             to
             be
             molested
             ,
             or
             threatned
             ,
             for
             not
             receiving
             your
             
               interpretation
            
             ;
             chiefly
             seeing
             all
             who
             are
             of
             your
             
               confederation
            
             have
             so
             solemnly
             vowed
             ,
             and
             promised
             ,
             to
             be
             
               good
               examples
               to
               others
               of
               all
               godlinesse
               ,
               sobernesse
               ,
               and
               righteousnesse
               ,
               and
               of
               every
               duety
               which
               you
               owe
               to
               God
               and
               man.
            
             Secondly
             ,
             As
             for
             the
             minde
             or
             judgement
             of
             our
             
               Reformers
               ,
            
             we
             know
             no
             evidence
             of
             it
             ,
             having
             publick
             authority
             to
             oblige
             the
             subjects
             of
             this
             
             Kingdome
             ,
             except
             that
             which
             is
             expressed
             in
             our
             
               nationall
               confession
               of
               faith
               ,
            
             ratified
             in
             Parliament
             twenty
             years
             before
             the
             
               negative
               confession
            
             was
             penned
             :
             wherein
             we
             finde
             no
             warrant
             or
             ground
             of
             such
             
               interpretation
            
             as
             you
             bring
             .
             Thirdly
             ,
             The
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             set
             down
             in
             your
             
               covenant
               ,
            
             as
             it
             is
             not
             publick
             ,
             
               ratione
               personae
               ,
            
             so
             also
             not
             
               ratione
               medii
            
             :
             for
             it
             hath
             no
             warrant
             ,
             for
             ought
             we
             could
             ever
             perceive
             ,
             either
             from
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             from
             the
             testimony
             of
             the
             ancient
             Church
             ,
             or
             from
             the
             consent
             of
             other
             reformed
             Churches
             ,
             or
             from
             our
             
               nationall
               confession
               ,
            
             registrated
             in
             
               Parliament
               .
            
             As
             for
             the
             second
             mistaking
             ,
             or
             mis-interpretation
             of
             the
             words
             of
             the
             
               late
               covenant
               ,
            
             first
             ,
             we
             marvell
             ,
             that
             a
             
               generall
               Covenant
            
             appointed
             to
             be
             subscribed
             by
             all
             ,
             learned
             and
             unlearned
             ,
             should
             have
             been
             set
             down
             by
             you
             in
             such
             ambiguous
             termes
             .
             For
             ,
             truly
             ,
             all
             men
             here
             ,
             even
             the
             most
             judicious
             ,
             do
             so
             take
             your
             words
             ,
             as
             if
             the
             articles
             of
             
               Pearth
            
             were
             in
             them
             abjured
             .
             2.
             
             We
             have
             again
             more
             attentively
             examined
             the
             words
             of
             the
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             and
             do
             evidently
             perceive
             by
             them
             ,
             That
             in
             the
             said
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             the
             articles
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             and
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             are
             condemned
             ,
             and
             abjured
             ,
             as
             erroneous
             ,
             and
             damnable
             corruptions
             .
             For
             where
             you
             professe
             ,
             
               and
               before
               God
               ,
               and
               his
               angels
               ,
               and
               the
               world
               ,
               solemnly
               declare
               ,
               That
               you
               shall
               labour
               ,
               by
               all
               means
               lawfull
               ,
               to
               recover
               the
               libertie
               ,
               and
               puritie
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               as
               it
               was
               established
               and
               professed
               before
               the
               foresaid
               novations
               :
            
             We
             ask
             you
             ,
             what
             is
             that
             period
             of
             time
             ,
             to
             which
             your
             words
             have
             reference
             ,
             when
             you
             promise
             to
             
               labour
               ,
               to
               recover
               the
               puritie
               and
               libertie
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               as
               it
               was
               professed
               and
               established
               before
               the
               foresaid
               novatitions
               ?
            
             If
             you
             mean
             that
             period
             of
             time
             ,
             when
             the
             
               Service
               book
               ,
            
             and
             
               Book
               of
               Canons
            
             were
             urged
             upon
             you
             ;
             to
             wit
             ,
             the
             last
             year
             by-past
             in
             Summer
             ;
             then
             you
             acknowledge
             ,
             That
             all
             that
             time
             you
             enjoyed
             the
             
               puritie
               and
               libertie
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ;
            
             and
             consequently
             ,
             That
             you
             yet
             enjoy
             it
             ;
             for
             no
             new
             thing
             hath
             since
             that
             time
             been
             publickly
             received
             ,
             and
             practised
             in
             this
             
               Church
               .
            
             If
             you
             mean
             (
             as
             undoubtedly
             we
             think
             
             you
             do
             )
             the
             time
             praeceding
             the
             bringing
             in
             of
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             and
             the
             acts
             of
             
               Pearth
            
             ;
             then
             you
             comprehend
             both
             
               Episcopacie
            
             and
             the
             acts
             of
             
               Pearth
            
             under
             these
             
               novations
               :
               for
               the
               removing
               whereof
               ,
               you
               promise
               to
               labour
               ,
               according
               to
               your
               power
               :
            
             and
             consequently
             do
             dis-allow
             and
             condemne
             them
             ,
             even
             before
             they
             be
             tried
             in
             a
             
               free
               assembly
               ,
            
             and
             before
             they
             be
             heard
             who
             maintain
             and
             approve
             them
             as
             lawfull
             .
             3.
             
             We
             may
             evidently
             demonstrate
             this
             ,
             
               argumento
               ad
               hominem
               ,
            
             as
             we
             say
             in
             the
             schools
             :
             For
             ,
             those
             
               rites
            
             and
             
               ceremonies
               ,
            
             which
             are
             abjured
             in
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             are
             also
             abjured
             in
             your
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             ;
             which
             ,
             as
             you
             say
             ,
             is
             all
             one
             with
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             or
             with
             the
             
               Covenant
            
             made
             1581.
             
             But
             the
             
               rites
            
             and
             
               ceremonies
            
             which
             were
             concluded
             in
             
               Pearth
               assembly
               ,
            
             are
             abjured
             ,
             as
             you
             say
             ,
             in
             the
             
               Covenant
            
             made
             1581.
             and
             therefore
             they
             are
             also
             abjured
             in
             this
             your
             
               late
               Covenant
               .
            
             The
             first
             
               proposition
            
             is
             evident
             :
             For
             in
             your
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             speaking
             of
             the
             oath
             contained
             in
             that
             
               old
               Covenant
               ,
            
             which
             was
             made
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             you
             professe
             ,
             
               That
               the
               present
               and
               succeeding
               generations
               in
               this
               land
               ,
               are
               bound
               to
               keep
               the
               foresaid
               nationall
               oath
               ,
            
             as
             you
             call
             it
             ,
             
               and
               subscription
               ,
               unviolable
               .
            
             The
             second
             
               proposition
            
             also
             cannot
             be
             denied
             by
             you
             :
             For
             ,
             these
             twenty
             years
             by-past
             ,
             you
             have
             accused
             those
             who
             conformed
             themselves
             to
             the
             
               ordinances
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             of
             
               perjurie
            
             ;
             and
             that
             because
             they
             had
             violated
             the
             oath
             made
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             in
             the
             which
             those
             articles
             (
             as
             you
             alledge
             )
             were
             abjured
             .
             But
             perhaps
             you
             will
             say
             to
             us
             ,
             That
             we
             think
             those
             things
             not
             to
             be
             abjured
             in
             that
             oath
             made
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             and
             therefore
             we
             may
             swear
             ,
             and
             subscribe
             your
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             ;
             and
             ,
             notwithstanding
             of
             our
             
               oath
            
             and
             
               subscription
               ,
            
             be
             tied
             only
             to
             the
             
               forbearance
            
             of
             the
             practice
             of
             
               Pearth
            
             articles
             for
             a
             time
             .
             We
             answer
             ,
             first
             ;
             The
             words
             of
             an
             
               oath
            
             should
             be
             clear
             ,
             and
             plain
             :
             or
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             any
             wayes
             ambiguous
             ,
             the
             true
             sense
             of
             them
             should
             be
             so
             declared
             ,
             and
             manifested
             ,
             that
             all
             may
             know
             it
             .
             2
             An
             
               oath
            
             is
             to
             be
             given
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             minde
             and
             judgement
             of
             him
             that
             requireth
             it
             .
             And
             therefore
             ,
             seeing
             you
             who
             require
             this
             
               oath
            
             of
             us
             ,
             think
             the
             
               rites
            
             or
             
               ceremonies
            
             concluded
             at
             
               Pearth
            
             to
             be
             
             abjured
             in
             that
             
               oath
            
             made
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             how
             can
             we
             swear
             and
             subscribe
             your
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             which
             reneweth
             the
             foresaid
             
               oath
               ,
            
             and
             bindeth
             us
             to
             it
             ?
             3
             If
             we
             should
             swear
             ,
             and
             subscribe
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             as
             it
             is
             included
             in
             your
             
               covenant
            
             ;
             then
             ye
             ,
             who
             think
             the
             
               articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
            
             to
             be
             abjured
             ,
             and
             condemned
             in
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             will
             think
             us
             tied
             ,
             by
             our
             own
             
               personall
               oath
               ,
            
             to
             condemn
             the
             
               articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               .
            
             4
             Seeing
             this
             
               covenant
            
             was
             penned
             by
             you
             ,
             who
             have
             hitherto
             not
             conformed
             your selves
             to
             
               Pearth
               assembly
               ,
            
             and
             have
             opposed
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             and
             seeing
             you
             all
             condemn
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             as
             if
             it
             were
             that
             
               popish
               ,
            
             or
             
               wicked
               Hierarchie
               ,
            
             mentioned
             in
             the
             
               negative
               confession
            
             ;
             as
             also
             esteem
             the
             things
             concluded
             in
             
               Pearth
               assembly
               ,
            
             to
             be
             
               idolatrous
               ,
            
             or
             
               superstitious
            
             ;
             how
             can
             we
             think
             ,
             that
             you
             in
             your
             solemn
             vow
             made
             to
             God
             ,
             for
             reformation
             of
             this
             
               Church
               ,
            
             and
             resisting
             ,
             in
             times
             to
             come
             ,
             the
             
               novations
            
             and
             
               corruptions
            
             of
             it
             ,
             have
             passed
             by
             these
             things
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             only
             
               novations
            
             already
             introduced
             by
             authority
             ,
             and
             from
             which
             ,
             as
             you
             affirm
             ,
             the
             Church
             hath
             so
             great
             need
             to
             be
             purged
             :
             chiefly
             ,
             seeing
             ye
             think
             them
             as
             
               popish
               ,
               superstitious
               ,
            
             and
             
               idolatrous
               ,
            
             as
             ye
             do
             these
             other
             
               novations
               ,
            
             which
             are
             not
             as
             yet
             introduced
             .
             5
             If
             in
             all
             your
             
               supplications
               ,
               plaints
               ,
            
             and
             
               protestations
               ,
            
             ye
             have
             only
             sought
             the
             
               removing
            
             and
             
               discharging
            
             of
             the
             
               Service
               book
               .
               Book
               of
               canons
               ,
            
             and
             the
             
               new
               high
               commission
               ,
            
             not
             complaining
             of
             any
             other
             
               novations
            
             ;
             and
             seeing
             his
             Majestie
             hath
             discharged
             the
             first
             two
             ,
             and
             hath
             promised
             to
             rectifie
             the
             third
             ,
             or
             last
             of
             them
             ;
             Then
             ,
             what
             reason
             have
             ye
             to
             think
             ,
             that
             his
             Majestie
             hath
             not
             satisfied
             your
             
               supplications
               ?
            
             For
             ,
             all
             the
             
               novations
               ,
            
             upon
             which
             you
             complained
             ,
             are
             removed
             by
             his
             Majestie
             ,
             and
             ye
             have
             his
             princely
             promise
             ,
             That
             no
             further
             shall
             be
             urged
             upon
             us
             ,
             but
             by
             such
             a
             fair
             and
             legall
             way
             ,
             as
             may
             satisfie
             all
             his
             subjects
             .
             6
             As
             for
             that
             which
             your
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             by
             your
             own
             confession
             ,
             requireth
             of
             us
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             
               The
               forbearance
               ,
               and
               abstinence
               ,
               for
               a
               time
               ,
               from
               the
               practising
               the
               articles
               of
               Pearth
            
             ;
             We
             professe
             sincerely
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             ,
             That
             our
             c●nscience
             will
             not
             suffer
             us
             to
             subscribe
             that
             part
             of
             your
             
               Covenant
            
             ;
             and
             that
             because
             laws
             being
             standing
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             our
             lawfull
             superiours
             requiring
             
             obedience
             from
             us
             ,
             by
             practising
             them
             ,
             to
             swear
             
               forbearance
               of
               the
               practise
               of
               them
               ,
            
             is
             to
             swear
             
               disobedience
               ,
            
             and
             ,
             
               to
               wrong
               their
               authority
               .
            
             7
             How
             can
             we
             ,
             with
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             abstaine
             presently
             from
             
               private
               baptisme
               ,
            
             and
             
               private
               communion
               ,
            
             being
             required
             thereunto
             by
             sick
             persons
             ,
             and
             those
             parents
             whose
             children
             cannot
             be
             carried
             to
             the
             Church
             commodiously
             with
             their
             lives
             ;
             seeing
             we
             think
             it
             a
             thing
             very
             unlawfull
             ,
             in
             such
             cases
             ,
             to
             refuse
             to
             administrate
             those
             
               Sacraments
            
             in
             private
             houses
             ?
             Not
             that
             we
             think
             ,
             that
             God
             hath
             tyed
             himself
             ,
             or
             his
             grace
             ,
             to
             the
             
               Sacraments
            
             ;
             but
             because
             he
             hath
             tyed
             us
             unto
             them
             ,
             by
             his
             precept
             :
             and
             ,
             not
             to
             use
             the
             means
             appointed
             by
             God
             ,
             when
             our
             people
             ,
             or
             their
             children
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             them
             ,
             is
             a
             contempt
             of
             the
             means
             ,
             and
             a
             tempting
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
             THE
             V.
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             or
             no
             we
             can
             sincerely
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
             subscribe
             the
             negative
             confession
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             expounded
             and
             interpreted
             by
             the
             contrivers
             or
             authors
             of
             the
             late
             Covenant
             ,
             seeing
             it
             maketh
             a
             perpetuall
             law
             concerning
             the
             externall
             rites
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             not
             made
             ,
             as
             if
             these
             rites
             were
             unchangeable
             ?
             And
             how
             they
             who
             both
             swear
             the
             positive
             confession
             ,
             and
             the
             negative
             ,
             thus
             interpreted
             ,
             can
             eschew
             contradiction
             ,
             seeing
             the
             positive
             confession
             ,
             
               Chap.
            
             21.
             evidently
             declareth
             ,
             That
             these
             rites
             are
             changeable
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             exigencie
             of
             time
             ;
             and
             consequently
             ,
             that
             no
             perpetuall
             law
             may
             or
             ought
             to
             be
             made
             concerning
             them
             ?
             Likewise
             we
             would
             know
             how
             it
             can
             stand
             with
             truth
             to
             abjure
             all
             these
             rites
             ,
             as
             
               Popish
               ,
            
             which
             are
             used
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             without
             divine
             institution
             ,
             expressed
             in
             Gods
             word
             ;
             seeing
             even
             these
             who
             urge
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             practise
             some
             ceremonies
             which
             are
             not
             mentioned
             in
             Gods
             word
             ;
             as
             the
             celebration
             of
             marriage
             
             before
             the
             Church
             ,
             in
             the
             beginning
             ,
             or
             at
             the
             end
             of
             divine
             service
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             particulars
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             stipulation
             of
             Fathers
             and
             God-fathers
             ,
             for
             the
             childe
             in
             baptisme
             ,
             which
             are
             not
             meer
             circumstances
             ,
             as
             they
             use
             to
             distinguish
             ,
             but
             also
             ceremonies
             ,
             properly
             so
             called
             ?
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             THe
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             maketh
             not
             a
             perpetuall
             law
             concerning
             the
             externall
             rites
             of
             the
             kirke
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             unchangeable
             :
             but
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             said
             before
             ,
             onely
             bindeth
             us
             ,
             for
             a
             time
             ,
             to
             forbear
             the
             practise
             of
             
               innovations
            
             already
             introduced
             ,
             and
             doth
             not
             determine
             whether
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             changed
             ,
             or
             not
             .
             2.
             
             According
             to
             this
             true
             interpretation
             ,
             all
             appearance
             of
             contradiction
             betwixt
             the
             
               confession
               of
               faith
            
             insert
             in
             the
             act
             of
             Parliament
             ,
             and
             the
             latter
             confession
             ,
             is
             removed
             ,
             beside
             that
             the
             article
             21.
             of
             the
             
               confession
               of
               faith
               ,
            
             giveth
             power
             to
             the
             Kirke
             ,
             in
             matters
             of
             externall
             policie
             ,
             and
             order
             of
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             expounded
             in
             the
             first
             booke
             of
             
               Discipline
               ,
            
             distinguishing
             between
             things
             necessary
             to
             be
             observed
             in
             every
             Kirke
             ,
             and
             things
             variable
             in
             particular
             congregations
             .
             3.
             
             We
             declare
             again
             ,
             That
             the
             
               Covenant
            
             doth
             not
             abjure
             
               Pearth
            
             articles
             ,
             as
             Popish
             ,
             and
             thinketh
             not
             time
             now
             to
             dispute
             of
             significant
             ceremonies
             ,
             or
             other
             holy
             rites
             ,
             and
             whether
             the
             two
             particulars
             named
             be
             ceremonies
             ,
             or
             not
             :
             since
             the
             
               confession
            
             condescended
             upon
             on
             both
             sides
             ,
             abjureth
             rites
             which
             are
             added
             without
             the
             word
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             FIrst
             ,
             VVe
             have
             already
             told
             you
             ,
             That
             we
             cannot
             subscribe
             your
             
               oath
            
             of
             
               forbearance
            
             of
             the
             practise
             of
             the
             
               articles
            
             already
             introduced
             ,
             without
             violation
             of
             authority
             ,
             and
             of
             wronging
             our
             own
             consciences
             ,
             who
             think
             
               private
               baptisme
            
             and
             
               communion
               ,
            
             not
             to
             be
             indifferent
             ,
             but
             also
             necessary
             ,
             in
             some
             cases
             ;
             not
             indeed
             ,
             
               necessitate
               medii
               ,
            
             as
             if
             Gods
             grace
             were
             tyed
             to
             the
             externall
             means
             ,
             but
             ,
             as
             we
             say
             in
             the
             
             schools
             ,
             
               necessitate
               praecepti
               ,
            
             because
             we
             are
             commanded
             to
             use
             these
             means
             .
             2.
             
             This
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             leadeth
             and
             bindeth
             us
             to
             the
             
               old
               Covenant
               ,
            
             made
             1581.
             and
             that
             
               old
               Covenant
            
             bindeth
             us
             perpetually
             to
             that
             
               discipline
            
             which
             was
             then
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             (
             as
             ye
             alledge
             )
             to
             the
             whole
             policie
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             comprehending
             all
             the
             externall
             
               rites
            
             of
             it
             :
             and
             so
             ,
             
               à
               primo
               ad
               ultimum
               ,
            
             this
             
               late
               Covenant
            
             bindeth
             us
             to
             the
             whole
             policie
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             which
             was
             then
             ;
             and
             consequently
             maketh
             a
             perpetuall
             law
             ,
             concerning
             externall
             
               rites
            
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             unchangeable
             .
             All
             parts
             of
             this
             argument
             are
             sure
             :
             For
             by
             your
             
               late
               Covenant
               ,
            
             you
             professe
             your selves
             bound
             ,
             to
             keep
             the
             foresaid
             
               nationall
               oath
            
             (
             as
             you
             call
             it
             )
             inviolable
             :
             And
             that
             
               oath
               ,
            
             or
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             bindeth
             us
             ,
             to
             continue
             
               in
               the
               obedience
               not
               onely
               of
               the
               doctrine
               ,
            
             but
             also
             
               of
               the
               discipline
               of
               this
               Kirke
               .
            
             Where
             by
             
               the
               discipline
               of
               the
               Kirke
               ,
            
             ye
             understand
             (
             as
             ye
             have
             in
             all
             your
             writings
             professed
             ,
             especially
             of
             late
             ,
             in
             your
             booke
             entituled
             ,
             
               A
               dispute
               against
               the
               English
               Popish
               ceremonies
               .
               Part
            
             4.
             
             
               Chap.
            
             8.
             
             
               Sect.
            
             6.
             )
             the
             whole
             externall
             policie
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             at
             that
             time
             ;
             to
             wit
             ,
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             
             Yea
             ,
             you
             confesse
             ,
             That
             no
             other
             thing
             can
             be
             understood
             by
             
               the
               discipline
               of
               the
               Kirke
               ,
            
             but
             that
             which
             we
             have
             said
             already
             ;
             and
             consequently
             we
             shall
             be
             tyed
             by
             that
             
               oath
            
             which
             you
             require
             of
             us
             ,
             to
             admit
             and
             practise
             no
             other
             
               rites
            
             and
             
               ceremonies
               ,
            
             but
             such
             as
             were
             then
             received
             in
             our
             Church
             .
             We
             can
             no
             wayes
             passe
             by
             this
             ,
             seeing
             ever
             since
             the
             
               assembly
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             in
             your
             
               publick
               sermons
               ,
            
             and
             
               printed
               books
               ,
            
             ye
             have
             most
             vehemently
             accused
             us
             of
             
               perjurie
               ,
            
             as
             violating
             the
             
               oath
               ,
            
             or
             
               covenant
               ,
            
             made
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             and
             that
             in
             respect
             we
             have
             admitted
             into
             the
             Church
             ,
             some
             
               rites
               ,
            
             or
             
               ceremonies
               ,
            
             which
             were
             not
             in
             it
             the
             foresaid
             year
             of
             God.
             Is
             not
             this
             to
             make
             a
             perpetuall
             law
             ,
             concerning
             the
             externall
             
               rites
            
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             unchangeable
             ,
             and
             to
             abjure
             the
             practice
             of
             all
             
               rites
            
             introduced
             in
             the
             Church
             since
             that
             time
             ;
             and
             consequently
             the
             practise
             of
             the
             articles
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             and
             that
             not
             for
             a
             time
             onely
             ,
             but
             for
             ever
             ?
             3.
             
             Seeing
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             according
             to
             your
             minde
             ,
             and
             conception
             of
             it
             ,
             maketh
             the
             whole
             externall
             
             policie
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             
               Anno
            
             1581.
             to
             be
             unchangeable
             :
             and
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             the
             
               confession
            
             insert
             into
             the
             acts
             of
             
               Parliament
               ,
            
             declareth
             ,
             That
             the
             
               rites
            
             belonging
             to
             the
             externall
             policie
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             are
             changeable
             ;
             how
             can
             you
             escape
             a
             
               contradiction
               ,
            
             if
             ye
             receive
             both
             these
             
               confessions
               ?
            
             4.
             
             Whereas
             by
             that
             
               distinction
            
             mentioned
             in
             your
             
               answer
               ,
            
             of
             things
             necessary
             to
             be
             observed
             ,
             and
             of
             things
             variable
             in
             particular
             congregations
             ,
             ye
             insinuate
             that
             by
             the
             
               keeping
               of
               the
               discipline
               of
               the
               Kirke
               as
               it
               was
               then
               ,
            
             to
             which
             we
             are
             bound
             in
             the
             
               old
               Covenant
               ,
            
             ye
             understand
             the
             observation
             of
             those
             things
             which
             are
             necessary
             to
             be
             observed
             in
             every
             kirke
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             things
             variable
             in
             particular
             congregations
             :
             We
             ask
             ,
             Into
             which
             of
             the
             members
             of
             this
             
               distinction
            
             ye
             refer
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             and
             the
             
               articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               ?
            
             That
             is
             ,
             Whether
             they
             must
             necessarily
             be
             omitted
             in
             all
             Churches
             ,
             and
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             or
             not
             ?
             If
             ye
             say
             ,
             that
             they
             must
             be
             necessarily
             omitted
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             confirmed
             with
             an
             
               oath
               ,
            
             doth
             tye
             us
             to
             the
             omission
             of
             them
             ;
             then
             both
             ye
             would
             make
             us
             to
             swear
             ,
             and
             subscribe
             against
             our
             consciences
             ,
             (
             for
             we
             are
             perswaded
             ,
             That
             these
             things
             are
             lawfull
             )
             as
             also
             ye
             would
             make
             us
             to
             abjure
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             and
             the
             
               articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
               in
               perpetuum
            
             ;
             which
             is
             flatly
             contrary
             to
             your
             
               declaration
            
             in
             your
             
               answers
               ,
            
             1.5
             .
             &c.
             If
             you
             say
             on
             the
             other
             part
             ,
             That
             we
             are
             not
             tyed
             by
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             to
             the
             omission
             of
             these
             things
             ;
             then
             ,
             why
             have
             ye
             ,
             in
             all
             your
             writings
             against
             us
             ,
             exprobrate
             to
             us
             ,
             
               perjurie
               ,
            
             in
             violating
             of
             the
             
               oath
            
             contained
             in
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ?
            
             5.
             
             We
             would
             gladly
             have
             known
             your
             minde
             ,
             concerning
             the
             lawfulnesse
             of
             such
             
               rites
            
             as
             are
             not
             of
             divine
             institution
             ,
             expressed
             in
             Gods
             word
             .
             For
             we
             ingenously
             professe
             ,
             That
             none
             of
             your
             
               answers
            
             (
             which
             hitherto
             we
             have
             seen
             )
             to
             the
             
               instances
               ,
            
             or
             
               examples
            
             brought
             by
             us
             in
             our
             fift
             
               Demand
            
             of
             
               rites
            
             used
             by
             your selves
             ,
             in
             your
             Churches
             ,
             as
             lawfull
             ,
             without
             divine
             institution
             ,
             (
             to
             which
             we
             could
             adde
             many
             moe
             )
             do
             give
             us
             any
             satisfaction
             :
             nor
             yet
             ,
             as
             we
             think
             ,
             can
             give
             satisfaction
             to
             any
             indifferent
             man.
             As
             for
             example
             ;
             Is
             
               blessing
               of
               marriages
            
             a
             meer
             circumstance
             ?
             Who
             can
             be
             so
             impudent
             ,
             
             as
             to
             say
             so
             ?
             Or
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             a
             
               ceremonie
               ,
            
             what
             precept
             or
             practise
             have
             ye
             of
             it
             in
             Gods
             whole
             word
             ?
             if
             it
             be
             alledged
             .
             That
             we
             have
             a
             warrant
             from
             that
             
               blessing
            
             pronounced
             ,
             
               Gen
            
             1.28
             .
             upon
             m●n
             and
             woman
             ,
             after
             their
             creation
             ;
             we
             ask
             ,
             By
             what
             consequence
             can
             that
             
               solemnity
               of
               blessing
               of
               marriages
            
             used
             in
             our
             Churches
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             
               ceremonies
            
             of
             it
             ,
             be
             drawn
             from
             that
             effectuall
             and
             operative
             
               blessing
            
             of
             our
             first
             parents
             ,
             or
             rather
             of
             whole
             mankinde
             ?
             Is
             there
             here
             an
             
               institution
            
             of
             a
             
               perpetuall
               observance
               ,
            
             or
             
               rite
               ,
            
             to
             be
             used
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             more
             than
             in
             the
             22.
             
               verse
            
             of
             the
             same
             
               chapter
               ,
            
             when
             God
             blessed
             the
             fowls
             ,
             and
             fishes
             ,
             and
             said
             ,
             
               Be
               fruitfull
               ,
               and
               multiple
               ,
               and
               fill
               the
               waters
               in
               the
               seas
               ?
            
             &c.
             If
             again
             it
             be
             answered
             ,
             That
             
               pastorall
               benediction
               ,
            
             is
             mentioned
             in
             Scripture
             ▪
             first
             ,
             VVhat
             is
             that
             to
             
               blessing
               of
               marriages
               ?
            
             And
             secondly
             ,
             VVhy
             are
             not
             all
             other
             
               pactions
            
             ▪
             as
             well
             as
             
               marriages
               ,
            
             blessed
             in
             the
             Church
             ;
             chiefly
             ,
             seeing
             
               matrimoniall
               blessing
            
             hath
             been
             ,
             and
             is
             ,
             abused
             in
             the
             
               Romane
               Church
               ,
            
             which
             holdeth
             ,
             That
             
               marriage
            
             is
             a
             
               sacrament
            
             ;
             and
             consequently
             ,
             
               matrimoniall
               benediction
            
             ought
             ,
             as
             it
             would
             seem
             ,
             to
             be
             secluded
             from
             the
             Church
             ,
             rather
             than
             other
             
               blessings
               ?
            
          
        
         
           
             THE
             VI.
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             or
             no
             it
             be
             fit
             to
             subscribe
             such
             an
             interpretation
             ,
             as
             in
             matters
             of
             lawfulnesse
             ,
             and
             unlawfulnesse
             ;
             and
             consequently
             in
             matters
             of
             faith
             ,
             contradicteth
             the
             judgement
             of
             so
             many
             Divines
             ,
             most
             famous
             ,
             of
             the
             reformed
             Church
             ,
             both
             ancient
             and
             modern
             ,
             (
             who
             did
             ,
             and
             do
             hold
             ,
             that
             these
             rites
             and
             ordinances
             brought
             into
             this
             Church
             by
             the
             assembly
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             are
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             lawfull
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             ought
             not
             to
             make
             a
             stir
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             )
             and
             also
             condemneth
             the
             venerable
             practise
             of
             the
             ancient
             Church
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             eminent
             lights
             of
             it
             ,
             even
             in
             those
             purest
             times
             ,
             unto
             which
             we
             appeal
             against
             the
             Papists
             ,
             in
             our
             disputes
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             WE
             trust
             ,
             That
             no
             sound
             Divine
             ,
             ancient
             or
             modern
             ,
             would
             in
             this
             case
             deny
             the
             expedience
             of
             the
             
               forbearance
            
             of
             the
             practise
             of
             
               Pearth
               articles
               .
            
             And
             further
             than
             this
             ,
             nothing
             at
             this
             time
             is
             required
             .
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             YOur
             silence
             ,
             in
             not
             answering
             that
             which
             we
             affirmed
             ,
             concerning
             
               the
               judgement
               of
               Divines
               ,
               ancient
               and
               moderne
               ,
            
             of
             the
             reformed
             Church
             ,
             anent
             the
             lawfulnesse
             of
             the
             
               rites
               and
               ordinances
               ,
            
             which
             were
             received
             in
             our
             Church
             ,
             by
             the
             ordinance
             of
             the
             
               assembly
            
             of
             
               Pearth
            
             ;
             as
             also
             concerning
             the
             judgement
             and
             practise
             of
             the
             ancient
             Church
             ;
             doth
             make
             us
             think
             ,
             that
             ye
             acknowledge
             the
             truth
             of
             that
             which
             we
             affirmed
             there
             .
             2.
             
             VVe
             have
             already
             shown
             ,
             That
             the
             
               oath
            
             which
             ye
             require
             of
             us
             ,
             importeth
             more
             than
             the
             
               forbearance
               of
               the
               practice
               of
               Pearth
               articles
               ,
               for
               a
               time
               .
            
             3.
             
             The
             
               forbearance
            
             of
             some
             of
             them
             ,
             seemeth
             to
             us
             ,
             to
             be
             meerly
             unlawfull
             ,
             and
             contrary
             to
             that
             
               pastorall
               duty
            
             we
             owe
             to
             our
             flock
             .
             4.
             
             The
             
               forbearance
            
             of
             any
             of
             them
             ,
             considered
             with
             a
             relation
             to
             the
             authority
             enjoyning
             them
             ,
             in
             our
             judgement
             ,
             is
             plain
             
               disobedience
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             THE
             VII
             .
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             it
             be
             agreeable
             to
             charity
             or
             piety
             ,
             to
             require
             us
             to
             abjure
             these
             rites
             ,
             as
             
               Popish
            
             ;
             which
             in
             the
             sincerity
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             following
             the
             light
             of
             our
             conscience
             ,
             (
             whereof
             we
             take
             God
             to
             witnesse
             )
             we
             have
             hitherto
             
             practised
             ,
             as
             lawfull
             ,
             and
             laudably
             following
             the
             same
             light
             ,
             do
             yet
             practise
             them
             ?
             But
             suppose
             this
             might
             be
             required
             of
             us
             by
             any
             ;
             
               Quaeritur
               ,
            
             Whether
             or
             no
             it
             becometh
             them
             so
             peremptorily
             ,
             and
             upon
             such
             a
             suddenty
             ,
             to
             urge
             us
             to
             this
             ,
             who
             these
             by-gone
             twenty
             years
             ,
             have
             desired
             earnestly
             to
             enjoy
             the
             freedome
             of
             their
             consciences
             in
             their
             Ministerie
             ,
             even
             in
             denying
             obedience
             to
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             standing
             laws
             for
             them
             ;
             and
             when
             they
             were
             urged
             to
             obedience
             did
             so
             often
             protest
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             request
             ,
             That
             they
             might
             have
             a
             time
             ,
             to
             be
             well
             enformed
             ,
             and
             maturely
             advised
             of
             the
             matter
             ,
             which
             to
             the
             most
             part
             of
             them
             was
             most
             graciously
             granted
             ?
             Let
             them
             ▪
             therefore
             ,
             look
             to
             that
             naturall
             Maxime
             ,
             
               Quod
               tibi
               fieri
               non
               vis
               ,
               alteri
               ne
               feceris
               :
            
             and
             to
             our
             Saviours
             precept
             of
             the
             same
             sense
             ,
             and
             almost
             of
             the
             same
             words
             ,
             
               Mat.
            
             7.
             
               vers
               .
            
             12.
             
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             WE
             hope
             ,
             that
             such
             a
             
               forbearance
            
             of
             the
             practise
             ,
             will
             prejudge
             the
             liberty
             of
             no
             mans
             conscience
             .
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             IT
             would
             much
             prejudge
             our
             consciences
             ,
             to
             swear
             and
             subscribe
             the
             
               negative
               confession
               ,
            
             taking
             it
             according
             to
             your
             conception
             and
             meaning
             ,
             who
             require
             our
             
               oath
               .
            
             2
             How
             can
             we
             swear
             ,
             
               to
               labour
               ,
               by
               all
               means
               lawfull
            
             (
             as
             ye
             require
             in
             your
             
               covenant
            
             )
             to
             expell
             those
             things
             ,
             whereof
             we
             hold
             some
             to
             be
             necessary
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             to
             be
             lawfull
             ,
             and
             laudable
             ?
          
        
         
           
           
             THE
             VIII
             .
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             it
             be
             fitting
             to
             swear
             to
             defend
             the
             Kings
             Person
             and
             Authoritie
             ,
             with
             this
             limitation
             ,
             
               In
               the
               defence
               and
               preservation
               of
               the
               true
               Religion
               ,
               laws
               ,
               and
               liberties
               of
               this
               Kingdome
               ?
            
             As
             if
             their
             persons
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             defended
             against
             all
             enemies
             ,
             although
             as
             yet
             they
             embraced
             not
             the
             truth
             :
             or
             having
             before
             embraced
             it
             ,
             yet
             have
             fallen
             from
             it
             :
             or
             as
             if
             their
             royall
             Authority
             were
             not
             to
             be
             acknowledged
             ,
             although
             commanding
             things
             unlawfull
             ;
             and
             as
             if
             we
             were
             not
             subject
             thereto
             ,
             in
             yeelding
             to
             suffer
             under
             them
             ,
             when
             we
             give
             not
             active
             obedience
             to
             them
             ?
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THe
             
               answer
            
             of
             the
             first
             
               Demand
               ,
            
             may
             give
             satisfaction
             here
             .
             2.
             
             The
             
               Specification
            
             of
             the
             defending
             the
             Kings
             Person
             and
             Authority
             ,
             in
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             true
             religion
             ,
             laws
             ,
             and
             liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             ,
             is
             warranted
             by
             the
             
               Confession
            
             ratified
             in
             
               Parliament
               ,
            
             by
             other
             acts
             of
             
               Parliament
               ,
            
             by
             the
             other
             
               Confession
               ,
            
             and
             by
             the
             
               generall
               band
            
             joyned
             with
             it
             .
             3
             No
             man
             will
             with-hold
             his
             
               Subscription
            
             from
             the
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             because
             it
             doth
             not
             ,
             as
             it
             intendeth
             not
             to
             expresse
             every
             duty
             we
             owe
             to
             the
             Kings
             Majestie
             ,
             as
             if
             the
             not
             naming
             ,
             were
             a
             denying
             of
             the
             duty
             .
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             WHat
             ye
             have
             replyed
             in
             your
             
               Answer
            
             to
             our
             first
             
               Demand
               ,
            
             we
             have
             examined
             ,
             in
             our
             
               confutation
            
             of
             your
             
               Answer
               .
            
             2.
             
             If
             ye
             consider
             well
             all
             the
             
               circumstances
            
             
             of
             the
             making
             of
             your
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             ye
             will
             finde
             that
             it
             had
             not
             been
             amisse
             ,
             at
             this
             time
             ,
             to
             have
             expressed
             more
             fully
             the
             loyaltie
             of
             your
             
               intentions
               ,
            
             to
             maintain
             the
             Kings
             person
             ,
             and
             honour
             .
             Next
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             expresse
             it
             yet
             more
             fully
             ,
             for
             our
             cause
             ,
             whom
             ye
             require
             to
             swear
             and
             subscribe
             your
             
               Covenant
            
             ;
             lest
             we
             do
             any
             thing
             ,
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             with
             a
             doubting
             conscience
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             a
             grievous
             sin
             )
             that
             is
             ,
             Doubting
             whether
             or
             no
             we
             are
             tyed
             by
             our
             
               oath
            
             to
             maintain
             the
             Kings
             authority
             ,
             only
             in
             so
             far
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             employed
             in
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             foresaid
             true
             Religion
             :
             or
             ,
             at
             least
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             not
             employed
             against
             it
             .
             For
             it
             seemeth
             to
             us
             unlawfull
             ,
             to
             swear
             the
             maintenance
             of
             the
             Kings
             authoritie
             ,
             with
             this
             limitation
             precisely
             .
             And
             if
             ye
             be
             of
             a
             contrary
             minde
             ,
             we
             are
             most
             willing
             to
             confer
             with
             you
             of
             this
             point
             .
          
        
         
           
             THE
             IX
             .
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             or
             no
             we
             can
             sincerely
             swear
             to
             maintain
             the
             Authoritie
             ,
             truely
             and
             properly
             monarchicall
             of
             the
             King
             ;
             and
             withall
             swear
             also
             disobedience
             to
             these
             articles
             ,
             which
             are
             authorized
             by
             his
             standing
             laws
             ,
             and
             to
             maintain
             the
             meanest
             of
             his
             subjects
             against
             him
             ,
             in
             their
             disobedience
             of
             his
             laws
             ,
             as
             yet
             standing
             in
             vigour
             concerning
             these
             things
             .
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             THe
             
               answer
            
             to
             the
             first
             
               Demand
               ,
            
             is
             usefull
             here
             also
             .
             2.
             
             
               Forbearance
               of
               practise
               ,
            
             for
             a
             time
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             is
             rather
             
               obedience
               ,
            
             than
             
               disobedience
               :
            
             for
             example
             ,
             
               Kneeling
            
             was
             thought
             convenient
             ,
             because
             all
             memorie
             of
             
               superstition
            
             was
             past
             ;
             should
             it
             not
             therefore
             be
             forborn
             ,
             because
             
               superstition
               ,
            
             is
             now
             revived
             ,
             and
             flagrant
             ?
             They
             who
             
               practise
               ,
            
             keep
             the
             letter
             of
             the
             law
             :
             but
             they
             who
             
               forbear
               ,
            
             keep
             the
             life
             and
             reason
             thereof
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             YOur
             
               Covenant
            
             requireth
             more
             of
             us
             ,
             than
             the
             
               forbearance
               of
               the
               practise
               of
               Pearth
               articles
               ,
            
             as
             we
             have
             often
             times
             declared
             .
             2
             We
             have
             also
             shown
             ,
             That
             the
             
               forbearance
               of
               obedience
            
             to
             standing
             laws
             ,
             without
             license
             of
             Superiours
             ,
             and
             contrary
             to
             their
             commandment
             ,
             especially
             if
             it
             be
             done
             by
             deliberation
             ,
             and
             if
             men
             tye
             themselves
             ,
             by
             an
             
               oath
               ,
            
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             is
             manifest
             
               disobedience
               .
            
             3
             The
             
               article
               of
               Pearth
               ,
            
             anent
             kneeling
             ,
             was
             not
             grounded
             only
             ,
             nor
             yet
             principally
             ,
             upon
             that
             
               narrative
            
             which
             ye
             mention
             ;
             but
             rather
             upon
             the
             conveniencie
             and
             decencie
             of
             the
             gesture
             of
             
               kneeling
               ,
            
             in
             the
             receiving
             of
             the
             holy
             
               Sacrament
               :
            
             which
             reason
             doth
             yet
             continue
             ;
             as
             also
             the
             other
             reason
             which
             ye
             mention
             ,
             holdeth
             yet
             :
             for
             the
             body
             of
             the
             people
             of
             this
             Church
             were
             never
             
               papists
            
             ;
             and
             consequently
             ,
             have
             no
             memorie
             of
             
               popish
               superstition
               ,
            
             as
             those
             who
             lived
             in
             time
             of
             
               reformation
               .
            
             4
             We
             cannot
             see
             nor
             conceive
             ,
             how
             a
             
               vow
            
             and
             
               band
            
             of
             maintaining
             the
             meanest
             subject
             of
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
             against
             all
             persons
             whatsoever
             ;
             and
             consequently
             ,
             against
             the
             King
             himself
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             shown
             in
             our
             second
             
               Reply
               ,
            
             in
             disobedience
             of
             his
             laws
             ,
             can
             consist
             with
             that
             love
             ,
             reverence
             ,
             and
             subjection
             ,
             which
             we
             owe
             to
             our
             King.
             Neither
             have
             ye
             brought
             any
             thing
             in
             your
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             to
             satisfie
             us
             in
             this
             point
             .
             And
             ,
             because
             ye
             alledge
             ,
             as
             we
             hear
             ,
             that
             ye
             are
             mistaken
             in
             this
             point
             ,
             and
             do
             vindicate
             your selves
             ,
             by
             those
             words
             of
             the
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             wherein
             ye
             promise
             to
             maintain
             the
             Kings
             authoritie
             ;
             we
             pray
             you
             to
             expresse
             your
             minde
             more
             fully
             ,
             concerning
             it
             ;
             and
             to
             show
             us
             ,
             1
             What
             ye
             mean
             by
             
               maintaining
               the
               Kings
               authoritie
               ,
            
             in
             that
             part
             of
             your
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             wherein
             ye
             expresse
             your
             loyall
             intention
             ,
             
               To
               maintain
               the
               Kings
               person
               ,
               and
               authoritie
            
             ;
             and
             in
             speciall
             ,
             Whether
             or
             no
             the
             maintaining
             of
             the
             Kings
             authoritie
             ,
             be
             taken
             by
             you
             ,
             as
             it
             excludeth
             all
             resisting
             of
             his
             Authoritie
             ,
             by
             force
             of
             arms
             ,
             even
             although
             he
             should
             
             command
             things
             unlawfull
             ,
             and
             contrarie
             to
             the
             truth
             ?
             For
             so
             we
             think
             it
             should
             be
             taken
             :
             and
             that
             it
             should
             be
             so
             taken
             ,
             we
             are
             readie
             to
             demonstrate
             .
             Neither
             can
             we
             swear
             it
             in
             any
             other
             sense
             .
             2
             Whether
             your
             promise
             of
             
               mutuall
               defence
               ,
               In
               the
               same
               cause
               of
               maintaining
               the
               true
               Religion
               ,
               and
               his
               Majesties
               authoritie
               ,
               &c.
            
             ought
             to
             be
             understood
             ,
             of
             the
             
               maintaining
               the
               Kings
               authoritie
               absolutely
               :
            
             that
             is
             ,
             
               Whether
               he
               maintain
               the
               true
               Religion
               ,
               or
               no
               ?
            
             Or
             ,
             on
             the
             contrarie
             ;
             If
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             understood
             of
             
               the
               maintaining
               the
               Kings
               authoritie
               conditionally
               ,
               in
               so
               far
               as
               he
               maintaineth
               the
               true
               Religion
               ,
            
             and
             not
             any
             other
             wayes
             ?
             If
             you
             say
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             to
             be
             understood
             the
             first
             way
             ,
             we
             assent
             to
             that
             part
             of
             your
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             and
             have
             no
             more
             scruple
             anent
             it
             ,
             except
             that
             one
             which
             we
             mentioned
             in
             our
             
               Reply
            
             to
             your
             second
             
               Answer
               :
            
             to
             wit
             ,
             That
             the
             words
             of
             your
             
               Protestation
            
             seem
             to
             import
             more
             ;
             and
             ,
             that
             your
             
               Paction
               ,
            
             or
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             is
             made
             without
             the
             Kings
             privitie
             ,
             and
             consent
             .
             If
             ye
             say
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             to
             be
             understood
             the
             second
             way
             ;
             then
             we
             continue
             urging
             our
             foresaid
             
               Demand
               :
            
             to
             wit
             ,
             How
             a
             man
             can
             maintain
             the
             Kings
             authoritie
             ,
             and
             withall
             maintain
             the
             meanest
             of
             his
             subjects
             in
             resisting
             his
             Authoritie
             ?
             And
             how
             we
             can
             be
             said
             ,
             to
             stand
             for
             the
             Kings
             honour
             ,
             when
             we
             vow
             and
             promise
             ,
             do
             to
             that
             which
             he
             himself
             professeth
             to
             be
             against
             his
             Honour
             ;
             and
             which
             ,
             in
             the
             common
             judgement
             of
             men
             ,
             is
             thought
             to
             be
             so
             ?
             The
             determination
             of
             this
             point
             ,
             is
             more
             than
             necessarie
             ,
             at
             this
             time
             :
             and
             therefore
             ,
             let
             us
             in
             sinceritie
             and
             brotherly
             love
             ,
             confer
             of
             it
             ;
             that
             the
             consciences
             of
             others
             who
             doubt
             of
             this
             ,
             may
             receive
             satisfaction
             .
          
        
         
           
             THE
             X.
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             or
             no
             we
             ought
             to
             swear
             to
             such
             a
             Covenant
             ,
             which
             taketh
             away
             from
             us
             all
             hope
             of
             a
             free
             assembly
             ,
             or
             Parliament
             ,
             to
             judge
             of
             the
             matter
             
             presently
             debated
             ?
             For
             how
             can
             these
             vote
             freely
             of
             any
             matter
             propounded
             to
             the
             decision
             and
             deliberation
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Estate
             ,
             who
             have
             already
             sworn
             to
             adhere
             to
             one
             part
             of
             the
             question
             ?
             and
             how
             can
             those
             who
             dissent
             from
             them
             ,
             submit
             themselves
             to
             their
             judgement
             ,
             chiefly
             seeing
             they
             are
             possessours
             ,
             and
             have
             laws
             Civill
             and
             Ecclesiastick
             ,
             standing
             as
             yet
             for
             them
             ?
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             WE
             perceive
             ,
             that
             this
             tenth
             
               Demand
               ,
            
             is
             made
             of
             the
             articles
             of
             
               Pearth
               ;
            
             therefore
             we
             answer
             as
             before
             ;
             That
             we
             promise
             only
             
               forbearance
               ,
            
             which
             can
             prejudge
             no
             mans
             liberty
             in
             a
             
               generall
               assembly
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             WE
             have
             shown
             ,
             That
             your
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             and
             
               Oath
               ,
            
             importeth
             a
             manifest
             
               abjuration
            
             of
             the
             
               articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               :
            
             and
             therefore
             ,
             the
             swearing
             of
             it
             doth
             manifestly
             prejudge
             the
             liberty
             of
             
               voting
            
             in
             a
             
               nationall
               assembly
               :
            
             For
             ,
             how
             can
             they
             freely
             either
             reason
             in
             an
             
               assembly
               ,
            
             concerning
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             and
             the
             
               articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
            
             ;
             or
             else
             ,
             give
             their
             judgement
             ,
             without
             prejudice
             ,
             concerning
             them
             who
             have
             alreadie
             promised
             ,
             sworn
             ,
             and
             vowed
             ,
             first
             ,
             To
             adhere
             to
             the
             
               discipline
               of
               the
               Kirke
               :
            
             that
             is
             ,
             (
             according
             to
             your
             
               interpretation
               )
               to
               the
               whole
               externall
               policie
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               as
               it
               was
            
             1581.
             2
             
             
               To
               labour
               ,
               by
               all
               means
               lawfull
               ,
               to
               remove
               ,
               and
               expell
               ,
               all
               those
               rites
               and
               ordinances
               ,
               which
               have
               come
               into
               the
               Church
               since
               the
               foresaid
               year
               of
               God
               ;
               that
               the
               Church
               may
               be
               restored
               to
               the
               liberty
               ,
               and
               purity
               ,
               which
               it
               then
               had
               .
            
             Whereby
             ye
             declare
             ,
             That
             the
             foresaid
             
               articles
               ,
            
             and
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             are
             contrary
             to
             the
             
               liberty
               ,
            
             and
             
               purity
            
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             and
             consequently
             ,
             ye
             are
             tied
             by
             your
             
               oath
               ,
            
             to
             vote
             against
             them
             ,
             if
             ye
             be
             called
             to
             the
             intended
             assembly
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             THE
             XI
             .
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHether
             our
             subscribing
             ,
             together
             with
             our
             people
             ,
             to
             the
             confession
             of
             this
             nation
             ,
             which
             is
             ratified
             and
             registrated
             in
             Parliament
             ,
             
               Anno
            
             1567.
             may
             give
             full
             satisfaction
             to
             all
             who
             doubt
             of
             the
             sincerity
             of
             our
             profession
             ,
             if
             so
             be
             they
             have
             no
             farther
             ayme
             ,
             but
             only
             to
             know
             and
             see
             our
             willingnesse
             ,
             and
             constant
             resolution
             ,
             to
             adhere
             to
             the
             religion
             presently
             professed
             ,
             and
             to
             oppose
             all
             errours
             contrary
             to
             it
             ,
             to
             our
             lives
             end
             ?
             Now
             seeing
             we
             are
             willing
             to
             do
             this
             ,
             as
             we
             take
             God
             to
             witnesse
             ,
             we
             are
             ;
             how
             are
             we
             hated
             ,
             maligned
             ,
             and
             traduced
             as
             enemies
             of
             the
             truth
             ,
             only
             because
             our
             consciences
             do
             not
             suffer
             us
             to
             subscribe
             to
             that
             interpretation
             of
             the
             
               negative
               confession
            
             insert
             in
             the
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             (
             concerning
             which
             we
             can
             see
             no
             warrant
             of
             the
             truth
             of
             it
             ,
             nor
             lawfull
             authority
             binding
             us
             to
             it
             )
             and
             to
             the
             politick
             ,
             or
             rather
             military
             part
             of
             that
             Covenant
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             thing
             without
             the
             compasse
             of
             our
             calling
             ,
             and
             not
             belonging
             to
             that
             contending
             for
             the
             faith
             once
             delivered
             to
             the
             saints
             ,
             of
             which
             S.
             
               Iude
            
             speaketh
             in
             his
             epistle
             .
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             SInce
             no
             other
             mean
             could
             be
             found
             so
             effectuall
             ,
             for
             holding
             out
             of
             
               Poperie
               ,
            
             and
             forbearing
             of
             dangerous
             
               novations
               in
               religion
               ,
            
             such
             as
             the
             Service
             book
             ,
             and
             Canons
             ,
             which
             as
             yet
             are
             only
             discharged
             ,
             till
             in
             a
             fair
             and
             legall
             way
             they
             may
             be
             introduced
             ;
             and
             are
             by
             no
             word
             of
             the
             late
             
               Proclamation
            
             disallowed
             :
             although
             the
             
               Service
               book
               ,
            
             by
             the
             
               Proclamation
               ,
               February
            
             19.
             be
             highly
             praised
             ,
             as
             serving
             to
             edification
             ,
             and
             to
             beat
             out
             all
             
               superstition
               :
            
             and
             nothing
             in
             this
             
               application
            
             is
             abjured
             ,
             but
             what
             was
             abjured
             in
             the
             former
             ;
             why
             shall
             we
             forbear
             to
             use
             a
             mean
             so
             just
             ,
             and
             so
             powerfull
             ,
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             purity
             of
             religion
             ?
          
        
         
           
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             HEre
             ye
             do
             not
             particularly
             answer
             to
             our
             
               Demand
               ,
            
             and
             seem
             unwilling
             to
             give
             that
             testimonie
             of
             us
             ,
             your
             brethren
             ,
             concerning
             our
             sincerity
             in
             professing
             of
             the
             Truth
             ,
             which
             ,
             all
             who
             know
             and
             judge
             unpartially
             of
             us
             ,
             do
             think
             to
             be
             due
             to
             us
             .
             It
             is
             sufficiently
             known
             ,
             what
             pains
             we
             take
             in
             disputing
             and
             writing
             against
             
               Papists
               ,
            
             in
             confuting
             their
             errours
             in
             our
             pulpits
             ,
             in
             leading
             processe
             against
             them
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             in
             doing
             all
             things
             against
             
               Romish
               errours
               ,
            
             which
             can
             be
             expected
             from
             the
             most
             zealous
             Professours
             of
             the
             Truth
             .
             If
             ye
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             of
             our
             reverent
             brethren
             ,
             doubt
             of
             the
             sinceritie
             of
             our
             profession
             ,
             then
             pose
             us
             concerning
             any
             
               Article
            
             controverted
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             be
             most
             ready
             to
             declare
             our
             minde
             concerning
             it
             before
             all
             men
             ,
             and
             give
             a
             sufficient
             proof
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             pried
             as
             narrowly
             into
             the
             mysteries
             of
             
               Romish
               errours
               ,
            
             for
             refutation
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             any
             of
             those
             who
             impiously
             ,
             and
             uncharitably
             traduce
             us
             ,
             as
             favourers
             of
             
               Poperie
               .
            
             2.
             
             We
             have
             other
             means
             more
             effectuall
             ,
             and
             lawfull
             ,
             (
             whereas
             we
             think
             this
             your
             mean
             to
             be
             unlawfull
             )
             for
             holding
             out
             of
             
               Poperie
               :
            
             and
             in
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             confide
             more
             ,
             than
             in
             all
             the
             promises
             and
             vows
             of
             men
             ;
             yea
             ,
             also
             ,
             more
             than
             in
             all
             the
             
               united
               forces
            
             of
             all
             the
             subjects
             of
             this
             land
             :
             to
             wit
             ,
             Diligent
             preaching
             ,
             and
             teaching
             of
             the
             word
             ,
             frequent
             prayer
             to
             God
             ,
             humbling
             of
             our selves
             before
             him
             ,
             amendement
             of
             our
             lives
             and
             conversations
             ,
             and
             arming
             our selves
             against
             our
             adversaries
             ,
             by
             diligent
             searching
             of
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             and
             using
             all
             other
             means
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             increase
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             in
             ability
             ,
             to
             defend
             it
             against
             the
             enemies
             of
             it
             .
             3.
             
             The
             subjects
             of
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
             at
             least
             a
             great
             part
             of
             them
             ,
             either
             by
             their
             own
             inclination
             ,
             or
             by
             the
             perswasion
             of
             others
             ,
             have
             such
             a
             hard
             conceit
             of
             the
             Service
             book
             ,
             and
             Canons
             ,
             that
             if
             his
             Majesty
             use
             a
             faire
             and
             legall
             way
             of
             bringing
             them
             into
             this
             Church
             ,
             especially
             such
             a
             way
             as
             may
             give
             satisfaction
             to
             all
             his
             subjects
             ,
             in
             all
             appearance
             ,
             we
             need
             not
             to
             fear
             the
             in
             bringing
             of
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             THE
             XII
             .
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             WHereas
             we
             heare
             of
             diverse
             disorders
             ,
             and
             violent
             miscarriages
             of
             those
             who
             have
             subscribed
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             against
             our
             brethren
             of
             the
             holy
             Ministerie
             ,
             who
             continue
             in
             their
             obedience
             to
             the
             laws
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Kingdome
             ;
             which
             miscarriages
             being
             done
             without
             all
             forme
             of
             justice
             ,
             or
             legall
             proceeding
             ,
             are
             an
             exercising
             of
             revenge
             ,
             by
             private
             authoritie
             ,
             and
             consequently
             are
             forbidden
             in
             the
             sixt
             commandment
             :
             which
             is
             one
             of
             the
             reasons
             which
             moveth
             us
             ,
             not
             to
             joyn
             our selves
             unto
             their
             society
             .
             We
             would
             gladly
             therefore
             know
             of
             our
             reverent
             brethren
             ,
             who
             have
             come
             hither
             to
             recommend
             the
             late
             
               Covenant
            
             unto
             us
             ;
             First
             ,
             Whether
             or
             no
             they
             do
             allow
             these
             disorders
             ?
             2.
             
             If
             they
             allow
             them
             ,
             what
             reason
             have
             they
             so
             to
             do
             ?
             And
             if
             they
             allow
             them
             not
             ,
             how
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             these
             disorders
             and
             miscarriages
             ,
             are
             not
             publickly
             by
             them
             ,
             and
             other
             Pastours
             of
             their
             confederacy
             ,
             condemned
             ,
             and
             sharply
             rebuked
             in
             their
             pulpits
             ?
             Why
             are
             the
             actours
             of
             them
             not
             tryed
             and
             censured
             ?
             And
             why
             do
             they
             delay
             to
             give
             out
             some
             publick
             declaration
             ,
             either
             in
             print
             or
             writ
             ,
             to
             this
             effect
             ,
             being
             long
             since
             exhorted
             to
             do
             so
             ?
          
        
         
           
             ANSVVER
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             HArdly
             can
             a
             zealous
             people
             assembled
             in
             a
             Kirk
             for
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             be
             kept
             from
             tumult
             ,
             when
             
               books
               ,
            
             and
             a
             
               worship
            
             which
             they
             either
             know
             ,
             or
             conceive
             to
             be
             
               popish
               ,
            
             are
             suddenly
             ,
             and
             imperiously
             obtruded
             upon
             them
             by
             the
             
               Leaders
               :
            
             &
             how
             far
             the
             keeping
             of
             the
             materiall
             kirks
             from
             the
             pollution
             of
             
               worship
               ,
            
             belongeth
             to
             the
             people
             ,
             and
             community
             of
             the
             
               faithful
               ,
            
             should
             be
             considered
             .
             2.
             
             Violence
             done
             in
             other
             places
             ,
             and
             upon
             other
             occasions
             ,
             we
             no
             more
             allow
             ,
             than
             we
             doe
             approve
             the
             aspersions
             of
             
               perjurie
               ,
               rebellion
               ,
               &c.
            
             which
             some
             men
             do
             put
             upon
             us
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             IT
             belongeth
             not
             to
             the
             people
             ,
             or
             communitie
             of
             the
             faithfull
             ,
             to
             contemne
             Authoritie
             ,
             and
             the
             Lords
             Service
             ,
             done
             in
             his
             owne
             House
             ,
             on
             his
             own
             day
             ,
             so
             farre
             as
             to
             put
             violent
             hands
             on
             Prelates
             and
             Pastours
             ,
             in
             time
             of
             Divine
             worship
             ,
             while
             they
             are
             practising
             those
             things
             which
             are
             enjoyned
             by
             the
             King
             ,
             and
             his
             Councell
             .
             Such
             disorders
             ,
             and
             contemptuous
             carriages
             ,
             doe
             not
             beseeme
             those
             whom
             Christ
             inviteth
             to
             come
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             learn
             of
             him
             ,
             meeknesse
             ,
             and
             lowlinesse
             of
             heart
             ;
             chiefly
             ,
             seeing
             there
             are
             many
             other
             wayes
             ,
             whereby
             people
             may
             testifie
             their
             aversation
             of
             those
             
               books
               ,
            
             and
             
               worship
               ,
            
             which
             they
             conceive
             to
             be
             
               Popish
               .
            
             If
             it
             be
             a
             sinne
             in
             parents
             to
             provoke
             their
             children
             to
             wrath
             ;
             much
             more
             is
             it
             a
             sinne
             in
             children
             to
             provoke
             their
             parents
             ;
             especially
             
               Patrem
               Patriae
               ,
            
             the
             common
             father
             of
             the
             countrey
             ,
             so
             to
             wrath
             .
             2.
             
             The
             keeping
             of
             Gods
             house
             from
             the
             pollution
             of
             worship
             ,
             belongeth
             to
             those
             who
             are
             cloathed
             with
             lawfull
             authority
             .
             3.
             
             We
             not
             onely
             asked
             of
             you
             ,
             Whether
             or
             no
             ye
             did
             allow
             the
             
               miscarriages
            
             towards
             our
             brethren
             of
             the
             holy
             Ministerie
             ,
             mentioned
             in
             our
             
               Demand
               ?
            
             but
             also
             supposing
             that
             ye
             do
             not
             allow
             them
             ,
             we
             asked
             ,
             How
             is
             it
             that
             those
             
               disorders
            
             and
             
               miscarriages
               ,
            
             are
             not
             publickly
             by
             you
             condemned
             ,
             and
             rebuked
             ?
             Why
             are
             the
             
               actours
            
             of
             them
             not
             tryed
             ,
             and
             censured
             ?
             And
             why
             do
             ye
             not
             give
             some
             publick
             document
             to
             the
             world
             of
             your
             aversation
             of
             such
             
               miscarriages
               ?
            
             chiefly
             ,
             seeing
             they
             are
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             shown
             ,
             a
             manifest
             transgression
             of
             the
             sixt
             Commandement
             .
             We
             cannot
             sufficiently
             marvell
             ,
             that
             ye
             have
             kept
             up
             your
             mindes
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             and
             not
             answered
             to
             so
             important
             ,
             and
             necessary
             a
             
               Demand
               .
            
             As
             for
             your
             
               complaint
            
             of
             
               perjurie
            
             and
             
               rebellion
               ,
            
             &c.
             if
             ye
             mean
             the
             
               warning
            
             late
             written
             to
             the
             subjects
             in
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             ye
             shall
             know
             ,
             that
             the
             Author
             thereof
             himself
             is
             much
             displeased
             with
             any
             offensive
             asperitie
             ,
             which
             hath
             been
             found
             in
             some
             written
             
             Copies
             thereof
             ;
             and
             hath
             already
             done
             that
             ,
             for
             removing
             of
             that
             offence
             :
             which
             ,
             we
             hope
             ,
             shall
             give
             full
             satisfaction
             to
             all
             men
             .
          
        
         
           
             THE
             XIII
             .
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             HOw
             can
             we
             subscribe
             that
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             without
             incurring
             many
             grievous
             scandals
             ;
             as
             first
             ,
             the
             scandall
             of
             
               dissenting
            
             from
             other
             Reformed
             Churches
             ,
             and
             famous
             Divines
             ,
             the
             chief
             instruments
             of
             the
             Reformation
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             
               Europe
               ,
            
             who
             did
             hold
             these
             rites
             which
             are
             abjured
             in
             this
             late
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             as
             meerly
             unlawfull
             ,
             popish
             ,
             and
             idolatrous
             ,
             to
             be
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             ,
             lawfull
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             the
             scandall
             of
             
               dissenting
            
             from
             antiquitie
             ,
             and
             vilipending
             it
             altogether
             in
             matters
             of
             the
             externall
             policie
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             which
             we
             know
             ,
             and
             have
             found
             by
             frequent
             experience
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             thing
             that
             maketh
             many
             Papists
             more
             averse
             from
             our
             profession
             ,
             than
             other
             wayes
             they
             would
             be
             .
             Thirdly
             ,
             the
             scandall
             of
             
               perjurie
               ,
            
             which
             some
             of
             us
             cannot
             escape
             ,
             who
             did
             swear
             
               obedience
            
             to
             the
             articles
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             and
             to
             our
             Ordinarie
             ,
             at
             our
             admission
             to
             the
             Ministerie
             .
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             THat
             threefold
             scandall
             causeth
             upon
             the
             right
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             the
             clause
             of
             the
             
               forbearance
            
             of
             the
             
               novations
            
             already
             introduced
             .
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             WE
             have
             shown
             your
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             the
             clause
             of
             
               forbearance
               ,
            
             not
             to
             be
             right
             ,
             and
             have
             refuted
             it
             ,
             we
             think
             ,
             by
             the
             very
             words
             of
             your
             
               Covenant
            
             ;
             so
             that
             none
             
             of
             these
             three
             scandals
             can
             be
             eschewed
             by
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             subscribe
             to
             your
             foresaid
             
               Covenant
               .
            
             2.
             
             Suppose
             the
             other
             two
             might
             be
             eschewed
             by
             that
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             the
             clause
             of
             
               forbearance
               ,
            
             yet
             the
             third
             cannot
             be
             eschewed
             ,
             seeing
             at
             our
             
               admission
            
             we
             have
             sworn
             
               obedience
            
             to
             the
             
               articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             and
             to
             our
             
               Ordinarie
               :
            
             Wherefore
             ,
             ye
             must
             either
             prove
             the
             
               Articles
            
             of
             
               Pearth
               ,
            
             and
             
               Episcopacie
               ,
            
             to
             be
             unlawfull
             ,
             or
             else
             ,
             we
             cannot
             ,
             without
             violation
             of
             our
             
               oath
               ,
            
             made
             at
             our
             
               admission
               ,
            
             forbear
             the
             practise
             of
             the
             foresaid
             
               Articles
               ,
            
             against
             the
             will
             of
             our
             
               Ordinary
               ,
            
             and
             other
             our
             lawfull
             
               Superiours
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             THE
             XIIII
             .
             DEMAND
             .
          
           
             
               LAst
               of
               all
            
             ;
             We
             pray
             these
             reverend
             and
             worthy
             brethren
             ,
             to
             consider
             impartially
             ,
             and
             charitably
             ,
             seeing
             we
             have
             all
             these
             scruples
             in
             our
             minds
             concerning
             their
             Covenant
             ,
             as
             also
             seeing
             we
             are
             yet
             most
             confident
             ,
             and
             assured
             of
             the
             lawfulnesse
             of
             the
             articles
             of
             Pearth
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             lawfulnesse
             and
             venerable
             antiquity
             of
             Episcopall
             government
             ,
             how
             we
             can
             ,
             with
             a
             safe
             conscience
             ,
             give
             our
             consent
             that
             they
             should
             preach
             in
             our
             pulpits
             ,
             who
             come
             professedly
             to
             withdraw
             our
             people
             from
             that
             which
             we
             in
             the
             inmost
             thoughts
             of
             our
             souls
             do
             embrace
             as
             lawfull
             ;
             and
             from
             that
             obedience
             which
             they
             do
             owe
             to
             their
             gracious
             and
             pious
             Soveraigne
             therein
             ;
             whose
             last
             Proclamation
             hath
             given
             full
             satisfaction
             to
             us
             all
             ,
             and
             much
             rejoyced
             our
             hearts
             ,
             in
             respect
             he
             hath
             there
             in
             most
             solemnly
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             oath
             declared
             ,
             not
             only
             his
             sincerity
             in
             professing
             the
             truth
             ,
             but
             also
             his
             pious
             resolution
             ,
             to
             continue
             therein
             ,
             and
             maintain
             it
             constantly
             to
             his
             lives
             end
             ,
             most
             graciously
             and
             wisely
             removing
             these
             things
             which
             have
             occasioned
             the
             late
             perturbation
             of
             our
             Church
             .
             We
             wish
             them
             likewise
             ,
             to
             consider
             ,
             how
             they
             can
             require
             this
             of
             us
             ,
             seeing
             they
             
             would
             not
             (
             we
             appeal
             to
             their
             own
             consciences
             )
             be
             content
             that
             they
             should
             be
             so
             dealt
             with
             themselves
             ;
             we
             mean
             ,
             that
             any
             should
             go
             up
             to
             their
             pulpits
             ,
             and
             condemn
             their
             doctrine
             ,
             and
             practice
             ,
             and
             withdraw
             their
             people
             from
             that
             which
             hath
             been
             before
             recommended
             unto
             them
             as
             truth
             .
          
           
             We
             conclude
             :
             Exhorting
             earnestly
             ,
             entreating
             lovingly
             ,
             and
             charging
             modestly
             ,
             these
             ,
             and
             all
             others
             ,
             our
             reverend
             brethren
             ,
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             
               Lord
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             who
             shall
             judge
             the
             quick
             and
             the
             dead
             at
             his
             appearing
             in
             his
             kingdome
             ,
             if
             there
             be
             any
             consolation
             in
             Christ
             ,
             if
             any
             comfort
             of
             love
             ,
             if
             any
             fellowship
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             if
             any
             bowels
             of
             mercies
             ,
             to
             look
             narrowly
             to
             their
             own
             consciences
             ,
             in
             these
             weighty
             matters
             ;
             remembring
             that
             of
             
               Ieremy
               ,
               The
               heart
               is
               deceitfull
               above
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               desperately
               wicked
               ,
               who
               can
               know
               it
               ?
            
             To
             judge
             charitably
             of
             us
             their
             brethren
             ;
             remembring
             that
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               Iudge
               not
               ,
               that
               ye
               be
               not
               judged
               :
            
             To
             deal
             with
             us
             in
             love
             and
             meeknesse
             ,
             (
             if
             so
             be
             they
             think
             us
             to
             have
             gone
             astray
             from
             the
             truth
             ;
             which
             ,
             God
             knoweth
             ,
             we
             no
             wayes
             do
             perceive
             )
             remembring
             that
             of
             S.
             
               Paul
               ,
               If
               a
               man
               be
               overtaken
               in
               a
               fault
               ,
               ye
               that
               are
               spirituall
               ,
               restore
               such
               an
               one
               with
               the
               spirit
               of
               meeknesse
               :
            
             as
             also
             that
             of
             S.
             
               Iames
               ,
               The
               wisdome
               that
               is
               from
               above
               ,
               is
               first
               pure
               ,
               then
               peaceable
               ,
               gentle
               ,
               and
               easie
               to
               be
               entreated
               ;
               full
               of
               mercy
               ,
               and
               good
               fruits
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             And
             last
             of
             all
             ,
             To
             seek
             peace
             ,
             and
             so
             to
             follow
             after
             it
             ;
             that
             this
             our
             dear
             native
             countrey
             be
             not
             exposed
             to
             a
             dangerous
             warfare
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             the
             wofull
             consequents
             thereof
             ;
             of
             which
             our
             hearts
             cannot
             think
             ,
             without
             trembling
             and
             horrour
             .
          
        
         
           
             ANSWER
             .
          
           
             1
             NOthing
             in
             the
             
               interpretation
            
             of
             the
             
               Covenant
               ,
            
             against
             the
             lawfulnesse
             of
             Pearth
             
               articles
               ,
            
             and
             of
             
               Episcopall
               government
               .
            
             2
             We
             never
             intended
             to
             draw
             the
             meanest
             of
             the
             
             subjects
             ,
             from
             that
             
               loyalty
            
             of
             
               obedience
               ,
            
             which
             they
             owe
             to
             their
             
               Soveraigne
               ,
            
             and
             
               ours
               .
            
             3
             The
             
               Counsell
            
             hath
             rescinded
             the
             
               approbation
            
             of
             that
             
               Proclamation
               .
            
             4
             His
             Majesties
             religious
             and
             righteous
             disposition
             ,
             hath
             been
             to
             us
             a
             ground
             ,
             and
             chief
             argument
             of
             our
             hope
             of
             the
             hearing
             of
             all
             our
             
               petitions
               .
            
             5
             We
             have
             no
             desire
             to
             wrong
             our
             
               reverend
            
             and
             worthy
             
               brethren
               :
            
             but
             rather
             to
             passe
             in
             silence
             ,
             the
             wrongs
             which
             we
             have
             sustained
             by
             them
             :
             And
             would
             approve
             our selves
             unto
             our
             God
             ,
             and
             prove
             faithfull
             in
             the
             
               imployments
            
             put
             upon
             us
             :
             earnestly
             desiring
             ,
             That
             every
             eye
             may
             perceive
             the
             wonderfull
             work
             of
             God
             in
             this
             land
             :
             lest
             any
             of
             us
             be
             found
             fighting
             against
             God
             ;
             and
             that
             all
             of
             us
             may
             joyn
             heart
             and
             hand
             ,
             for
             the
             purity
             and
             peace
             of
             the
             Kirk
             of
             our
             Lord
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             blessed
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     M
                     
                     r.
                     ALEXANDER
                     HENDERSON
                     ,
                     Minister
                     at
                  
                   Leuchars
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     M
                     
                     r.
                     DAVID
                     DICKSON
                     ,
                     Minister
                     at
                  
                   Irwing
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     M
                     
                     r.
                     ANDREW
                     CANT
                     ,
                     Minister
                     at
                  
                   Petsligo
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 Iuly
                 21.
                 1638.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             REPLY
             .
          
           
             THere
             is
             too
             much
             ,
             as
             we
             think
             ,
             in
             your
             
               Covenant
            
             against
             the
             lawfulnesse
             of
             
               Pearth
               Articles
               .
            
             2
             Your
             
               band
            
             of
             
               mutuall
               defence
               ,
               against
               all
               persons
               whatsoever
               ,
            
             may
             draw
             subjects
             ,
             perhaps
             ,
             to
             take
             arms
             against
             their
             King
             ,
             (
             which
             God
             avert
             )
             and
             consequently
             from
             that
             
               loyalty
            
             of
             
               obedience
               ,
            
             which
             they
             owe
             to
             their
             Soveraigne
             ,
             and
             ours
             ;
             except
             ye
             declare
             ,
             and
             explain
             your selves
             better
             ,
             than
             ye
             have
             hitherto
             done
             .
             3
             What
             the
             most
             honourable
             Lords
             of
             his
             Majesties
             privie
             Councell
             have
             done
             concerning
             the
             Kings
             Majesties
             last
             Proclamation
             ,
             is
             not
             sufficiently
             known
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             far
             lesse
             upon
             what
             
               grounds
            
             and
             
               motives
            
             they
             have
             (
             as
             you
             say
             )
             rescinded
             their
             
               approbation
            
             of
             the
             late
             
               Proclamation
               .
            
             4
             His
             Majesties
             religious
             and
             righteous
             disposition
             ,
             hath
             been
             to
             
             us
             ,
             and
             is
             a
             main
             ground
             wherefore
             we
             rest
             and
             rely
             upon
             his
             gracious
             
               Proclamation
               ,
            
             perswading
             our selves
             ,
             that
             he
             intendeth
             not
             ,
             nor
             ever
             intended
             ,
             any
             
               innovation
            
             in
             
               religion
               .
            
             5
             We
             shall
             labour
             ,
             by
             all
             means
             ,
             to
             eschew
             every
             thing
             ,
             which
             in
             the
             least
             degree
             may
             wrong
             you
             ,
             our
             reverend
             and
             worthy
             brethren
             .
             As
             for
             the
             wrongs
             already
             done
             by
             us
             to
             you
             ,
             (
             as
             ye
             pretend
             )
             whensoever
             it
             shall
             please
             you
             to
             specifie
             them
             ,
             we
             hope
             to
             give
             you
             full
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             to
             clear
             our selves
             of
             that
             
               imputation
               .
            
             6
             The
             work
             of
             God
             towards
             any
             nation
             ,
             how
             strange
             and
             wonderfull
             soever
             it
             seem
             to
             be
             ,
             is
             never
             contrary
             to
             his
             word
             :
             And
             therefore
             we
             fear
             not
             to
             be
             found
             fighting
             against
             Gods
             work
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             we
             fight
             not
             against
             his
             truth
             ,
             revealed
             in
             
               his
               word
               .
               That
               all-seeing
               Lord
            
             knoweth
             ,
             that
             we
             maintain
             his
             truth
             according
             to
             the
             light
             of
             our
             consciences
             ,
             and
             are
             ready
             to
             joyn
             heart
             and
             hand
             with
             you
             ,
             for
             the
             purity
             and
             peace
             of
             this
             
               Church
               ,
            
             in
             every
             lawfull
             way
             and
             course
             ,
             as
             sincere
             lovers
             of
             truth
             and
             peace
             .
          
           
             And
             now
             ,
             brethren
             ,
             before
             we
             conclude
             ,
             again
             we
             entreat
             you
             ,
             and
             all
             others
             our
             dear
             country
             men
             ,
             especially
             our
             
               reverend
               brethren
            
             of
             the
             holy
             
               Ministery
               ,
            
             to
             judge
             charitably
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             proceedings
             at
             this
             time
             ;
             and
             in
             particular
             ,
             of
             these
             our
             
               Demands
               ,
            
             and
             
               Replyes
            
             ;
             which
             ,
             God
             is
             our
             witnesse
             ,
             neither
             hatred
             of
             any
             mans
             person
             ,
             nor
             love
             of
             contention
             ,
             nor
             any
             worldly
             respect
             ;
             but
             only
             the
             
               conscience
               of
               our
               calling
            
             hath
             drawn
             from
             us
             .
             And
             as
             for
             our
             
               arguments
            
             for
             
               not
               subscribing
               ,
            
             which
             are
             taken
             from
             our
             due
             
               subjection
            
             and
             
               obedience
            
             to
             our
             
               Soveraigne
               ,
            
             and
             his
             laws
             ,
             
               We
               protest
               and
               declare
               ,
            
             That
             they
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             so
             interpreted
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             intended
             to
             accuse
             you
             ,
             or
             others
             ,
             our
             dear
             countrey
             men
             ,
             of
             
               disloyalty
            
             towards
             our
             most
             gracious
             
               King
            
             ;
             or
             as
             if
             our
             purpose
             were
             to
             lay
             any
             such
             
               imputation
            
             upon
             you
             :
             For
             they
             are
             only
             used
             by
             us
             ,
             to
             show
             what
             the
             words
             of
             the
             
               Covenant
            
             seem
             to
             us
             to
             import
             ,
             and
             how
             we
             conceive
             of
             them
             ;
             as
             also
             ,
             what
             maketh
             us
             so
             to
             conceive
             of
             them
             .
             We
             doubt
             not
             ,
             
               reverend
               brethren
               ,
            
             but
             ye
             know
             ,
             that
             as
             we
             owe
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             to
             your
             proceedings
             ,
             the
             favourable
             judgement
             of
             
             
               charitie
            
             ;
             so
             we
             ought
             to
             judge
             of
             those
             things
             ,
             which
             we
             are
             to
             swear
             ,
             and
             subscribe
             ,
             with
             the
             strict
             and
             inquisitive
             judgement
             of
             
               veritie
            
             ;
             and
             consequently
             ,
             we
             ought
             to
             ponder
             duly
             ,
             and
             to
             propound
             particularly
             and
             fully
             to
             others
             ,
             (
             especially
             to
             those
             who
             require
             our
             
               oath
            
             and
             
               subscription
               ,
            
             and
             undertake
             to
             satisfie
             our
             consciences
             thereanent
             )
             all
             the
             doubts
             and
             reasons
             which
             make
             us
             unwilling
             or
             afraid
             to
             give
             our
             
               subscription
            
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   JOHN
                   FORBES
                   of
                   
                     Corse
                     ,
                  
                   Doctor
                   and
                   Professor
                   of
                   Divinity
                   in
                   
                     Aberdene
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   ALEXANDER
                   SCROGIE
                   ,
                   Minister
                   at
                   old
                   
                     Aberdene
                     ,
                  
                   D.
                   D.
                   
                
                 
                   WILLIAM
                   LESLEY
                   ,
                   D.
                   D.
                   and
                   Principall
                   of
                   the
                   Kings
                   Colledge
                   ,
                   in
                   
                     Aberdene
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   ROBERT
                   BARON
                   ,
                   Doctor
                   and
                   Professor
                   of
                   Divinity
                   ,
                   and
                   Minister
                   at
                   
                     Aberdene
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   JA.
                   SIBBALD
                   ,
                   Doctor
                   of
                   Divinity
                   ,
                   and
                   Minister
                   at
                   
                     Aberdene
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   ALEXANDER
                   ROSS
                   ,
                   Doctor
                   of
                   Divinity
                   ,
                   and
                   Minister
                   at
                   
                     Aberdene
                     .
                  
                
              
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A69202-e90
           
             †
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             ground
             for
             their
             opinion
             of
             my
             acceptation
             of
             that
             declaration
             ,
             unlesse
             they
             call
             receiving
             ,
             accepting
             ;
             and
             that
             was
             not
             in
             my
             power
             to
             refuse
             ,
             it
             being
             conceived
             in
             formall
             words
             of
             a
             supplication
             ,
             and
             so
             tendered
             to
             me
             ,
             who
             by
             my
             royall
             Master
             his
             instructions
             was
             commanded
             to
             receive
             the
             petitions
             of
             all
             his
             good
             and
             loyall
             subjects
             .