The protestation of the noblemen, barrons, gentlemen, borrowes, ministers, and commons; subscribers of the confession of faith and covenant, lately renewed within the kingdome of Scotland, made at the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh the 22. of September immediatly after the reading of the proclamation, dated September 9. 1638
         Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
      
       
         
           1638
        
      
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             The protestation of the noblemen, barrons, gentlemen, borrowes, ministers, and commons; subscribers of the confession of faith and covenant, lately renewed within the kingdome of Scotland, made at the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh the 22. of September immediatly after the reading of the proclamation, dated September 9. 1638
             Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
             Warriston, Archibald Johnston, Lord, 1611-1663. aut
          
           [28] p.
           
             Printed [by George Anderson],
             [Edinburgh] :
             In the Year of God, 1638.
          
           
             Drawn up by Sir A. Johnson of Warriston and Alexander Henderson.--STC.
             A2r line 4 from bottom begins: 'liklie'; C2r line 1 begins '(if'.
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             Reproduction of the original in the Union Theological Seminary (New York, N.Y.). Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Church of Scotland. -- General Assembly -- Early works to 1800.
           Great Britain -- History -- Charles I, 1625-1649 -- Early works to 1800.
           Scotland -- History -- Charles I, 1625-1649 -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           PROTESTATION
           OF
           THE
           NOBLEMEN
           ,
           
             BARRONS
             ,
             GENTLEMEN
             ,
          
           BORROWES
           ,
           MINI
           
             STERS
             ,
             AND
             COMMONS
             ;
          
           Subscribers
           of
           the
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           lately
           renewed
           within
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           Scotland
           ,
           made
           at
           the
           Mercate
           
             Crosse
             of
             Edinburgh
             the
             22.
             of
             September
             immediatly
             after
             the
             reading
             of
             the
             proclamation
             ,
             dated
             September
          
           9.
           1638.
           
        
         
         
           Printed
           in
           the
           year
           of
           God
           ,
           1638.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           The
           Protestation
           of
           the
           Noblemen
           ,
           Barons
           ,
           Gentlemen
           ,
           Borrowes
           ,
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           Commons
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           WEE
           
             Noblemen
             ,
             Barons
             ,
             Gentlemen
             ,
             Burgesses
             ,
             Ministers
             ,
          
           and
           
             Commons
             ,
          
           His
           Majesties
           true
           and
           loyall
           Subjects
           ,
           that
           whereas
           our
           continuall
           supplications
           ,
           complaints
           ,
           articles
           ,
           and
           informations
           presented
           first
           to
           the
           Lords
           of
           His
           Majesties
           privie
           Counsell
           ,
           Next
           ,
           to
           His
           sacred
           Majestie
           ;
           and
           last
           from
           time
           to
           time
           to
           His
           Majesties
           Commissionar
           ,
           our
           long
           attendance
           and
           great
           patience
           this
           twelve
           moneth
           bygone
           in
           waiting
           for
           satisfaction
           of
           our
           most
           just
           desires
           ,
           Our
           zeale
           to
           remove
           all
           rubs
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           which
           were
           either
           mentioned
           unto
           us
           ,
           or
           could
           be
           conceaved
           by
           us
           ,
           as
           hinderances
           of
           our
           pious
           intentions
           ,
           aiming
           at
           nothing
           but
           the
           good
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           preservation
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           which
           by
           consumption
           or
           combustion
           is
           liklie
           to
           expire
           ;
           delighting
           to
           use
           no
           other
           meanes
           but
           such
           as
           are
           legall
           ,
           and
           have
           beene
           ordinarie
           in
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           since
           the
           reformation
           ,
           and
           labouring
           according
           to
           our
           power
           and
           interesse
           ,
           that
           all
           things
           might
           
           be
           caried
           in
           a
           peaceable
           manner
           worthie
           of
           our
           Profession
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           Our
           Protestation
           containing
           a
           heartie
           thanksgiving
           for
           what
           his
           Majestie
           in
           his
           proclamation
           from
           his
           justice
           had
           granted
           of
           our
           just
           desires
           ;
           and
           our
           Protests
           and
           hopes
           for
           somuch
           as
           was
           not
           as
           yet
           granted
           .
           All
           these
           made
           us
           confidentlie
           to
           expect
           from
           his
           Majesties
           royall
           and
           compassioned
           disposition
           towards
           this
           his
           native
           kingdome
           ,
           that
           a
           free
           generall
           assemblie
           ,
           and
           parliament
           should
           have
           beene
           indicted
           ,
           as
           the
           ordinare
           and
           most
           proper
           remedies
           of
           our
           greevances
           ,
           and
           did
           constraine
           us
           to
           renew
           our
           petition
           ,
           earnestlie
           intreating
           ,
           that
           His
           Majesties
           Commissionar
           ,
           would
           be
           pleased
           to
           represent
           unto
           His
           Majestie
           the
           condition
           of
           this
           Kirk
           and
           kingdome
           ,
           crying
           in
           an
           extreame
           exigencie
           for
           present
           helpe
           ,
           with
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           the
           remedies
           prescribed
           by
           his
           Majesties
           lawes
           ,
           required
           by
           us
           ,
           and
           presented
           to
           him
           in
           some
           particular
           articles
           ,
           which
           his
           Grace
           promised
           to
           recommend
           to
           his
           Maiestie
           ,
           and
           to
           doe
           his
           best
           indeavours
           for
           obtaining
           the
           same
           ;
           especiallie
           the
           first
           article
           ,
           that
           there
           might
           bee
           indicted
           a
           full
           and
           free
           generall
           assemblie
           ,
           without
           prelimitation
           ,
           either
           in
           the
           constitution
           and
           members
           thereof
           ,
           in
           the
           order
           and
           manner
           of
           proceeding
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           matters
           to
           be
           treated
           :
           and
           if
           there
           should
           be
           any
           question
           or
           doubt
           about
           one
           of
           these
           ,
           or
           such
           like
           particulars
           ,
           that
           the
           determination
           thereof
           might
           bee
           remitted
           to
           the
           assemblie
           it self
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           proper
           and
           competent
           judge
           .
           And
           now
           after
           so
           many
           suplications
           ,
           complaints
           ,
           articles
           ,
           and
           informations
           ,
           after
           our
           necessarie
           protestation
           ,
           expressing
           the
           humble
           thankfulnesse
           and
           continued
           desires
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           after
           so
           long
           expectation
           and
           so
           much
           dealing
           ,
           having
           
           with
           open
           ears
           ,
           and
           attentive
           mindes
           heard
           his
           Majesties
           proclamation
           ,
           it
           is
           our
           desire
           ,
           purpose
           ,
           and
           endevour
           so
           to
           proceede
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           upon
           the
           one
           part
           still
           be
           thankfull
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           King
           ,
           for
           the
           least
           blinke
           of
           His
           Majesties
           countenance
           ,
           and
           the
           smallest
           crums
           of
           comfort
           that
           fall
           unto
           us
           from
           His
           Majesties
           royall
           hands
           ,
           beseeching
           the
           Lord
           ,
           yet
           further
           to
           enlarge
           his
           Majesties
           heart
           ,
           for
           our
           full
           satisfaction
           ,
           and
           rejoiceing
           to
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           good
           of
           this
           kirk
           and
           kingdome
           ,
           and
           his
           Majesties
           never
           dying
           fame
           and
           glorie
           ,
           that
           his
           wife
           government
           &
           zeal
           to
           the
           service
           of
           God
           ,
           may
           be
           a
           measure
           and
           patern
           of
           desires
           to
           all
           generations
           heereafter
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           bee
           wishing
           for
           a
           religious
           and
           righteous
           King.
           And
           on
           the
           other
           part
           ,
           that
           Christ
           our
           Lord
           ,
           the
           King
           of
           kings
           ,
           through
           our
           neglect
           or
           lukewarmnesse
           ,
           may
           want
           no
           part
           of
           his
           Soveraignitie
           and
           Dominion
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           our
           religion
           ,
           which
           is
           more
           deare
           unto
           us
           then
           our
           lives
           ,
           we
           deceive
           not
           our selves
           ,
           with
           that
           which
           can
           not
           satisfie
           ,
           and
           make
           up
           the
           breach
           of
           this
           kirk
           and
           kingdome
           ,
           or
           remove
           our
           feares
           ,
           doubts
           ,
           and
           suspitions
           ,
           of
           the
           innovations
           of
           religion
           :
           This
           hath
           made
           us
           to
           observe
           ,
           and
           perceave
           ,
           that
           his
           Majesties
           proclamation
           doeth
           ascribe
           all
           the
           late
           distractions
           of
           this
           Kirk
           and
           Common-wealth
           ,
           to
           our
           conceaved
           seares
           of
           the
           innovation
           of
           religion
           and
           law
           ,
           as
           the
           cause
           and
           occasion
           thereof
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           the
           innovations
           themselves
           ,
           with
           which
           wee
           have
           beene
           for
           a
           long
           time
           ,
           and
           especially
           of
           late
           heavily
           pressed
           and
           grieved
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           cause
           were
           rather
           in
           apprehension
           and
           fancie
           ,
           then
           in
           realitie
           and
           substance
           .
           That
           the
           service
           book
           and
           book
           of
           Canons
           are
           not
           so
           far
           discharged
           by
           this
           proclamation
           ,
           as
           they
           have
           beene
           urged
           by
           preceeding
           
           proclamations
           ;
           for
           this
           proclamation
           onely
           dischargeth
           the
           practice
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           rescinds
           the
           actes
           made
           for
           establishing
           their
           practise
           ,
           but
           doeth
           not
           rescinde
           the
           former
           proclamations
           ,
           namely
           that
           of
           the
           19.
           of
           Februar
           ,
           at
           
             Stirling
             ,
          
           and
           that
           of
           the
           fourth
           of
           Julie
           at
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
          
           which
           give
           an
           high
           approbation
           to
           these
           books
           ,
           as
           fit
           meanes
           to
           maintaine
           religion
           ,
           and
           to
           beate
           downe
           all
           superstition
           ,
           and
           withall
           ,
           declares
           his
           Majesties
           purpose
           ,
           to
           bring
           them
           into
           this
           kirk
           in
           a
           fair
           and
           legall
           way
           ;
           and
           thus
           both
           our
           feares
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           introduced
           heereafter
           ,
           must
           still
           remaine
           ,
           and
           the
           libertie
           of
           the
           generall
           Assemblie
           ,
           by
           such
           a
           declaration
           of
           his
           Majesties
           judgement
           ,
           is
           not
           a
           little
           prejudged
           ,
           in
           the
           mindes
           of
           so
           many
           as
           wisely
           consider
           ,
           and
           compare
           the
           preceeding
           proclamations
           with
           this
           which
           we
           now
           hear
           ,
           although
           others
           who
           looking
           upon
           one
           step
           ,
           and
           not
           upon
           the
           whole
           progresse
           ,
           run
           on
           rashly
           ,
           and
           neither
           considering
           what
           they
           are
           doing
           ,
           nor
           with
           whom
           they
           are
           dealing
           ,
           may
           bee
           easily
           deceived
           ,
           
             Qui
             pauca
             videt
             ,
             cito
             judicat
             ,
          
           a
           short
           sight
           maketh
           a
           suddaine
           judgement
           .
        
         
           That
           it
           is
           declared
           in
           this
           proclamation
           ,
           that
           His
           Majestie
           neither
           intendeth
           to
           innovate
           any
           thing
           in
           religion
           or
           laws
           ,
           or
           to
           admit
           of
           any
           change
           or
           alteration
           in
           the
           true
           religion
           alreadie
           established
           and
           professed
           in
           this
           kingdome
           :
           and
           withall
           ,
           this
           is
           interposed
           ,
           that
           the
           articles
           of
           
             Pearth
          
           are
           established
           by
           the
           acts
           of
           parliament
           ,
           and
           generall
           assemblie
           ,
           and
           dispensation
           of
           the
           practice
           only
           granted
           ,
           and
           discharge
           given
           ,
           that
           no
           person
           be
           urged
           with
           the
           practice
           thereof
           ;
           and
           consequently
           ,
           His
           Majesties
           intention
           for
           the
           standing
           of
           the
           acts
           of
           the
           Assemblie
           and
           Parliament
           ,
           appointing
           the
           articles
           of
           
             Pearth
             ,
          
           is
           manifest
           ,
           which
           
           is
           no
           small
           prejudice
           to
           the
           freedome
           of
           the
           generall
           Assemblie
           ,
           That
           while
           the
           Proclamation
           ordaineth
           all
           his
           Majesties
           subjects
           to
           be
           lyable
           to
           the
           tryall
           and
           censure
           of
           the
           Judicatories
           competent
           ,
           and
           that
           none
           of
           them
           shall
           use
           any
           unlimited
           and
           unwarranted
           power
           ;
           likewise
           that
           no
           other
           oath
           bee
           administred
           to
           Ministers
           at
           their
           entrie
           ,
           then
           that
           which
           is
           conteined
           in
           the
           Act
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           in
           both
           these
           articles
           the
           bishops
           are
           meaned
           ,
           who
           are
           only
           thereby
           for
           the
           present
           curbed
           ,
           against
           their
           exorbitancie
           and
           enormities
           ,
           in
           exercing
           their
           office
           ;
           but
           the
           office
           of
           bishops
           is
           thereby
           not
           only
           presupposed
           as
           it
           questionable
           ,
           but
           also
           so
           strongly
           established
           ,
           that
           His
           Maiestie
           declareth
           for
           the
           present
           his
           intention
           ,
           to
           admit
           no
           innovation
           therein
           ,
           which
           is
           more
           evident
           by
           the
           indiction
           of
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           warning
           all
           prelats
           to
           bee
           present
           ,
           as
           having
           voice
           and
           place
           in
           Parliament
           :
           and
           by
           the
           indiction
           of
           the
           assemblie
           ,
           warning
           all
           archbishops
           and
           bishops
           (
           for
           so
           are
           their
           diverse
           degrees
           and
           offices
           Ecclesiasticall
           here
           designed
           and
           supposed
           )
           to
           bee
           present
           ;
           as
           having
           place
           and
           voice
           in
           the
           Assemblie
           ,
           contrare
           to
           the
           caveats
           ,
           acts
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           and
           our
           declinator
           ;
           and
           thus
           a
           third
           and
           great
           limitation
           is
           put
           upon
           the
           generall
           Assemblie
           .
           The
           Proclamation
           by
           reason
           of
           these
           many
           reall
           limitations
           ,
           and
           preiudices
           of
           the
           libertie
           of
           the
           Assemblie
           in
           the
           very
           points
           ,
           which
           have
           wrought
           so
           much
           woe
           and
           disturbance
           in
           this
           Kirk
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           wherein
           the
           libertie
           of
           the
           Assemblie
           is
           most
           usefull
           and
           necessarie
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           can
           neither
           satisfie
           our
           grievances
           and
           complaints
           ,
           nor
           remove
           our
           feares
           and
           doubts
           ,
           nor
           can
           not
           without
           protestation
           bee
           admitted
           by
           us
           his
           Maiesties
           subiects
           ,
           who
           
           earnestly
           desire
           that
           Trueth
           and
           Peace
           may
           bee
           established
           ,
           and
           that
           for
           the
           reasons
           following
           ,
        
         
           1.
           
           TO
           keepe
           silence
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           that
           may
           serve
           for
           the
           good
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           whether
           it
           bee
           in
           preaching
           ,
           prayer
           ,
           or
           in
           proposing
           ,
           and
           voiceing
           in
           a
           lawfull
           Assemblie
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           is
           against
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Esai
             .
             62.
             6.
             
             Yee
             that
             are
             the
             Lords
             remembranceers
             ,
             keepe
             not
             silence
             ,
             and
             give
             him
             no
             rest
             ,
             till
             he
             establish
             ,
             and
             till
             hee
             make
             Ierusalem
             a
             praise
             in
             the
             earth
             :
          
           1
           
             King.
          
           18.
           21.
           
           Like
           the
           halting
           of
           the
           people
           betweene
           two
           opinions
           ,
           and
           their
           not
           answering
           a
           word
           ,
           when
           the
           LORD
           called
           them
           to
           give
           a
           testimonie
           ;
           
             Act.
             20.
             20.
             
             I
             have
             keeped
             backe
             nothing
             that
             was
             profitable
             unto
             you
             :
          
           And
           againe
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
             12.
             7.
             
             Math.
          
           15.
           18.
           
           
             Rom.
             1.
             18.
             
             Revel
             .
          
           2.
           14.
           20.
           and
           3.
           15
           ,
           and
           therefore
           to
           keepe
           silence
           ,
           or
           not
           to
           medle
           with
           corruptions
           ,
           whether
           in
           doctrine
           ,
           sacraments
           ,
           worship
           ,
           or
           discipline
           ,
           in
           a
           generall
           Assemblie
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           conveened
           for
           that
           end
           ,
           were
           the
           readie
           way
           to
           move
           the
           Lord
           to
           deny
           his
           Spirit
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           provoke
           him
           to
           wrath
           against
           our
           proceedings
           ,
           and
           might
           be
           imputed
           unto
           us
           for
           preiudice
           ,
           for
           collusion
           ,
           and
           for
           betraying
           our selves
           ,
           and
           the
           posteritie
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           This
           predetermination
           is
           against
           our
           supplications
           ,
           and
           protestations
           ,
           wherein
           wee
           have
           showne
           our selves
           so
           earnest
           for
           a
           free
           generall
           Assemblie
           ,
           contrare
           to
           every
           limitation
           of
           this
           kinde
           ,
           so
           far
           preiudging
           the
           libertie
           thereof
           ,
           is
           against
           the
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           registrated
           in
           the
           Parliament
           1567.
           declaring
           ,
           that
           one
           cause
           of
           the
           councels
           of
           the
           Kirk
           is
           for
           good
           policie
           and
           order
           to
           bee
           observed
           in
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           and
           for
           to
           change
           such
           things
           as
           men
           have
           devised
           ,
           
           when
           they
           rather
           foster
           superstition
           then
           edifie
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           using
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           is
           against
           our
           late
           Confession
           ,
           wherein
           wee
           have
           promised
           to
           forbeare
           all
           novations
           till
           they
           bee
           tryed
           ,
           which
           obligeth
           us
           to
           forebeare
           now
           ,
           and
           to
           trye
           them
           in
           an
           Assembly
           &
           by
           all
           lawfull
           meanes
           to
           labour
           to
           recover
           the
           former
           puriue
           and
           libertie
           of
           the
           Gospell
           to
           which
           this
           limitation
           is
           directly
           repugnant
           ,
           our
           libertie
           in
           agenerall
           assembly
           beeing
           the
           principall
           of
           all
           lawfull
           meanes
           serving
           to
           that
           end
           .
        
         
           3
           ,
           This
           were
           directly
           contrarie
           to
           the
           nature
           and
           ends
           of
           a
           generall
           assembly
           ,
           which
           having
           authority
           from
           GOD
           ,
           beeing
           conveened
           according
           to
           the
           lawes
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           receiving
           power
           from
           the
           whole
           collective
           bodie
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           for
           the
           good
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           Kirke
           ;
           What-so-ever
           maye
           conduce
           for
           these
           good
           ends
           in
           wisedome
           and
           modestie
           should
           bee
           proponed
           ,
           examined
           ,
           and
           determined
           without
           Prelimitation
           ,
           either
           of
           the
           matters
           to
           be
           treated
           ,
           or
           of
           the
           libertie
           of
           the
           members
           thereof
           .
           It
           beeing
           manifest
           ,
           that
           as
           farre
           as
           the
           assembly
           is
           limited
           in
           the
           matters
           to
           bee
           treated
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           members
           to
           bee
           used
           ,
           the
           necessarie
           ends
           of
           the
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           the
           supreme
           Law
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           safetie
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           are
           as
           farre
           hindered
           ,
           and
           prejudged
           .
        
         
           This
           limitation
           is
           against
           the
           Discipline
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           which
           booke
           2.
           chap.
           7.
           declareth
           this
           to
           be
           one
           of
           her
           liberties
           ,
           That
           the
           Assembly
           hath
           power
           to
           abrogate
           and
           abolish
           all
           Statuts
           and
           ordinances
           concerning
           ecclesiasticall
           matters
           that
           are
           found
           noysome
           and
           unprofitable
           and
           agree
           not
           with
           the
           time
           ,
           or
           are
           abused
           by
           the
           people
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           acts
           of
           the
           generall
           
           assembly
           .
           Like
           as
           the
           pretended
           Assembly
           1610.
           declareth
           for
           the
           common
           affaires
           of
           the
           Kirke
           (
           without
           exception
           or
           limitation
           )
           it
           is
           necessare
           that
           there
           bee
           yearely
           generall
           Assemblies
           ,
           And
           what
           order
           can
           bee
           hoped
           for
           heere-after
           if
           this
           assembly
           indicted
           after
           so
           long
           intermission
           ,
           and
           so
           many
           grosse
           corruptions
           bee
           limited
           ,
           and
           that
           more
           than
           ever
           any
           lawfull
           Assembly
           of
           the
           Kirk
           was
           ,
           when
           it
           was
           yearely
           observed
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           It
           is
           ordained
           in
           
             Parl.
             11.
             act
             40.
             
             K.
             Iames
          
           6.
           anent
           the
           necessare
           and
           lawfull
           forme
           of
           all
           Parliaments
           that
           nothing
           shall
           bee
           done
           ,
           or
           commanded
           to
           bee
           done
           ,
           which
           maye
           directly
           or
           indirectly
           prejudge
           the
           libertie
           of
           free
           voycing
           or
           reasoning
           of
           the
           Estates
           ,
           or
           any
           of
           them
           in
           time
           comming
           .
           It
           is
           also
           appointed
           in
           
             Parl.
          
           6
           :
           
             act
             92.
             
             K.
             Iames
          
           6.
           that
           the
           Lordes
           of
           Counsell
           and
           Session
           proceed
           in
           all
           civill
           causes
           intended
           or
           depending
           before
           them
           ,
           or
           to
           bee
           intended
           ,
           to
           cause
           execute
           their
           decrees
           notwithstanding
           any
           private
           wryting
           ,
           charge
           ,
           or
           command
           in
           the
           contrare
           ,
           and
           generally
           by
           the
           acts
           of
           Parliament
           appointing
           everie
           matter
           for
           its
           owne
           judicatorie
           ,
           and
           to
           all
           judicatories
           their
           owne
           freedome
           .
           And
           therefore
           much
           more
           doeth
           this
           libertie
           belong
           to
           the
           supreme
           judicatorie
           ecclesiastick
           in
           matters
           so
           important
           as
           concerneth
           GOD'S
           honour
           and
           worship
           immediatly
           ,
           the
           salvation
           of
           the
           peoples
           Soules
           &
           right
           constitution
           of
           the
           Kirk
           whose
           liberties
           &
           priledges
           are
           confirmed
           
             Parl.
             12.
             K.
             Iames.
             6.
             
             Parl.
          
           1.
           
           
             K.
             Charles
             .
             ▪
          
           for
           if
           it
           be
           carefully
           provided
           by
           diverse
           Acts
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           especially
           
             Parl.
             12.
             act
          
           148.
           
           
             K.
             Iames
          
           6.
           
           That
           there
           bee
           no
           forstalling
           or
           regrating
           of
           thinges
           pertaining
           to
           this
           naturall
           life
           :
           What
           
           shall
           bee
           thought
           of
           this
           spirituall
           forstalling
           and
           regrating
           which
           tendeth
           to
           the
           famishing
           or
           poysoning
           of
           the
           soules
           of
           the
           people
           both
           now
           and
           in
           the
           generations
           afterward
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           It
           were
           contrare
           to
           our
           Protestations
           ,
           proceedings
           and
           complaints
           against
           the
           late
           innovations
           .
           And
           it
           might
           bee
           accompted
           an
           innovation
           and
           usurpation
           as
           grosse
           and
           dangerous
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           posteritie
           ,
           and
           as
           prejudiciall
           to
           Religion
           as
           any
           complained
           upon
           by
           us
           ,
           to
           admitt
           limitations
           ,
           and
           secret
           or
           open
           determinations
           ,
           which
           belongeth
           to
           no
           person
           or
           judicatorie
           ,
           but
           to
           an
           Asembly
           ,
           Or
           to
           consent
           to
           ,
           and
           approve
           by
           our
           silence
           the
           same
           praedeterminations
           It
           were
           to
           be
           guiltie
           of
           that
           our selves
           ,
           which
           we
           cōdemne
           in
           others
           Wee
           maye
           easilye
           judge
           how
           the
           Apostles
           before
           the
           Counsell
           of
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           the
           Fathers
           bee
           fore
           the
           
             Nicene
          
           Councell
           ,
           and
           our
           Predecessors
           before
           the
           assembly
           ▪
           holden
           at
           the
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           afterwards
           would
           have
           taken
           such
           dealing
           .
        
         
           That
           this
           Proclamation
           commandeth
           all
           his
           Majesties
           Subjects
           for
           maintenance
           of
           the
           Religion
           already
           established
           to
           subscribe
           and
           renew
           the
           
             Confession
             of
             Faith
          
           subscribed
           before
           in
           the
           yeere
           1580
           and
           afterward
           .
           And
           reqyreth
           the
           Lords
           of
           privie
           Counsell
           to
           take
           such
           course
           anent
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           the
           generall
           Band
           of
           Maintenance
           of
           the
           true
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           Kings
           person
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           bee
           subscribed
           ,
           and
           renewed
           throughout
           the
           whole
           Kingdome
           with
           all
           possible
           diligence
           ,
           which
           cannot
           now
           be
           performed
           by
           us
           .
           For
           although
           of
           late
           wee
           would
           have
           beene
           glad
           that
           our selves
           and
           other
           his
           Majesties
           Subjects
           had
           beene
           commanded
           by
           authoritie
           to
           sweare
           ,
           and
           subscribe
           the
           generall
           
             Confession
             of
             Faith
          
           against
           Popish
           
           errous
           ,
           and
           superstitions
           :
           and
           now
           would
           bee
           glad
           that
           all
           others
           should
           joyne
           with
           us
           in
           our
           late
           
             Couenant
          
           and
           
             Confession
             ,
          
           descending
           more
           specially
           to
           the
           novations
           and
           errours
           of
           the
           time
           ,
           and
           obliging
           us
           to
           the
           defence
           of
           Religion
           ;
           &
           of
           the
           Kings
           Majesties
           person
           ,
           and
           authoritie
           ,
           and
           for
           these
           endes
           to
           the
           mutuall
           defence
           everie
           one
           of
           us
           of
           another
           ,
           Yet
           can
           wee
           not
           nowe
           after
           so
           necessarie
           .
           and
           so
           solemne
           a
           specification
           returne
           to
           the
           generall
           for
           the
           reasons
           following
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           No
           meanes
           have
           beene
           left
           unassayed
           against
           our
           late
           
             Confession
             of
             Faith
          
           and
           
             Covenant
          
           so
           solemnely
           sworne
           and
           subscribed
           .
           For
           first
           wee
           were
           prest
           with
           the
           rendering
           and
           rescinding
           of
           our
           
             Covenant
             .
          
           Next
           an
           alteration
           in
           some
           substantiall
           pointes
           was
           urged
           ,
           3
           ,
           a
           Declaration
           was
           motioned
           ,
           which
           tended
           to
           the
           enervation
           thereof
           ,
           and
           now
           wee
           finde
           in
           the
           same
           straine
           ,
           that
           wee
           are
           put
           to
           a
           new
           tryall
           ,
           and
           the
           last
           meane
           is
           used
           more
           subtile
           than
           the
           former
           :
           That
           by
           this
           new
           subscription
           our
           late
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           &
           Confession
           maye
           bee
           quite
           absorbed
           and
           buried
           in
           oblivion
           ,
           that
           where
           it
           was
           intended
           and
           sworne
           to
           bee
           an
           everlasting
           
             Covenant
          
           never
           to
           bee
           forgotten
           ,
           it
           shall
           bee
           never
           more
           remembred
           ,
           the
           one
           shall
           bee
           cryed
           up
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           drowned
           in
           the
           noyse
           thereof
           ,
           And
           thus
           the
           new
           subscription
           now
           urged
           (
           although
           in
           a
           different
           waye
           )
           shall
           prove
           equivalent
           to
           the
           rendering
           of
           the
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           or
           what
           of
           that
           kinde
           hath
           before
           beene
           assayed
           .
           Like
           as
           the
           reasons
           against
           the
           rendering
           of
           the
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           doe
           militate
           directly
           against
           this
           new
           motion
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           If
           we
           should
           now
           enter
           upon
           this
           new
           Subscription
           ,
           wee
           would
           thinke
           our selves
           guiltie
           of
           mocking
           
           God
           ,
           and
           taking
           his
           Name
           in
           vaine
           ,
           for
           the
           tears
           that
           began
           to
           be
           poured
           forth
           at
           the
           solemnizing
           of
           the
           
             Covenant
          
           are
           not
           yet
           dryed
           up
           &
           wyped
           away
           ,
           &
           the
           joyfull
           noyse
           which
           then
           began
           to
           sound
           hath
           not
           yet
           ceased
           ▪
           and
           there
           can
           bee
           no
           new
           necessitie
           from
           us
           ,
           and
           upon
           our
           part
           pretended
           for
           a
           ground
           of
           urging
           this
           new
           subscription
           ,
           at
           first
           intended
           to
           be
           an
           abjuration
           of
           Popery
           upon
           us
           who
           are
           knowne
           to
           hate
           poperie
           with
           an
           unfained
           hatred
           ,
           and
           have
           all
           this
           yeere
           bygone
           given
           large
           testimonie
           of
           our
           zeale
           against
           it
           .
           As
           wee
           are
           not
           to
           multiply
           miracles
           upō
           Gods
           part
           ,
           so
           ought
           wee
           not
           to
           multiplie
           solemne
           oathes
           and
           Covenants
           upon
           our
           part
           ,
           and
           thus
           to
           play
           with
           oathes
           ,
           as
           children
           doe
           with
           their
           toyes
           ,
           without
           necessitie
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Neither
           would
           wee
           in
           giving
           way
           to
           this
           new
           subscription
           think
           our selves
           free
           of
           perjurie
           :
           for
           as
           wee
           were
           driven
           by
           an
           undeclinable
           necessitie
           to
           enter
           into
           a
           mutuall
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           so
           are
           wee
           bound
           ,
           not
           onely
           by
           the
           law
           of
           GOD
           and
           nature
           ,
           but
           by
           our
           solemne
           oath
           and
           subscription
           ,
           against
           all
           divisive
           motions
           to
           promove
           and
           observe
           the
           same
           without
           violation
           :
           and
           it
           is
           most
           manifest
           ,
           that
           having
           already
           refused
           to
           render
           ,
           alter
           ,
           or
           destroye
           our
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           nothing
           can
           bee
           more
           contrarie
           and
           adverse
           to
           our
           pious
           intentions
           and
           sincere
           resolutions
           ,
           than
           to
           consent
           to
           such
           a
           subscription
           and
           oath
           ,
           as
           both
           in
           the
           intention
           of
           the
           urgers
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           nature
           and
           condition
           of
           the
           matter
           urged
           ,
           is
           the
           readie
           waye
           to
           extinguish
           ,
           and
           to
           drowne
           in
           oblivion
           the
           Band
           of
           our
           union
           and
           conjunction
           that
           they
           bee
           no
           more
           remembred
           .
           In
           this
           case
           we
           are
           called
           to
           lay
           seriously
           to
           our
           hearts
           .
           1
           ,
           That
           wee
           have
           sworne
           that
           wee
           
           shall
           neither
           directly
           ,
           nor
           iudirectly
           suffer
           our selves
           to
           bee
           divided
           and
           with-drawne
           from
           this
           blessed
           &
           loyall
           conjunction
           ,
           which
           consisteth
           not
           only
           in
           the
           generall
           Confession
           but
           also
           in
           our
           explanation
           ,
           and
           application
           thereof
           ,
           but
           on
           the
           contrarie
           ,
           shall
           by
           all
           lawfull
           meanes
           ,
           labour
           to
           further
           and
           promove
           the
           same
           .
           2.
           
           That
           our
           union
           and
           conjunction
           may
           bee
           observed
           without
           violation
           ,
           (
           and
           so
           without
           mutilation
           of
           our
           application
           )
           wee
           call
           the
           living
           LORD
           to
           witnesse
           ,
           as
           wee
           shall
           answere
           to
           Christ
           in
           the
           great
           Day
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           This
           new
           subscription
           ,
           in
           stead
           of
           performing
           our
           vowes
           ,
           would
           be
           a
           reall
           testimonie
           and
           confession
           before
           the
           World
           ,
           That
           wee
           have
           beene
           transgressours
           in
           making
           rash
           vowes
           ,
           that
           wee
           repent
           our selves
           of
           former
           zeale
           and
           fordwardnesse
           against
           the
           particulars
           exprest
           first
           in
           our
           Supplications
           ,
           Complaints
           ,
           and
           Protestations
           ,
           &
           next
           abjured
           in
           our
           Covenant
           ,
           that
           wee
           in
           our
           iudgment
           prefer
           the
           general
           Confession
           unto
           this
           ,
           which
           necessarly
           was
           now
           made
           more
           speciall
           ;
           &
           that
           we
           are
           now
           under
           the
           fair
           pretext
           and
           honest
           cover
           of
           a
           new
           oath
           recanting
           and
           undoing
           that
           ,
           which
           upon
           so
           mature
           deliberation
           wee
           have
           beene
           doing
           before
           ,
           This
           beside
           all
           other
           evills
           ,
           were
           to
           make
           waye
           and
           open
           a
           doore
           to
           the
           re-entry
           of
           the
           particulars
           abjured
           ,
           and
           to
           repent
           our selves
           of
           our
           chiefest
           consolations
           ,
           and
           to
           lie
           both
           against
           God
           and
           our
           owne
           soules
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           It
           hath
           beene
           often
           objected
           ,
           that
           our
           
             Confession
             of
             faith
             ,
          
           and
           
             Covenant
          
           was
           unlawfull
           ,
           because
           it
           wanted
           the
           warrants
           of
           publick
           authoritie
           ,
           and
           it
           hath
           beene
           answered
           by
           us
           ,
           that
           wee
           were
           not
           destitute
           of
           the
           warrant
           civill
           and
           ecclesiasticall
           which
           
           authorized
           the
           former
           
             Covenant
             .
          
           And
           although
           wee
           could
           have
           wished
           that
           his
           Majestie
           had
           added
           both
           his
           subscription
           and
           authoritie
           unto
           it
           ,
           yet
           the
           lesse
           constraint
           from
           authoritie
           and
           the
           more
           libertie
           ,
           the
           lesse
           hypocrisie
           ,
           and
           more
           sinceritie
           hath
           appeared
           :
           But
           by
           this
           new
           subscription
           urged
           by
           authoritie
           wee
           both
           condemne
           our
           former
           subscription
           as
           unlawfull
           .
           because
           alleadged
           to
           bee
           done
           without
           authoritie
           ,
           and
           precondemne
           also
           the
           lyke
           laudable
           course
           in
           the
           like
           necessitie
           to
           bee
           taken
           by
           the
           posteritie
           ,
        
         
           6.
           
           What
           is
           the
           use
           of
           merch-stones
           upon
           borders
           of
           Lands
           ,
           the
           like
           use
           hath
           
             Confessions
             of
             Faith
          
           in
           the
           Kirke
           ,
           To
           disterminate
           and
           divide
           betwixt
           Trueth
           and
           errour
           :
           and
           the
           renewing
           and
           applying
           of
           
             Confessions
             of
             Faith
          
           to
           the
           present
           errours
           and
           corruptions
           ,
           are
           not
           unlike
           ryding
           of
           merches
           And
           therfore
           to
           content
           our selves
           with
           the
           generall
           ,
           and
           ro
           returne
           to
           it
           ,
           from
           the
           particulare
           application
           of
           the
           Confession
           necessarlye
           made
           upon
           the
           invasion
           or
           creeping
           in
           of
           errours
           within
           the
           borders
           of
           the
           Kirke
           ,
           if
           it
           bee
           not
           a
           removeing
           of
           the
           merch
           stone
           from
           the
           owne
           place
           ,
           It
           is
           at
           least
           the
           hyding
           of
           the
           merch
           in
           the
           ground
           that
           it
           bee
           not
           seene
           ,
           which
           at
           this
           time
           were
           verie
           unseasonable
           for
           two
           causes
           .
           One
           is
           ▪
           because
           Poperie
           is
           so
           pregnant
           ,
           and
           powerfull
           in
           this
           land
           ,
           as
           wee
           have
           learned
           of
           late
           .
        
         
           The
           other
           ,
           because
           the
           Papists
           who
           upon
           the
           urging
           of
           the
           
             Service
             booke
             ,
          
           and
           
             Canons
             ,
          
           〈…〉
           of
           our
           returne
           to
           
             Rome
             ,
          
           will
           upon
           this
           our
           subscription
           aryse
           from
           their
           dispareing
           of
           us
           ,
           unto
           their
           〈◊〉
           presumption
           .
           None
           of
           us
           will
           denye
           ,
           but
           the
           〈◊〉
           
             Confessionn
             of
             Faith
          
           registrated
           in
           the
           Acts
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           doeth
           by
           consequence
           containe
           this
           short
           confession
           
           and
           abjuration
           :
           Yet
           were
           it
           not
           sufficient
           against
           Poperye
           to
           subscribe
           the
           one
           without
           the
           other
           .
           how
           then
           shall
           wee
           thinke
           that
           the
           more
           generall
           Confession
           and
           abjuration
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           when
           the
           urging
           of
           such
           Popish
           books
           hath
           extorted
           from
           us
           so
           necessarie
           an
           application
           ,
           and
           doth
           still
           call
           for
           a
           testimonie
           ,
           to
           bee
           compleet
           eneugh
           without
           it
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           The
           Papists
           shall
           heereby
           bee
           occasioned
           to
           renew
           their
           old
           objection
           against
           us
           ,
           
             Annuas
             &
             menstruas
             sides
             de
             Deo
             decernunt
             .
          
           That
           our
           Faith
           changeth
           with
           the
           Moone
           ,
           or
           once
           in
           the
           yeere
           .
           Other
           reformed
           Kirkes
           might
           justly
           wonder
           at
           our
           inconstancie
           in
           changing
           our
           
             Confession
          
           without
           any
           reall
           necessitie
           ,
           &
           that
           in
           one
           &
           the
           same
           yere
           it
           commeth
           forth
           larger
           ,
           &
           more
           particulare
           ,
           then
           shorter
           ,
           and
           more
           generall
           :
           and
           our
           Adversaries
           will
           not
           faile
           to
           traduce
           us
           as
           troublers
           of
           the
           peace
           of
           the
           Kirke
           and
           Kingdome
           without
           anye
           necessar
           cause
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           It
           will
           likewise
           prove
           a
           confirmation
           of
           their
           errour
           ,
           who
           think
           they
           maye
           both
           subscribe
           the
           
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             ,
          
           and
           receive
           the
           
             Service
             booke
             ,
          
           and
           
             Canons
             ,
          
           which
           is
           not
           onely
           a
           direct
           scandaling
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           also
           a
           readie
           waye
           to
           put
           a
           weapon
           in
           their
           hands
           against
           our selves
           ,
           who
           maintaine
           and
           professe
           that
           these
           and
           such
           other
           evills
           are
           abjured
           in
           the
           Confession
           of
           Faith.
           
        
         
           9.
           
           It
           wee
           should
           now
           sweare
           this
           Confession
           wee
           should
           bee
           obliged
           by
           our
           oath
           to
           maintaine
           
             Perth
          
           articles
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           innovations
           already
           introduced
           in
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           maintaine
           Episco
           pacie
           ,
           with
           the
           civill
           places
           ,
           and
           power
           of
           Kirkmen
           .
           Because
           wee
           are
           bound
           to
           sweare
           this
           
             Confession
          
           by
           vertue
           of
           and
           conforme
           unto
           the
           Kings
           command
           signed
           by
           his
           sacred
           Majestie
           of
           the
           date
           September
           9.
           1638.
           
           
           (
           These
           are
           the
           very
           words
           subjoined
           to
           the
           Confession
           and
           Band
           ,
           and
           prefixed
           to
           the
           Subscriptions
           )
           and
           it
           cannot
           bee
           denyed
           ,
           but
           any
           oath
           ministred
           unto
           us
           ,
           must
           either
           bee
           refused
           ;
           or
           else
           taken
           according
           to
           the
           known
           minde
           ,
           professed
           intention
           ,
           and
           expresse
           command
           of
           Authoritie
           urging
           the
           same
           :
           And
           it
           is
           most
           manifest
           ,
           that
           His
           Majesties
           minde
           ,
           intention
           ,
           and
           Commandement
           ,
           is
           no
           other
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           Confession
           bee
           sworne
           ,
           fot
           the
           maintenance
           of
           religion
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           alreadie
           or
           presently
           professed
           ,
           (
           these
           two
           being
           coincident
           ,
           altogether
           one
           and
           the
           same
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           our
           common
           forme
           of
           speaking
           ,
           but
           in
           all
           His
           Maiesties
           proclamations
           )
           and
           thus
           as
           it
           includeth
           ,
           and
           conteineth
           within
           the
           compasse
           thereof
           ,
           the
           foresaids
           novations
           and
           Episcopacie
           ,
           which
           under
           that
           name
           were
           also
           ratified
           ,
           in
           the
           first
           Parliament
           holden
           by
           his
           Maiestie
           .
           And
           where
           it
           may
           be
           objected
           ,
           that
           the
           Counsellours
           have
           subscribed
           the
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           professed
           1580.
           and
           will
           not
           urge
           the
           Subscription
           in
           an
           other
           sense
           upon
           the
           Subjects
           .
           We
           answere
           ,
           First
           ,
           the
           Act
           of
           Counsell
           containing
           that
           declaration
           ,
           is
           not
           as
           yet
           published
           by
           Proclamation
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           so
           published
           ,
           it
           behooved
           of
           necessitie
           either
           be
           repugnant
           to
           His
           Majesties
           declared
           Judgement
           and
           Command
           ,
           which
           is
           more
           not
           to
           sweare
           without
           warrand
           from
           Authoritie
           (
           a
           fault
           although
           unjustly
           often
           objected
           unto
           us
           )
           or
           else
           wee
           must
           affirme
           the
           Religion
           in
           the
           yeare
           1580.
           and
           at
           this
           time
           to
           bee
           altogether
           one
           and
           the
           same
           ▪
           and
           thus
           must
           acknowledge
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           novation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           which
           were
           a
           formall
           contradiction
           to
           that
           we
           have
           sworn
           .
           3.
           
           By
           approving
           the
           Proclamation
           anent
           the
           Oath
           to
           be
           administred
           
           to
           Ministers
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Act
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           sweare
           simple
           obedience
           to
           the
           Diocesan
           Bishop
           ,
           and
           by
           warning
           all
           Archbishops
           and
           Bishops
           to
           bee
           present
           ;
           as
           having
           voice
           and
           place
           in
           the
           Assemblie
           :
           They
           seeme
           to
           determine
           ,
           that
           in
           their
           Judgement
           the
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           professed
           1580.
           doeth
           consist
           with
           Episcopacie
           ,
           whereas
           Wee
           by
           our
           oath
           have
           referred
           the
           tryall
           of
           this
           or
           any
           other
           question
           of
           that
           kinde
           to
           the
           generall
           Assemblie
           and
           Parliament
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           This
           Subscription
           and
           oath
           in
           the
           minde
           and
           intention
           of
           authoritie
           ,
           and
           consequently
           in
           our
           swearing
           thereof
           ,
           may
           consist
           with
           the
           corruptions
           of
           the
           Service
           book
           and
           Canons
           ,
           which
           wee
           have
           abjured
           as
           other
           heads
           of
           Poperie
           :
           For
           both
           this
           present
           proclamation
           ,
           and
           his
           Majesties
           former
           proclamations
           at
           
             Linlithgow
             ,
             Striveling
             ,
             Edinburgh
             ;
          
           The
           Lords
           of
           privie
           Counsell
           in
           their
           approbation
           of
           the
           same
           ;
           and
           the
           prelates
           and
           doctors
           who
           stand
           for
           the
           Service
           book
           and
           Canons
           ,
           Doe
           all
           speake
           plainly
           ,
           or
           import
           so
           much
           ,
           That
           these
           bookes
           are
           not
           repugnant
           to
           the
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           introduceing
           of
           them
           is
           no
           novation
           of
           religion
           or
           law
           :
           And
           therefore
           wee
           must
           either
           refuse
           to
           subscribe
           now
           ,
           or
           we
           must
           confesse
           contrarie
           to
           our
           late
           Oath
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           cleare
           Trueth
           ,
           that
           the
           Service
           booke
           and
           Canons
           are
           no
           innovations
           in
           Religion
           .
           And
           ,
           although
           the
           present
           bookes
           bee
           discharged
           by
           proclamation
           ,
           yet
           if
           wee
           shall
           by
           any
           deed
           of
           our
           owne
           testifie
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           consist
           with
           our
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           within
           a
           very
           short
           time
           ,
           either
           the
           same
           books
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           like
           unto
           them
           ,
           with
           some
           small
           change
           ,
           may
           bee
           obtruded
           upon
           us
           ,
           who
           by
           Our
           abjuration
           
           (
           if
           wee
           adhere
           unto
           it
           )
           have
           fred
           both
           our selves
           ,
           and
           the
           posteritie
           of
           all
           such
           corruptions
           ,
           and
           have
           laide
           a
           faire
           foundation
           for
           the
           pure
           worship
           of
           God
           in
           all
           time
           coming
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           Although
           there
           be
           indeed
           no
           substantiall
           difference
           betweene
           that
           which
           Wee
           have
           subscribed
           ,
           and
           the
           Confession
           subscribed
           1580.
           more
           then
           there
           is
           betweene
           that
           which
           is
           hid
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           is
           revealed
           .
           A
           march
           stone
           hid
           in
           the
           ground
           ,
           and
           uncovered
           ,
           betwixt
           the
           hand
           closed
           and
           open
           ,
           betwixt
           a
           sword
           scheathed
           and
           drawn
           ,
           or
           betwixt
           the
           large
           Confession
           ,
           registrat
           in
           the
           Acts
           of
           Parliament
           ,
           and
           the
           short
           Confession
           ,
           or
           (
           if
           we
           may
           with
           reverence
           ascend
           yet
           higher
           )
           betweene
           the
           Old
           Testament
           and
           the
           New
           ,
           yet
           as
           to
           scheath
           our
           sword
           when
           it
           should
           bee
           drawne
           ,
           were
           imprudencie
           ;
           or
           at
           the
           commandment
           of
           Princes
           ,
           professedly
           popish
           in
           their
           dominions
           ,
           after
           the
           Subjects
           had
           subscribed
           both
           Confessions
           ,
           to
           subscribe
           the
           first
           without
           the
           second
           ▪
           or
           at
           the
           will
           of
           a
           Jewish
           Magistrate
           ,
           openly
           denying
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           to
           subscribe
           the
           Old
           alone
           ,
           after
           that
           they
           have
           subscribed
           both
           ,
           were
           horrible
           impietie
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           treacherie
           against
           the
           Trueth
           :
           Right
           so
           ,
           for
           Us
           to
           subscribe
           the
           former
           a-part
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           now
           urged
           and
           framed
           ,
           without
           the
           explanation
           and
           application
           thereof
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           when
           ours
           is
           rejected
           ;
           and
           the
           subscribers
           of
           the
           former
           refuse
           to
           subscribe
           ours
           ,
           as
           containing
           something
           substantially
           different
           ,
           and
           urge
           the
           former
           upon
           us
           ,
           as
           different
           from
           ours
           ,
           and
           not
           expressing
           the
           speciall
           abjuration
           of
           the
           evils
           ,
           supplicated
           against
           by
           us
           ,
           were
           nothing
           else
           ,
           but
           to
           deny
           and
           part
           from
           our
           former
           subscription
           ,
           if
           not
           formally
           ,
           yet
           interpretatively
           .
           Old
           
             Eleazar
             ,
          
           who
           
           would
           not
           seeme
           to
           eat
           forbidden
           meat
           ,
           and
           the
           Confessors
           and
           Martyres
           of
           old
           ,
           who
           would
           not
           seeme
           by
           delivering
           some
           of
           their
           papers
           ,
           to
           render
           the
           Bible
           ,
           or
           to
           deny
           the
           Trueth
           ,
           may
           teach
           us
           our
           duetie
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           although
           our
           lives
           were
           in
           hazard
           for
           refusing
           this
           Subscription
           :
           And
           who
           knoweth
           ,
           but
           the
           
             LORD
             ▪
          
           may
           bee
           calling
           His
           people
           now
           ,
           who
           have
           proceeded
           so
           farre
           in
           professing
           His
           Trueth
           at
           this
           time
           ,
           to
           such
           Trials
           and
           Confessions
           ,
           as
           His
           faithfull
           Witnesses
           have
           given
           of
           old
           ;
           that
           in
           this
           point
           also
           our
           doing
           may
           bee
           a
           document
           both
           to
           the
           succeeding
           ages
           ,
           and
           to
           other
           Kirks
           to
           whom
           for
           the
           present
           wee
           are
           made
           a
           spectacle
           .
        
         
           12.
           
           If
           any
           bee
           so
           forgetfull
           of
           his
           oath
           (
           which
           God
           forbid
           )
           as
           to
           subscribe
           this
           Confession
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           now
           urged
           ,
           he
           doeth
           according
           to
           the
           proclamation
           acquiesce
           in
           this
           declaration
           of
           his
           Majesties
           will
           ,
           and
           doeth
           accept
           of
           such
           a
           pardon
           as
           hath
           need
           to
           bee
           ratified
           in
           parliament
           ,
           And
           thus
           doeth
           turn
           our
           glorie
           unto
           shame
           ,
           by
           confessing
           our
           guiltinesse
           ,
           where
           God
           from
           Heaven
           hath
           made
           us
           guiltlesse
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           fire
           of
           His
           Spirit
           from
           Heaven
           hath
           accepted
           of
           our
           service
           ,
           And
           doeth
           depart
           from
           the
           commandement
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           practise
           of
           the
           Godly
           in
           former
           times
           ,
           and
           the
           worthie
           and
           laudable
           example
           of
           our
           worthie
           and
           religious
           progenitours
           ,
           in
           obedience
           whereof
           ,
           and
           conforme
           to
           which
           Wee
           made
           profession
           to
           subscribe
           :
           for
           there
           is
           no
           particular
           Act
           required
           of
           us
           ,
           to
           whom
           the
           pardon
           is
           presented
           in
           this
           proclamation
           ,
           but
           this
           new
           Subscription
           allanerlie
           .
        
         
           13
           ,
           
             The
             generall
             band
             now
             urged
             to
             be
             subscribed
             ,
             as
             it
             containeth
             many
             clauses
             not
             so
             fitting
             the
             present
             
             time
             as
             that
             wherein
             it
             was
             subscribed
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             deficient
             in
             a
             point
             ,
             at
             this
             time
             most
             necessarie
             ,
          
           Of
           the
           reformation
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           answerablie
           to
           our
           profession
           ,
           be
           examples
           to
           others
           ,
           of
           all
           Godlinesse
           ,
           sobernesse
           and
           righteousnesse
           and
           of
           every
           duetie
           wee
           ow
           to
           GOD
           and
           man
           ;
           
             without
             which
             we
             can
             not
             now
             subscribe
             this
          
           Confession
           ,
           
             least
          
           we
           loose
           the
           bands
           to
           wickednesse
           ,
           seeme
           to
           repent
           of
           our
           former
           resolutions
           and
           promises
           ,
           and
           chose
           to
           have
           our
           portion
           with
           hypocrites
           ,
           professing
           and
           sweareing
           that
           we
           know
           GOD
           ,
           but
           in
           our
           workes
           denying
           him
           ,
           being
           abominable
           ,
           disobedient
           ,
           and
           unto
           every
           good
           worke
           reprobate
           .
        
         
           14.
           
           Since
           the
           narrative
           of
           the
           generall
           hand
           is
           now
           changed
           ,
           and
           some
           lines
           ,
           expressing
           at
           length
           the
           Papists
           ,
           and
           their
           adherents
           to
           be
           the
           partie
           from
           whom
           the
           danger
           to
           religion
           ,
           and
           the
           Kings
           Majestie
           was
           threatned
           ,
           are
           left
           out
           ,
           and
           no
           designation
           made
           of
           the
           partie
           from
           whom
           the
           danger
           is
           now
           threatred
           ,
           We
           are
           made
           either
           to
           thinke
           ,
           that
           our
           subscription
           at
           this
           time
           is
           unnecessarie
           ;
           or
           to
           suspect
           that
           we
           who
           have
           supplicated
           and
           entered
           in
           Covenant
           ,
           are
           understood
           to
           be
           the
           partie
           ;
           especially
           since
           the
           Lords
           of
           Counsell
           have
           in
           the
           act
           
             September
          
           22.
           ratifiing
           the
           Proclamation
           ,
           found
           themselves
           bound
           to
           use
           their
           best
           endeavours
           ,
           that
           all
           his
           Majesties
           good
           Subjects
           may
           rest
           satisfied
           with
           his
           Majesties
           declaration
           ,
           since
           also
           we
           have
           beene
           (
           although
           undeservedly
           challenged
           of
           disorders
           ,
           distractions
           ,
           and
           dangers
           to
           religion
           ,
           and
           his
           Majesties
           authoritie
           ,
           and
           since
           in
           the
           forsaid
           act
           and
           in
           the
           missive
           directed
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           the
           Lords
           of
           Councell
           offer
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           fortunes
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           in
           repressing
           all
           such
           ,
           as
           shall
           hereafter
           prease
           to
           disturbe
           the
           peace
           of
           this
           Kirk
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           which
           
           being
           expressed
           in
           a
           generalitie
           is
           by
           many
           applyed
           to
           us
           and
           interpreted
           of
           our
           adhereing
           to
           our
           Covenant
           ;
           We
           should
           therefore
           ,
           by
           our
           subscription
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           now
           conceaved
           ,
           both
           do
           directly
           against
           our
           owne
           mindes
           ,
           in
           condemning
           our selves
           ,
           wherein
           we
           are
           innocent
           ,
           and
           should
           consent
           to
           our
           owne
           hurt
           to
           the
           suppressing
           of
           the
           cause
           which
           we
           maintaine
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           repressing
           mutually
           one
           of
           us
           of
           another
           ,
           directly
           contrare
           ,
           to
           our
           former
           solemne
           oath
           and
           subscription
           .
        
         
           15.
           
           The
           Subscribing
           of
           this
           Confession
           by
           the
           Lords
           of
           his
           Majesties
           privie
           Counsell
           ,
           who
           by
           their
           place
           and
           high
           employment
           are
           publicke
           Peace-makers
           ,
           and
           by
           others
           who
           have
           not
           subscribed
           the
           late
           
             Confession
          
           will
           make
           the
           breach
           wider
           ,
           and
           the
           lamentable
           division
           of
           this
           Kirk
           more
           desperate
           then
           ever
           before
           ;
           some
           haveing
           
             sworne
             to
             labour
             by
             all
             lawfull
             meanes
             to
             recover
             the
             former
             libertie
             ,
             and
             puritie
             of
             religion
             ▪
          
           and
           others
           maintaining
           that
           for
           puritie
           ,
           which
           is
           already
           established
           ,
           some
           believing
           and
           professing
           that
           the
           evils
           supplicated
           against
           ,
           are
           abjured
           in
           that
           
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             ;
          
           and
           others
           maintaining
           the
           
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             ,
          
           and
           these
           corruptions
           (
           although
           for
           the
           present
           discharged
           by
           authority
           )
           not
           to
           be
           inconsistent
           :
           and
           beside
           this
           many
           divisions
           and
           subdivisions
           will
           ensue
           to
           the
           dulefull
           renting
           of
           the
           Kirk
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           makeing
           way
           for
           the
           wrath
           and
           many
           iudgements
           of
           God
           often
           threatned
           by
           his
           faithfull
           servants
           ,
           which
           all
           the
           Godly
           ought
           to
           labour
           by
           all
           means
           to
           prevent
           .
        
         
           16.
           
           Wee
           represent
           also
           to
           the
           honourable
           Lords
           of
           privie
           counsell
           to
           bee
           considered
           ,
           That
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           Vse
           of
           Sacraments
           are
           sworn
           ,
           
           and
           the
           contrare
           abjured
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           meaning
           of
           the
           Kirk
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           in
           the
           books
           of
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           Acts
           of
           Assemblies
           ,
           And
           that
           in
           the
           Oath
           there
           is
           no
           place
           left
           to
           the
           generality
           of
           any
           mans
           conception
           of
           the
           true
           Faith
           and
           Religion
           ,
           nor
           to
           any
           private
           interpretation
           ,
           or
           mentall
           reservation
           .
        
         
           For
           these
           and
           the
           like
           considerations
           ,
           In
           our
           own
           name
           ,
           and
           in
           name
           of
           all
           who
           will
           adhere
           to
           the
           late
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           subscribed
           by
           us
           ,
           and
           sealed
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           We
           from
           our
           duetie
           to
           God
           ,
           our
           King
           ,
           our
           native
           countrey
           ,
           our selves
           ,
           and
           the
           posteritie
           ,
           least
           our
           silence
           import
           a
           satisfaction
           of
           our
           desires
           ,
           and
           a
           stopping
           of
           our
           mouth
           ,
           from
           necessarie
           supplication
           for
           things
           yet
           to
           bee
           obteined
           from
           His
           Majesties
           just
           and
           gracious
           disposition
           ,
           are
           constrained
           to
           declare
           and
           protest
           ,
           First
           ,
           That
           the
           cause
           and
           occasion
           of
           the
           distractions
           of
           the
           kirk
           and
           commonwealth
           ,
           are
           no
           wayes
           to
           be
           imputed
           unto
           us
           ,
           or
           our
           needlesse
           fears
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           innovations
           and
           corruptions
           of
           Religion
           ,
           which
           against
           the
           acts
           and
           order
           of
           this
           kirk
           ,
           and
           the
           lawes
           of
           the
           kingdome
           have
           beene
           pressed
           upon
           us
           the
           people
           of
           
             GOD
             ,
          
           and
           his
           Majesties
           loyall
           Subjects
           ;
           who
           ,
           although
           under
           great
           thraldome
           ,
           were
           living
           in
           peace
           and
           quietnesse
           ,
           labouring
           in
           all
           godlinesse
           and
           honestie
           to
           do
           our
           duety
           to
           God
           and
           man.
           Secondly
           ,
           We
           protest
           ,
           that
           all
           questions
           and
           doubtes
           that
           arise
           ,
           concerning
           the
           freedome
           of
           the
           Assemblie
           whether
           in
           the
           constitution
           ,
           and
           members
           thereof
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           matters
           to
           bee
           treated
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           manner
           and
           order
           of
           proceeding
           ,
           be
           remitted
           to
           the
           determination
           of
           the
           assemblie
           it selfe
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           proper
           and
           competent
           iudge
           ;
           And
           that
           it
           shall
           be
           lawfull
           for
           
           us
           ,
           being
           authorized
           with
           lawfull
           commissions
           ,
           as
           at
           other
           times
           when
           the
           urgent
           necessitie
           of
           the
           Kirk
           shall
           require
           ,
           so
           in
           this
           exigence
           to
           assemble
           our selves
           at
           the
           diet
           appointed
           ,
           notwithstanding
           any
           impediment
           or
           prorogation
           to
           the
           contrare
           .
           And
           being
           assembled
           ,
           against
           all
           qualifications
           and
           predeterminations
           ,
           or
           presupposals
           ,
           to
           propone
           ,
           treat
           ,
           reason
           ,
           vote
           ,
           and
           conclude
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           and
           acts
           of
           lawfull
           Assemblies
           ,
           in
           all
           Ecclesiasticall
           matters
           ;
           perteining
           to
           the
           assemblie
           ,
           and
           tending
           to
           the
           advancement
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           Christ
           and
           good
           of
           Religion
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           since
           Archbishops
           and
           Bishops
           have
           no
           warrand
           for
           their
           office
           in
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           since
           it
           is
           contrare
           both
           to
           reason
           and
           to
           the
           Actes
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           that
           any
           have
           place
           and
           voice
           in
           the
           Assemblie
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           authorized
           with
           lawfull
           commissions
           :
           And
           seeing
           both
           in
           commoun
           equitie
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           tenor
           of
           this
           Proclamation
           they
           are
           made
           lyable
           to
           the
           tryall
           and
           censure
           of
           the
           Assemblie
           ,
           Wee
           protest
           ,
           that
           they
           bee
           not
           present
           ,
           as
           having
           place
           or
           voice
           in
           the
           Assemblie
           ,
           but
           as
           
             rci
          
           to
           compeere
           ,
           for
           underlying
           tryall
           and
           censure
           upon
           the
           generall
           complaints
           alreadie
           made
           ;
           and
           the
           partiular
           accusations
           to
           bee
           given
           in
           against
           them
           ;
           And
           that
           the
           warning
           given
           by
           His
           Majesties
           Proclamation
           ,
           and
           this
           our
           Protestation
           ,
           bee
           a
           sufficient
           citation
           to
           them
           ,
           to
           compeer
           before
           the
           Assemblie
           ,
           for
           their
           tryall
           ,
           and
           censure
           in
           life
           ,
           office
           ,
           and
           benefice
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           We
           solemnly
           protest
           ,
           that
           We
           do
           constantly
           adhere
           to
           our
           Oath
           and
           Subscription
           of
           the
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           lately
           renewed
           and
           approven
           ,
           with
           rare
           and
           undenyable
           evidences
           
           from
           heaven
           ;
           of
           the
           wonderfull
           workeings
           of
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           in
           the
           hearts
           both
           of
           Pastors
           and
           people
           ,
           through
           all
           the
           parts
           of
           the
           kingdome
           ,
           And
           that
           we
           stand
           to
           all
           parts
           and
           clauses
           thereof
           ,
           and
           particularly
           to
           the
           explanation
           and
           application
           ,
           containing
           both
           our
           abjuration
           of
           ,
           and
           our
           union
           against
           the
           particular
           evils
           and
           corruptions
           of
           the
           time
           ,
           a
           duety
           which
           the
           Lord
           at
           this
           time
           especially
           craveth
           at
           our
           hands
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           We
           also
           Protest
           ,
           that
           none
           of
           us
           who
           have
           Subscribed
           ,
           and
           doe
           adhere
           to
           our
           Subscription
           of
           the
           late
           Covenant
           ,
           be
           charged
           ,
           or
           urged
           ,
           either
           to
           procure
           the
           subscriptions
           of
           others
           or
           to
           subscribe
           our selves
           unto
           any
           other
           Confession
           or
           Covenant
           ,
           conteining
           any
           derogation
           there
           unto
           ,
           especially
           that
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Proclamation
           ,
           without
           the
           necessary
           explanation
           and
           the
           application
           thereof
           alreadie
           sworn
           by
           us
           for
           the
           reasons
           above
           expressed
           :
           And
           because
           ,
           as
           we
           did
           in
           our
           former
           Protestation
           appeale
           from
           the
           Lords
           of
           His
           Majesties
           Counsell
           ,
           so
           doe
           we
           now
           by
           these
           renew
           our
           solemne
           appeale
           ,
           with
           all
           solemnities
           requisite
           unto
           the
           next
           free
           generall
           Assemblie
           and
           Parliament
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           supreame
           nationall
           Judicatories
           competent
           ,
           to
           judge
           of
           nationall
           causes
           and
           proceedings
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           Wee
           Protest
           ,
           That
           no
           subscription
           ,
           whether
           by
           the
           Lords
           of
           Counsell
           or
           others
           ,
           of
           the
           Confession
           ,
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Proclamation
           ,
           and
           enjoined
           for
           the
           maintenance
           of
           religion
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           now
           alreadie
           ▪
           or
           at
           this
           present
           time
           established
           ,
           and
           professed
           within
           this
           Kingdome
           ,
           without
           any
           innovation
           of
           religion
           or
           Law
           ,
           be
           any
           manner
           of
           way
           prejudiciall
           to
           our
           Covenant
           ,
           wherein
           
             we
             have
             sworne
             to
             forbeare
             the
             practise
             of
             Novations
             alreadie
             introduced
             ,
             &c.
             
             
             Till
             they
             be
             tryed
             in
             a
             free
             Assemblie
             ,
             And
             to
             labour
             by
             all
             lawfull
             meanes
             ,
             to
             recover
             the
             puritie
             and
             libertie
             of
             the
             Gospell
             as
             it
             was
             established
             and
             professed
             before
             the
             foresaid
             innovations
             :
          
           And
           in
           like
           manner
           that
           no
           subscription
           forsaid
           be
           any
           derogation
           to
           the
           true
           and
           sound
           meaning
           of
           our
           worthie
           predecessours
           at
           the
           time
           of
           their
           Subscription
           in
           the
           year
           1581.
           and
           afterward
           .
           Withall
           warneing
           and
           exhorting
           all
           men
           who
           lay
           to
           heart
           the
           cause
           of
           religion
           against
           the
           coruptions
           of
           the
           time
           and
           the
           present
           estate
           of
           things
           ,
           both
           to
           subscribe
           the
           Covenant
           as
           it
           hath
           been
           explained
           ,
           and
           necessarely
           applied
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           love
           the
           puritie
           and
           libertie
           of
           the
           Gospell
           to
           hold
           back
           their
           hands
           from
           all
           other
           Covenants
           ,
           till
           the
           Assemblie
           now
           indicted
           be
           conveined
           ,
           and
           determine
           the
           present
           differences
           and
           divisions
           ,
           and
           preserve
           this
           countrey
           from
           contrarie
           oathes
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           ,
           As
           his
           Majesties
           royall
           clemency
           appeareth
           ,
           In
           forgiving
           and
           forgetting
           what
           his
           Majestie
           conceaveth
           to
           be
           a
           disorder
           or
           done
           amisse
           ,
           In
           the
           proceeding
           of
           any
           ;
           So
           are
           we
           very
           confident
           of
           his
           Majesties
           approbation
           to
           the
           integritie
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           peaceablenesse
           of
           our
           wayes
           ,
           and
           actions
           all
           this
           time
           past
           :
           And
           therefore
           ,
           We
           Protest
           ,
           that
           we
           still
           adhere
           to
           our
           former
           complaints
           ,
           Protestations
           ,
           lawfull
           meetings
           ,
           proceedings
           ,
           mutuall
           defences
           ,
           &c.
           
           All
           which
           as
           they
           have
           beene
           in
           themselves
           lawfull
           ,
           so
           were
           they
           to
           us
           ,
           pressed
           with
           so
           many
           grievances
           in
           his
           Majesties
           absence
           from
           this
           native
           Kingdome
           most
           necessarie
           ,
           and
           ought
           to
           be
           regarded
           as
           good
           offices
           ,
           and
           pertinent
           duties
           of
           faithfull
           Christians
           ,
           loyall
           Subjects
           ,
           and
           sensible
           members
           of
           this
           Kirk
           and
           Common-wealth
           ,
           As
           wee
           trust
           at
           all
           occasions
           
           to
           make
           manifest
           to
           all
           good
           men
           ,
           especially
           to
           his
           sacred
           Majestie
           for
           whose
           long
           and
           prosperous
           government
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           live
           a
           peacable
           and
           quiete
           life
           in
           all
           Godlinesse
           and
           Honestie
           ,
           We
           earnestly
           pray
           .
        
         
           WHereupon
           a
           Noble
           Earle
           ,
           
             Iames
          
           Earle
           of
           
             Montrose
             ,
          
           &c.
           in
           name
           of
           the
           
             Noble
             men
             ,
          
           Master
           
             Alexander
             Gibson
             ,
          
           younger
           ,
           of
           
             Durie
             ,
          
           in
           name
           of
           the
           
             Barons
             ;
             George
             Porterfield
          
           Merchant
           Burges
           of
           
             Glasgow
             ,
          
           in
           name
           of
           the
           
             Borrowes
             ,
          
           Master
           
             Harie
             Rollogue
          
           Minister
           ,
           at
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
          
           in
           name
           of
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           Master
           
             Archbald
             Iohnston
             ,
          
           reader
           heereof
           ,
           in
           name
           of
           all
           who
           adhere
           to
           the
           
             Confession
             of
             Faith
          
           and
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           lately
           renewed
           within
           this
           
             Kingdome
             ,
          
           tooke
           instruments
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           three
           
             Notars
          
           present
           ,
           at
           the
           said
           mercat
           crosse
           of
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
          
           being
           invironed
           with
           great
           numbers
           of
           the
           forsaid
           
             Noblemen
             ▪
             Barons
             ,
             Gentlemen
             ,
             Borrowes
             ,
             Ministers
          
           and
           
             Commons
             ,
          
           before
           many
           hundred
           witnesses
           ,
           and
           craved
           the
           extract
           thereof
           :
           And
           in
           token
           of
           their
           duetifull
           respect
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           confidence
           of
           the
           equitie
           of
           their
           cause
           ,
           and
           innocencie
           of
           their
           carriage
           and
           hope
           of
           his
           Majesties
           gratious
           acceptance
           ,
           they
           offred
           in
           all
           humilitie
           with
           submisse
           reverence
           a
           copie
           thereof
           to
           the
           
             Herauld
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .