in thir lands, our Lord's espoused bride and
Church. Therefore, although we be for government and governors such as
the Word of our God and our Covenant allows, yet we for ourselves and
all that will adhere to us as the representatives of the true
Presbyterian Kirk and Covenanted nation of Scotland, considering the
great hazard of lying under such a sin any longer, do by thir presents
disown Charles Stuart, that has been reigning (or rather tyrannizing as
we may say) on the throne of Britain these years bygone, as having any
right, title to, or interest in, the said Crown of Scotland for
government, as forfeited several years since, by his perjury and breach
of covenant both to God and His Kirk, and usurpation of His crown and
royal prerogatives therein, and many other breaches in matters
ecclesiastic, and by his tyranny and breach of the very _leges regnandi_
in matters civil. For which reason we declare, that several years since
he should have been denuded of being king, ruler, or magistrate, or of
having any power to act, or to be obeyed as such. As also, we, being
under the standard of our Lord Jesus Christ, Captain of Salvation, do
declare a war with such a tyrant and usurper, and all the men of his
practices, as enemies to our Lord Jesus Christ and His cause and
covenants; and against all such as have strengthened him, sided with, or
any wise acknowledged him in his tyranny, civil or ecclesiastic, yea,
against all such as shall strengthen, side with, or any wise acknowledge
any other in the like usurpation and tyranny, far more against such as
would betray or deliver up our free reformed mother-kirk unto the
bondage of antichrist, the Pope of Rome. And by this we homologate that
testimony given at Rutherglen, the 29th of May, 1679, and all the
faithful testimonies of these who have gone before, as also of these who
have suffered of late. And we do disclaim that Declaration published at
Hamilton, June, 1679, chiefly because it takes in the king's interest,
which we are several years since loosed from, because of the foresaid
reasons, and others, which may after this (if the Lord will) be
published. As also we disown, and by this resent the reception of the
Duke of York, that professed papist, as repugnant to our principles and
vows to the Most High God, and as that which is the great, though not
alone, just reproach of our Kirk and nation. We also by this protest
against his succeeding to the crown; and whatever has