ecurity of Religion,
were in due season represented, & yet not granted by them that had greater
power & authority at that time when it was much more easie to give
satisfaction therein then now; So that the blame cannot lye upon the
General Assembly or their Commissioners that Religion is not secured.

July 28. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 18.

_Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament & Committee of Estates
ordained to be subscribed the 10. and 12. of June, and against all new
Oathes or Bands in the common Cause imposed without consent of the
Church._

The Generall Assembly taking to consideration a Declaration and Act of
Parliament, of the date 10. of _June_, 1648. highly concerning Religion,
and the consciences of the People of God in the Land, and one Act of the
Committee of Estates, of the date 12. of _June_, 1648. both published in
Print, whereby all Subjects are Ordained by subscription to acknowledge as
just, and oblige themselves to adhere unto the said Act and Declaration,
containing an obligation upon their honours and credits, and as they
desire to be, and to be holden, as lovers of their Country, Religion, Laws
and Liberties, to joyn and concur with their Persons and Estates in the
assistance of the execution, and observation of the Acts and Constitutions
of this Parliament, as the most fit and necessary remedies of the by-gone
and present evils and distractions of this Kirk and Kingdom, and for the
preservation of Religion, Laws and Liberties and of his Majesties
authority, with certification that such as refuse or delay to subscribe
the same, shall be holden as Enemies and Opposites to the Common Cause,
consisting in the maintenance of the true reformed Religion, of the Laws
and Liberties of the Kingdom and of his Majesties authority. Which
subscription the Assembly cannot otherwise look upon, then as a snare for
the People of God to involve them in guiltinesse, and to draw them from
their former Principles and Vows in the solemn League and Covenant. For
that subscription were an approving of some Acts of Parliament, which they
have never yet seen nor known, they not being all published, were an
agreeing to Acts of Parliament, highly concerning Religion and the
Covenant, made not onely without, but expresly against the advise of the
Kirk, were an acknowledging of this present Engagement in War, in all the
means and ways for promoving the same, to be the most fit and necessary
remedies