se against the Malignant party, then nothing was
determined in Parliament in matters of Religion without, much lesse
against the advice of the Kirk; But beside that, it was not thought
expedient by the State, that that Band should be pressed through the
Kingdom. The case now not onely differs from what was then, But is in many
things just contrary, as is evident to all who will compare the two
together. And therefore the Generall Assembly professing in all tender
respect to the high and Honourable Court of Parliament and Committee of
Estates, but finding a straiter tye of God lying upon their Consciences,
that they be not found unfaithfull watchmen, and betrayers of the souls of
these committed to their charge, Do unanimously Declare the foresaid
subscription to be unlawfull and sinfull. And do warn, and In the Name of
the Lord Charge all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the subscribing
of the said Act and Declaration, much more the urging of the subscription
thereof, as they would not incur the wrath of God, and the Censures of the
Kirk. And considering how necessary it is that according to the desire of
the Commissioners of the Assembly to the Parliament, the Kirk might have
the same interest in any new Oathes in this Cause, as they had in the
solemn League and Covenant, and what dangers of contradictory Oathes,
perjuries and snares to mens consciences may fall out otherwise: Therefore
they likewise enjoyn all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the
swearing, subscribing or pressing of any new Oathes or Bands in this
Cause, without advice and concurrence of the Kirk, especially to in any
way limit or restrain them in the duties whereunto they are obliged, by
nationall or solemn League and Covenant, and that with certification as
aforesaid. And such as have already pressed or subscribed the foresaid Act
and Declaration, The Generall Assembly doth hereby exhort them most
earnestly in the bowels of Christ, to repent of that their defection. And
Ordains that Presbyteries, or in case of their negligence, or being
overawed the provinciall Synods or the Commission of the Assembly, which
of them shall first occur, and in case of the Synods negligence, that the
said Commission be carefull to proceed against, and censure the
contraveeners of the Act according to the quality and degree of their
offences as they will be answerable to the Generall Assembly; and that
therefore this Act be sent to Presbyteries to be republished in